Chapter 147

Mary couldn’t bring herself to let go of that million dollars. She chose the money. But less than two weeks after she left with her daughter, she came back, tears streaming down her face, begging to stay.
She claimed that taking the money meant she’d never again call herself the Lancaster family’s savior; she just couldn’t bear to leave Lady behind.
Lady’s heart softened, and she agreed.
But Mary, who had so solemnly promised not to play the benefactor, wasted no time using her supposed sacrifice to become Harrison’s housekeeper.
Maybe Lady’s endless patience—and Harrison’s indifference-gave her the wrong idea, made her think the Lancasters still owed her. And so, as soon as she’d asked once, it got easier and easier. Soon, Mary was making requests as if it were her right, never a favor.
Now, she was at it again: comparing Alice to Anastasia, insisting that whatever Anastasia had, Alice deserved too. Otherwise, it just wasn’t fair. She acted as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
Harrison’s words finally seemed to snap her back to reality. Her face paled in panic. “Mr. Lancaster
Harrison’s expression didn’t change. “Ana’s going to be late. Drive.”
The driver quickly started the engine.
“Mr. Lancaster-” Mary tried again, but the car was already pulling away.
“Mom!” Alice’s eyes filled with tears as she watched the car disappear down the drive, her small hands gripping the suitcase handle so tightly her knuckles turned white. The house staff stared after her, their eyes full of barely concealed ridicule, and humiliation burned in her cheeks. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on.net
She glared after the car, her eyes reddening with anger.
Anastasia!
If it weren’t for that woman, she would be the one sitting at Mr. Lancaster’s side right now.
Inside the car, Anastasia didn’t need to turn around to know exactly how much Alice resented her-but she couldn’t care less.
She suddenly hugged Harrison’s arm, her eyes shining with admiration. “You’re amazing, darling!”
She’d braced herself for a fight, but Harrison had handled everything with a single, effortless sentence.
He just ruffled her hair, his tone gentle but firm. “Sit tight.”
Two hours later, they arrived at Kingsbridge University.
The car rolled up to Anastasia’s dorm, right in front of the building.
It was move-in day-families were allowed inside student housing—but Harrison made no move to get out. Instead, he simply told Logan to bring two bodyguards and carry her luggage upstairs.
Anastasia looked at him wide-eyed. “You don’t want to see my dorm?”
Harrison’s face was unreadable.
Of course he wanted to, but even though she’d sworn up and down she didn’t care if anyone found out about their relationship, he still hesitated.
He didn’t want people gossiping about her.
He patted her head, his voice mild. “Go on. I’ve got some things to take care of.”
“Oh.” Anastasia’s disappointment was obvious, but she noticed the growing number of people watching their car, and forced herself to climb out alone.
The campus was crowded-cars lined up outside the dorms, luxury vehicles among them—but none drew as many stares as Harrison’s.
“That’s a global limited edition, I swear! My dad loves that car, but he said he could never afford it, and there’s no way to buy one anyway. He just stares at magazine photos
“Who’s inside? Do we really have someone that important at our school?”
As soon as Anastasia stepped out, the chatter died away in unison.