Chapter 136

“Honey, are you going to the Archer family’s party?” Anastasia asked.
“No.” Harrison didn’t even glance up as he answered.
The Archer family held considerable influence in Fairhaven, and old Mr. Archer was widely respected. No one would dare refuse an invitation to his birthday celebration.
Except Harrison.
His status was on another level-the Archers weren’t even qualified to truly invite him. Even Mr. Archer himself would have to humble himself in Harrison’s
presence.
So Anastasia wasn’t surprised by his answer.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
If her husband wasn’t going, that put her at ease. There were certain things she could do without worrying he’d be there to see…
Catching her fleeting expression, Harrison narrowed his eyes slightly.
Once Anastasia had walked away, he flicked his slender fingers and a formal invitation appeared between them.
Unlike the others, this one was handwritten. It promised that at the Archer family’s party, he would receive a “huge surprise” — something to do with his young wife.
With a careless flick, Harrison tossed the invitation aside. His voice was cold: “Tell the Archers I’ll attend. They’d better make sure this surprise of theirs lives up to my expectations.”
Logan nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Three days later.
The Archer family’s grand estate was alive with music and laughter.
The moment Anastasia stepped into the ballroom, all eyes turned to her.
Guests whispered, unable to hide their amazement. “Who is that girl? Which family is she from? Have you ever seen her before?” New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on.net
Across the room, in a shaded corner, Crystal Archer-the Archer family’s own golden girl-stood beside Penelope. Both watched Anastasia with matching flashes of jealousy in their eyes.
“Does she really have to dress like that? Who is she trying to impress?” Crystal muttered bitterly.
Anyone listening would have rolled their eyes. Anastasia’s previous looks could hardly be called “normal.” Today, her outfit was simple and understated, but with her natural beauty and poise, she drew attention no matter what she wore.
Penelope, standing beside Crystal, wasn’t about to argue.
Biting her lip, Penelope tugged Crystal’s sleeve. “Let’s move away, okay? If she sees me, she’ll get upset
Crystal snorted. “Why should you avoid her? Honestly, Penelope, you let her walk all over you. She’s treated you like dirt, and you never fight back!”
“Come on, I’ll stand up for you.”
Crystal and Penelope had always been close. Penelope often confided in her, recounting every bit of humiliation Anastasia put her through. Crystal had always pitied Penelope-after all, as the stepdaughter of the Sterling family, she seemed to be Anastasia’s favorite target.
Just moments ago, Penelope had shed a few more tears in front of her, and Crystal’s anger was simmering.
Anastasia had barely crossed the floor when someone blocked her path.
“Well, well, isn’t this Anastasia? Dressed to kill today—I almost didn’t recognize you!” sneered a voice thick with sarcasm.
Anastasia raised her gaze and wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Crystal in front of her, Penelope peeking out from behind, feigning innocence.
A slow smile curled Anastasia’s lips as she looked Crystal up and down, taking in her glitzy attire. Her tone was all sincerity and humility: “Oh, thanks for the
compliment! But honestly, I could never outshine you.”
Someone nearby couldn’t help but snort with laughter.
“You-!” Crystal glanced down at her own outfit, her face turning crimson with anger. “Anastasia! Are you calling me cheap?”
“How am I insulting you?” Anastasia tilted her head, feigning confusion. “It’s your logic, isn’t it? If what I’m wearing counts as ‘dressed to kill,’ then what about you?”
Crystal was nearly shaking with rage, but forced herself to stay calm. Spotting that Anastasia had arrived alone, she gave a cold, triumphant smile. “I hear you married into Rosewood Manor? Didn’t they say Mr. Harrison Lancaster dotes on you? So why did you come here by yourself tonight?”