I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away
Chapter 365: Journey to Discover Her Origins

Meredith always harbored doubts about her origins. She was determined not to be led by the nose all her life, so she decided to find out for herself. Selene Cove was responsible for Meredith's safety and followed her everywhere, always remaining discreetly silent.

An hour later, they arrived at the orphanage. The rain had stopped, but the playground was still wet, preventing the children from playing outside. Instead, they were inside, reading books and playing with blocks. The orphanage had teachers who took care of the children's education, but only until they were old enough to attend elementary school.

Meredith had grown up here. Her memories of the orphanage were of a much older, smaller place, but over the years it had been renovated and expanded, with improved facilities. Mr. Oakley was busy receiving donations from local businessmen when Meredith decided to walk around on her own. The place was filled with memories; the current dining hall had once been a dormitory.

While Meredith watched a class from outside a classroom, a little boy suddenly bumped into her. She stepped back just in time as Selene Cove caught the child, preventing him from hitting Meredith's belly. A few more children ran up, playing a game. The boy, polite and only about three years old, apologized, "Sorry." He was chubby and adorable, which brought a rare smile to Meredith's face. "It's okay, just be careful not to fall. Go play over there in the open space," she advised. Suddenly, the boy reached out and touched Meredith's belly, "There's a little sister in here." Intrigued, Meredith asked, "How do you know it's a little sister?" It was said that children had a knack for identifying gender. The boy nodded confidently, "I just know it's a little sister." Meredith, touched by his certainty, replied, "I hope you're right, and it really is a sister." She knew if it was a girl, her husband Terrence Sterling would spoil her tremendously. "It's a beautiful sister," the boy said, waving at Meredith's belly, "Hello there, little sister, I'm Briggs."

A teacher from the orphanage approached. "Briggs, come with me, you're going to have a mommy and daddy now." Meredith was familiar with those words; it meant Briggs was being adopted. Given how adorable he was, it was no surprise that he had found a family. "Goodbye," Briggs waved politely to Meredith.

After Mr. Oakley finished his business, he rushed over upon learning of Meredith's visit. "Meredith, long time no see, you're still so beautiful," he greeted her, noting her prominent belly, "Looks like it's a boy." He didn't actually know but made the comment as a formality; affluent families often preferred sons.

Meredith responded with a polite smile, "Mr. Oakley, how have you been lately?" "Very well, look at me, glowing with health," he replied, his mood uplifted by the recent donations.

"Come into the office and sit down, don't stand," Mr. Oakley urged respectfully, almost obsequiously. As they entered his office, Selene Cove remained vigilant nearby. Mr. Oakley offered Meredith water and fruit, "What brings you back this time?" He assumed someone of her status wouldn't return without a purpose, possibly to contribute to the orphanage.

Indeed, Meredith produced a check for $500, 000, "Mr. Oakley, I grew up here and I want to do something for the children. This money is for clothes and school supplies." "I knew you were a grateful child," Mr. Oakley beamed.

Meredith smiled gently, "Mr. Oakley, there's something I need to ask. About my biological parents, do you have any clues? Or has anyone come looking for me? Do you remember any details about when I was found, or under what circumstances?"