Chapter 26

With a look that obvious, there was no way Harrison could have missed it.
A trace of helplessness flickered across his face. He’d never been the type to worry about other people’s feelings, but the thought that if he agreed with Alice, she might lose her cheerful spark and slip back into sulking gave him pause.
He spoke at last, his tone calm but final. “Pick something else.”
Anastasia let out a silent sigh of relief, the corners of her lips curving up slightly.
Alice, unwilling to give in, opened her mouth to argue, but the moment she met Harrison’s gaze, her breath caught in her throat.
I haven’t decided yet,” she muttered, biting her lip and dropping her head, her voice trailing off as she lost her nerve.
Harrison replied, “Then come back when you have.”
In that case, Mr. Lancaster, I’ll get back to work.” Alice spun around, eager to escape.
But Harrison called out, “Hold on.”
Alice froze, a wave of unease washing over her.
Just then, Mary hurried over, trying to smooth things over for her daughter. “Mr. Lancaster, I’m afraid I’ve spoiled Alice. She can be a little thoughtless at times. I hope you won’t hold it against her.”
Harrison looked up, his expression unreadable, his tone measured. “Mary, you’re her mother. If you know she’s being thoughtless, then teach her better. I don’t want to see her speaking to Mrs. Lancaster like that again, nor do I want a repeat of what happened today.”
Mary’s face paled a shade. The warning was clear.
In the past, whenever she spoke up, Mr. Lancaster would usually show her some courtesy, but today—right in front of the staff—he didn’t bother saving her pride. He was angry.
She ducked her head quickly. “Yes, Mr. Lancaster. I’ll make sure Alice understands.”
Harrison nodded. “Get back to work.”
Mary hurriedly took Alice by the hand and led her away.
Harrison’s gaze fell to the bouquet sitting on a side table. He reached out his hand.
Logan got the message and stepped forward to pass it to him.
The bouquet was stunning-crimson petals, lush and romantic, just like roses.
Before Anastasia could react, the bouquet was suddenly in front of her.
She stared down at it, a little dazed.
When she didn’t take it, Harrison looked at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. “You don’t like it?”
Anastasia’s heart gave a sudden flutter. “I love it!” she blurted, wrapping her arms around the flowers, fingers lightly tracing the delicate petals. The more she looked, the more she adored them.
Harrison gazed at her, thinking she was even lovelier than the bouquet itself. “Are you happy now?” he asked softly. Follow current novels on.net
“What?” Anastasia blinked up at him, not quite understanding.
Logan spoke up from the side, “Mr. Lancaster noticed you weren’t in the best spirits this morning, so he had these flowers prepared for you.”
Anastasia stared in surprise. She hadn’t expected that this simple gift carried so much thoughtfulness.
A bittersweet ache welled up inside. Without realizing it, her mind drifted back to her past life. How many times had he quietly done things for her, things she never even noticed?
When she didn’t answer right away, Harrison’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. “If-”
Before he could finish, a sweet fragrance filled his arms as the girl threw herself against him, hugging him tightly.
“I’m really happy! Thank you, darling!”
Whatever Harrison was about to say died in his throat. He froze for a split second, but didn’t push her away.
Instead, Anastasia, suddenly shy, pulled back quickly, cheeks flushed. “I’ll go put these in some water!”
She dashed upstairs, her footsteps echoing up the stairs as she made her escape.
Down the hall, Alice had just finished talking to Mary and was heading back to her room. She caught a glimpse of Anastasia hurrying past, clutching that bouquet, and her teeth clenched in jealousy.
Her phone buzzed—a message in the group chat.
[Grace: @AAAlice, when are those flowers arriving? I can’t wait! *rubs hands together*]