Chapter 346

“The West family clearly doesn’t know how to raise their daughter. I’ll have someone arrange a nice, long talk with the head of the West family,” Harrison’s voice cut through the air, cold as steel. The chill in his words was enough to freeze the blood in Shirley’s veins.
Then, he turned to Anastasia. The sharpness in his eyes softened in an instant as he asked gently, “Ready to go home?”
Anastasia’s eyes curved in a smile as she slipped her arm through his. “I’m ready.”
She’d accomplished everything she wanted tonight-there was nothing left to keep her here.
Well… except-
Catching sight of certain faces in the crowd, especially Helen’s look of disbelief, Anastasia couldn’t help but let out a tiny huff. Suddenly, she clung to Harrison’s arm and pouted playfully, “Honey, my feet hurt. I can’t walk
Harrison glanced down at her shoes.
She’d chosen high heels to match her dress tonight-a recipe for sore heels. Still, she’d barely taken a handful of steps from the car to the hall. Claiming her feet already ached was a bit of a stretch.
But seeing her look up at him with those hopeful, sparkling eyes, Harrison’s expression melted into a fond, indulgent smile. He didn’t call her bluff. Instead, he scooped her up in his arms.
“Happy now?” he asked, his voice low and resigned, but tinged with warmth.
Anastasia’s laughter was bright and sweet. “Very!”
She looped her arms around his neck and nestled against his broad shoulder, glancing back over his arm. When she caught sight of Helen and the others, their faces a mixture of shock and envy, Anastasia swung her legs lazily in the air and flashed a satisfied grin.
No one dared utter a word as the tall, handsome man carried Anastasia away with such obvious tenderness. The grand ballroom was silent, every eye following them until they finally disappeared from view.
Only then did the crowd finally let out the breath they’d all been holding.
“Anastasia actually married Mr. Harrison Lancaster someone muttered, still in disbelief.
“And he spoils her like she’s made of glass!” another whispered, torn between envy and admiration.
Emotions swirled through the room-envy, jealousy, awe. But for Shirley, only terror and despair remained.
She had crossed Mr. Harrison Lancaster. The West family was doomed.
Suddenly, as panic gripped her, Shirley spun around and slapped Helen hard across the face. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ.net
“You told me Anastasia was just some kept woman!” she screamed, her chest heaving with fury.
The blow snapped Helen out of her daze. Clutching her stinging cheek, she felt nothing but dread.
How could she have imagined the truth was like this?
Of course, Shirley bore just as much blame. That video from the university celebration had been making the rounds for days-if Shirley had bothered to watch it for even a second, she would have recognized Harrison Lancaster instantly!
But she hadn’t. She’d agreed to this whole scheme without a second thought. Helen opened her mouth to protest, but the words died in her throat. If she said anything now, Shirley might just kick her to the curb.
Yet she couldn’t stand to face Shirley’s wrath alone. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she spotted Penelope trying to slip away at the edge of the crowd.
“Penelope! Anastasia’s your sister-don’t tell me you didn’t know she was married to Mr. Harrison Lancaster?”
Penelope, who had been hoping to sneak out unnoticed, froze in her tracks, her heart plummeting.
She looked up and met Shirley’s livid stare.
With Helen’s reminder, Shirley’s memory snapped back. She’d gone after
Anastasia in the first place because Penelope had egged her on.
If Anastasia hadn’t had any powerful connections, it wouldn’t have mattered. But
Harrison Lancaster himself stood behind her!
And Penelope hadn’t breathed a word.