Chapter 340

She was a little puzzled. Why hadn’t they arrived together?
“No idea.” Anastasia took a delicate sip of champagne, her expression calm as ever. “He didn’t say yes.”
“What?!” Juliet’s face changed in an instant, shock written all over her.
Maggie and Sandra, sitting nearby, turned to stare at Anastasia, equally wide- eyed. Thıs text ıs hosted at.net
He turned down her invitation? If Harrison didn’t show up tonight, Anastasia was done for!
“It’s fine. There are still ten minutes left. Let’s wait a bit.” Anastasia remained unruffled, her voice steady.
That day, she’d tried everything in front of Harrison-sweet-talking, playing the victim-but nothing could get him to promise he’d come. Even when she left the house earlier, Harrison hadn’t given any sign he’d show up; he’d simply gone out on his own business, as if it was just another day.
Still, alone or not, Anastasia came anyway.
She was betting on him. She couldn’t believe Harrison would really just stand by and watch her get humiliated without lifting a finger.
Humming softly to herself, Anastasia rested her chin in her hand, one shapely leg swinging idly as she kept her eyes fixed on the entrance.
She wondered, when would her dear hubby decide to make his appearance?
Unlike Anastasia’s serene composure, Juliet and the others were nearly beside themselves with worry, silently praying that Harrison would change his mind and walk through those doors.
Not far away, Shirley watched the anxious group clustered around Anastasia and let out a cold, mocking laugh before turning her gaze away.
She’d lost count of how many times she’d looked toward the entrance herself. Truth was, she hadn’t spent weeks putting this party together just to get back at Anastasia—she had much bigger plans tonight.
Unconsciously, she smoothed the folds of her glamorous gown, the gesture betraying a rare flicker of anticipation and nerves.
Someone nearby noticed. “Shirley, are you expecting some special guest tonight?”
The words were barely out before the woman realized how ridiculous they sounded; Shirley was from the West family of Riverton, after all. In this whole city of Fairhaven, who could possibly qualify as a “special guest” in front of her?
She was about to apologize for her slip, but before she could, Shirley flashed a smug smile and lifted her chin. “That’s right. There’s a very special guest coming tonight.”
Instantly, everyone around her turned with interest.
-A special guest? Who could it be?
“Mr. Harrison Lancaster. Have you heard of him?” Shirley let the name drop casually.
All eyes widened at once.
Mr. Harrison Lancaster? Who hadn’t heard of him?
“Shirley, you mean Mr. Lancaster is actually coming to your party?” The heiresses were visibly excited.
“That’s right,” Shirley replied, chin held high with pride.
“But… but isn’t Mr. Lancaster known for avoiding social events? He’s been in Fairhaven for ages, and people have sent him countless invitations-he’s never responded to a single one!”
If all those invitations had failed, what made Shirley’s little gathering so special?
Even with the prestige of the West family, surely that wasn’t enough to bring someone of his stature.
After all, even Mr. West himself had to defer to Harrison Lancaster-what could possibly convince him to come tonight?
Shirley’s smile widened, triumphant. “Because he’s my Uncle Harrison, of course.”
This time, she’d sent the invitation herself to Rosewood Manor-as Aaron’s fiancée, no less.
Mr. Harrison Lancaster cared deeply for his nephew Aaron. Aaron had even told her that Harrison once said he’d groom him as his heir. Naturally, that meant Harrison would look out for Aaron’s beloved as well.
So tonight, Shirley was certain: Mr. Harrison Lancaster would come—for her.