**Chapter 4** Norah clenched her jaw, a simmering resentment for Nicole bubbling just beneath the surface. Each moment spent in the same space as Nicole only intensified the ire that bubbled within her. Sean had all but dashed back to his office the minute he could, his mind consumed with work and leaving behind a flurry of familial duties. It was a flurry that Gloria was more than willing to embrace as she ushered Nicole into a room bathed in soft hues of rose pink on the second floor. Nicole’s lips twitched in surprise at the overwhelming girlishness that enveloped her—a stark contrast to the subdued tones she preferred. “We weren’t sure what your taste was,” Gloria began, her voice laced with warmth, “but since you are also a girl, we consulted Norah. She helped us choose some things for you.” Daniel cleared his throat, sensing the weight of the moment, and subtly motioned for Gloria to temper her enthusiasm. Gloria snapped back to the present, her eyes sparkling with hope. “So, what do you think? Do you like it?” Nicole never considered herself fussy about decor, although she couldn’t deny the décor felt slightly excessive for her taste. Still, she appreciated the kindness behind it. “Thank you,” she replied, a genuine softness in her voice. The relief that washed over Gloria was palpable. “On the table are gifts from your brothers too. They’ve all gone off to work and school today, usually busy, so they left these for you in advance.” The thought that her brothers had thought of her touched Nicole more than words could express, wrapping her in a blanket of warmth and familiarity. Concerned that Nicole might be overwhelmed by the myriad of gadgets and furnishings, Gloria took a moment to explain everything inside the room. Once she felt Nicole was settled, she sat next to her, affectionately holding her hand. “This is your home now, so please feel free to ask for anything you need. Just let me know, alright?” The closeness of their mother-daughter dynamic stirred something within Nicole—a mix of comfort and awkwardness that made her nod shyly. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad.” Though Daniel had been quiet, a smile blossomed on his face when Nicole referred to him as “Dad,” a genuine warmth shining through. After sharing some light conversation, they excused themselves, allowing Nicole a moment to unwind. Lying in the bathtub a short time later, Nicole felt a profound sense of relaxation wash over her. She had always dreamed of having a bathtub back at her grandmother’s home, but the fear that her grandmother might suspect her funds came from dubious sources had held her back. Now, far away from those concerns, she relished the simple luxury without a shred of guilt. With dinner still some time away, Nicole decided to stretch her legs and explore the house and its surroundings to familiarize herself with her new environment. But just as she stepped out, a maid appeared, beckoning her to the living room. As she descended the staircase, an elderly man came into view, seated comfortably on the sofa. “Nicole, this is your grandpa,” Daniel called, waving her over. Though raised in a small town, Nicole had encountered her fair share of societal giants, but Mr. Riddle Sr. commanded an undeniable aura. His silver hair, though thin, framed a face that spoke of authority and wisdom, and at over seventy, he still possessed a vigor that was remarkable. Lowering her gaze with respect, Nicole offered a polite greeting. “Hello, Grandpa.” “Hmm,” he mused, his penetrating gaze sweeping over her as if assessing her very soul. “You bear a striking resemblance to Sean and the rest of your brothers. I requested a DNA test earlier, but I see you didn’t heed my words.” His statement was made without any hesitation, the sharpness of it cutting the air between them—though the unspoken name of Norah lingered like a ghost. His next words caught Nicole off guard. “Now that the real one is back, when do you plan to get rid of the fake one?” A jolt of surprise rattled Nicole. It was clear that Mr. Riddle Sr. harbored no affection for Norah. “Dad, what you’re saying could be hurtful to Norah,” Gloria interjected, concern etched across her features. Ignoring her plea, Mr. Riddle Sr. continued, “Had it not been for her, my granddaughter would have suffered years of living in obscurity. We've cared for her without expecting anything in return—how could that be hurtful?” Nicole felt a burst of respect for the man before her; he knew what he stood for, and his principles resonated deeply within her. Daniel, keenly aware of the tension that hung heavy in the air, suggested gently, “Norah, perhaps you should return to your room.” With reluctance written all over her, Norah nodded and retreated, wishing to avoid further humiliation. “Dad, Sean is in the midst of searching for Norah’s biological parents," Daniel assured, seeking to ease his father’s concerns. “Once we locate them, she’ll go back to them.” Mr. Riddle Sr.’s brow furrowed, skepticism punctuating his expression. “Even if you can’t find her parents, you’re still planning to keep her here?” Caught in a moral quandary, Gloria faltered. “Dad, I understand your intentions, but Norah has been part of our lives for years. I don’t want to see her left without a home.” Nicole watched Gloria intently, moved by the genuine compassion radiating from her. After a moment’s contemplation, Mr. Riddle Sr. relented slightly, his voice still resolute. “Three months—three months at the most. After that, she must go. I will not have our family mocked for raising someone else’s child.” Daniel nodded, understanding the gravity of his father’s words. “Don’t worry, Dad; I’ll find her parents as quickly as possible.” Satisfied with that, Mr. Riddle Sr. offered a curt nod. Meanwhile, hidden away in the shadowy corner of an upstairs hall, Norah seethed with fury, her eyes narrowing as she glared down at Nicole. With Mr. Riddle Sr.'s clear favoritism for Nicole, her existence felt reduced to a punchline, a mere jest in the family joke that now unfolded before her. But Norah was determined. She would show Mr. Riddle Sr. and the rest of the Riddle family that she was far superior to the newcomer from the countryside. Returning her gaze to Nicole, Mr. Riddle Sr. couldn’t help but find joy in his granddaughter’s presence the longer he looked at her. She was flesh and blood, his own lineage. At last, he could join his peers in conversations boasting about the accomplishments of his beloved granddaughter. “I hear you attended high school at Great Oak. How did you fare academically?” he inquired, interest piquing. “Dad, the education available in smaller towns doesn’t compare to our standards here,” Gloria quickly interjected, concerned that the question might overwhelm Nicole. “Let’s not put too much pressure on her.”