Chapter 224

“Sweetheart, you’re amazing,” Anastasia murmured, her nose tingling with emotion.
Harrison gently rubbed her ear, his touch soft and reassuring.
Ten minutes later, they left the expo together. They didn’t take the dress with them too precious and delicate to risk carrying home. It would be delivered straight to Rosewood Manor by a professional courier.
Outside, the crowd was thick. Not wanting to attract attention, Harrison carefully handed her a mask. Anastasia pouted, grumbling under her breath, “So what if people see us?”
She honestly didn’t care.
Harrison’s eyes darkened. “Just trust me, okay?”
Anastasia knew better than to protest. She obediently slipped on the mask and let him lead her out, fingers entwined in his.
Father Benedict escorted them to the exit with respectful formality. Many people at the expo were there for Father Benedict, so their quiet departure didn’t go wholly unnoticed.
“Isn’t that Father Benedict over there?”
“Who’s with him? Why does he look so deferential?”
“No idea, I couldn’t get a clear look
Maggie couldn’t help but stare after them for a long moment.
“Maggie, what’s up?”
“It’s nothing,” she replied, pulling her gaze away with hesitation. “Maybe I’m just seeing things.” Fresh chapters posted on
For a split second, she thought that figure looked an awful lot like Anastasia.
But how could that be? That man whoever he was-must be someone truly important, judging by how Father Benedict acted around him. As for Anastasia, well, nobody at school really knew who her boyfriend was, but rumor had it he was just an ordinary guy…
Meanwhile, across the exhibit hall, someone else had noticed Anastasia too.
Mr. Pierce, from Kingsbridge University.
He’d come to the expo with President Lionel West, their main purpose to meet Father Benedict.
Now, they’d finally had their introduction.
President West, visibly excited, asked, “Wasn’t that… Mr. Harrison Lancaster just now?”
“Indeed,” Father Benedict replied with a smile. “That was Mr. Harrison Lancaster himself.”
Mr. Harrison Lancaster?
Vice President Pierce’s heart skipped a beat, excitement bubbling up.
If he wasn’t mistaken, the young woman beside Mr. Harrison Lancaster…
He quickly pulled President West aside. “Sir, didn’t we hear rumors that Mr. Harrison Lancaster dotes on a certain young woman?”
“There was such talk, yes. Why bring it up now?” President West looked puzzled.
Mr. Pierce could barely contain himself. “The girl with him just now-she’s one of our students!”
President West’s eyes widened. “From Kingsbridge? Are you sure?”
“I didn’t see her face clearly-she was wearing a mask-but I spotted our school crest pinned to her jacket!”
He lowered his voice eagerly, “Sir, you’ve been trying to get Mr. Harrison Lancaster to our anniversary celebration, but never found a way in. If we start with this girl
Realization dawned on President West. He grew excited too. “Handle it! Find out which department she’s from—immediately!”
If they could get Mr. Harrison Lancaster to attend Kingsbridge’s anniversary, it would be a coup for the university.
Back in the car, Anastasia was unaware of any of this. She took out her silenced phone and noticed that Marcus had called more than a dozen times.
Now he’s anxious? She scoffed. Wasn’t he calling her a liar just a while ago? Hmph.
The car pulled up at Rosewood Manor. As she climbed out, Harrison’s phone rang. He gave her hair a gentle ruffle. “Go on inside. I’ll be right there.” Anastasia nodded and dashed in ahead-perfect, she could find Marcus first. The moment she stepped inside, Marcus came careening toward her in his wheelchair, face alight with excitement as if seeing his savior.
“Anastasia! You were right, it actually-”
“Shh!” Anastasia cut him off quickly, glancing nervously over her shoulder.