Chapter 452

Very few people truly believed in Anastasia’s abilities. Most could only marvel at Mr. Harrison Lancaster-
“He spoils her so much! Letting Anastasia-of all people-treat his illness? Is Mr. Harrison Lancaster trying to get himself killed?”
“What’s going on? Why am I actually rooting for them now? If this isn’t love, I don’t know what is!”
With all the commotion, it wasn’t long before the Brennans heard about it, too.
As soon as Lauren walked in, she ran straight into Murray.
She stopped immediately. “Uncle Murray.”
Murray had just finished reading the news online. He always looked calm and refined, never revealing any hint of emotion. Now, his eyes lingered on Lauren, scrutinizing. Suddenly, he spoke-
“Lauren, do you remember what I told you back when you were named the heir?” Lauren’s heart skipped a beat.
“I told you, from that day forward, you’d be Cecilia’s successor. But that doesn’t mean you could ever truly replace Anastasia. No matter how exceptional you become, remember this-Anastasia will always be your mother’s biological daughter.”
“And you promised me then that you’d always be mindful of who you are, that everything you have was passed to you from Anastasia. You said you’d never provoke or target her.”
Murray slowly wiped his hands and carefully folded his crisp white handkerchief, setting it aside.
“So now, when you go to see Mr. Harrison Lancaster and make those vague insinuations about Anastasia cheating in front of the press-what exactly are you trying to do, hmm?”
He lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp behind his glasses.
Lauren felt sweat prickling in her palms, but forced herself to remain calm. “Uncle Murray, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for my actions to give you the wrong impression
“I only went to see Mr. Harrison Lancaster because I heard he was gravely ill. I just wanted to save another life, not because of his relationship with Anastasia.”
“And as for what I said to the reporters… you know me. I can’t stand dishonesty. I just lost my temper for a moment. I’m sorry.”
She sounded as sincere as she could, owning up to her mistake.
Murray’s gaze lingered for a few seconds, then he got up and patted her shoulder, his voice gentle. “Alright believe you, Lauren. But don’t let something like this happen again. It’s too easy for people to misunderstand.”
He paused, then added, “I know Anastasia’s sudden reappearance in the Brennan family has made you uneasy But there’s no need to worry You’re far more
accomplished than Anastasia, en
no matter what happens, you are your mother’s heir. She can’t shake your position.” Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs
Lauren nodded, visibly moved.
But as soon as Murray walked away, her expression darkened and she bit her lip hard.
Anastasia was weaker than her-that’s why she was the heir.
But what if Anastasia… proved herself stronger?
Lauren knew deep down the real reason she’d been chosen: Anastasia was
simply too much of a disappointment.
No, she couldn’t give Anastasia another chance to prove herself.
A storm brewed in Lauren’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Murray climbed the stairs, unable to resist glancing once more at the news on his phone.
He must have read the headline about Anastasia treating Harrison’s illness at least a dozen times.
Mr. Harrison Lancaster wasn’t a fool, nor was he the type to risk his life just to please a woman. So why would he do this?
Unbidden, Murray remembered that
afternoon at Rosewood Manor’s gates, when the young woman had looked him straight in the eye, brimming with confidence, and told him she a prove herself to him.
In that moment, she’d looked just a little like his sister, Cecilia. Murray found himself lost in thought.