Chapter 15

She knew Alice hated anyone mentioning her background. Out in public, Alice never admitted she was just a maid’s daughter; she always let people assume she was a legitimate daughter of the Lancaster family. That’s exactly why she’d said it—sure enough, Alice’s face turned an ugly shade.
Ignoring Alice’s reaction, Anastasia swept a cool gaze over the two maids and ordered, “Before Mr. Lancaster returns, put my room back the way it was. This is the only chance I’m giving you. Don’t waste it.”
With that, she turned and walked out.
For a moment, everyone in the room was stunned by the force of her presence; a heavy silence lingered for several seconds.
The two maids exchanged anxious glances, then looked to Alice for direction. “Alice, what should we do now?”
Alice tried to keep her anger in check. “What do you mean, what should we do? Are you seriously thinking of listening to her? Get my things in here. Now.”
“But what if she complains to Mr. Lancaster
“Let her,” Alice sneered, tilting her chin up in that familiar, haughty way. “Who do you think Mr. Lancaster is going to side with-her, or me?”
Both maids immediately remembered-Alice had pulled stunts like this with the other ladies of the house, but Mr. Lancaster never bothered to get involved. Nothing had ever happened to Alice.
They relaxed at once.
After all, in Rosewood Manor, currying favor with the lady of the house didn’t get you far, but staying on Alice’s good side was a whole different story…
Downstairs.
Anastasia kept an ear out for the commotion upstairs and noticed the ruckus in the guest room was still ongoing.
She curled her lips into a cold, knowing smile, but didn’t bother intervening. Two hours later, Harrison returned.
The moment she heard the front door open, Anastasia’s eyes lit up. She hurried out to meet him, steps light and eager.
Harrison was wheeled in, Logan and several other staff members following behind.
“You’re back!” she called, her face bright with a genuine smile as she ran up to him.
For a fleeting moment, something gentle and unguarded flashed in Harrison’s usually cold, steely eyes.
He grunted in acknowledgment, then spotted her suitcase—the one she’d brought from the Sterling family-still sitting by the couch. He frowned. “You just got back?” Check latest chapters at.net
Anastasia shook her head, pouting playfully. “I’ve been waiting for you for over two hours!”
The words were sweet enough to make anyone’s heart melt, but Harrison’s expression darkened as his gaze flicked to the suitcase again. “You’ve been back this long, and your things are still downstairs? The staff wouldn’t listen to you?”
His tone was sharp, a hint of menace underlying it. The nearest maid blanched, clearly panicking. “Ma’am
She shot a pleading look at Anastasia, desperate for her to explain.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to bring the luggage up-it was just that Alice had
taken over the guest room, and she honestly had no idea where to put it.
Anastasia glanced at the maid, recognizing her as one of the quiet, well-behaved ones who never sided with Alice’s crowd. “It’s not her fault-”
She didn’t even get the words out before Alice descended the stairs.
Surprisingly, Alice was dragging a suitcase of her own, looking for all the world like she was about to leave.
The moment she saw Harrison, Alice’s face lit up and she hurried over. “Mr. Lancaster!”
But as soon as she caught sight of Anastasia standing beside him, her smile faltered and her eyes shone with unshed tears.
Anastasia narrowed her eyes, wary-what game was Alice playing now?
“Alice, you’re back?” Logan, who was on familiar terms with her, asked casually. “Where are you off to?”
“I Alice’s voice trembled with wounded pride as she shot a quick, accusing glance at Anastasia. “Someone here doesn’t want me around, Mr. Lancaster. I think it’s better if I just move out.”