Chapter 617

Anastasia waited for his answer, but when none came, she looked up to find him staring at her with an intense, thoughtful expression.
“Hubby-” she whined, wiggling in his arms to show her displeasure.
Harrison snapped back to the present. “It wasn’t that you didn’t look good,” he said. “You looked exquisite.”
“Really?” she said, unconvinced. “Then why didn’t you say more?”
Before she could finish her sentence, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, silencing her. She looked up, startled, and was lost in the vast, loving depths of his eyes.
“Because I was mesmerized,” he murmured, his voice low and full of infinite affection. “I forgot how to speak.”
Staring at his handsome face, Anastasia felt her cheeks flush. All her earlier grievances melted away. “Oh… oh.”
A hint of a smile played on Harrison’s lips. “Go on. It’s almost time.”
Anastasia took his hand, about to say something, but he spoke first. “Tonight, you and the Brennans are the main event. If I go down with you, I’ll steal the spotlight. But I’ll be watching my Ana the entire time.”
Once again, she was completely won over. A small smile touched her lips. “Okay.”
Just then, Juliet burst into the room. “Anastasia, the banquet is about to start! Grandpa sent me to get you.”
“Okay, I’m coming.”
***
Fifteen minutes later, amid the expectant hush of the crowd, Anastasia descended the grand staircase on Mr. Brennan’s arm.
“Is that Cecilia’s daughter?” someone gasped. “I thought Lauren was a beauty, but the real heiress is on another level entirely!”
It wasn’t just her face. After spending so much time with Harrison, Anastasia had cultivated an aura of grace and confidence that was truly captivating. A pretty face was one thing, but combined with her powerful presence, her beauty was breathtaking
“It’s not just her looks. Ms. Sterling’s medical talents are said to be even greater than Lauren’s! In fact, some
_say Lauren’s skills are at noe
comparison. You know that new AIDS treatment that was just announced? She developed it!”
“My god! At her age? No wonder Mr. Brennan values her so highly
In an instant, Anastasia became the center of the universe.
She carried herself with poise and grace, showing no sign of nerves. At one point, she instinctively glanced up toward the second-floor landing and saw Harrison watching her radiant, dazzling smile bloomed on her face.

Someone noticed her gaze and followed it. “Is that
“It’s Mr. Harrison Lancaster!” another guest exclaimed, recognizing him. “What is he doing here?”
“His wife is the woman who just made her entrance, Ms. Sterling! Didn’t you know? They say he’s extremely protective of his Ana. It’s no surprise he’d be here tonight.”
“I can’t believe I’m at the same event as Mr. Harrison Lancaster,” someone
gushed. “I wonder if I could get his contact information later ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
This small development only added to the buzz of excitement in the room.
By now, Mr. Brennan had taken the stage. After a few opening remarks, he was about to announce the change of heir.
Every eye in the room was fixed on him.