Chapter 239

Technically, Mr. Jason shouldn’t even be among the guests for their university’s anniversary celebration. But since he’s a major donor-one of Kingsbridge University’s biggest, in fact-they couldn’t afford to offend him. Reluctantly, they granted him a spot.
The problem was, Mr. Jason was a notorious lech. And now, he’d set his sights on one of their own students.
Normally, Mr. Pierce wouldn’t bother with this sort of thing. But Anastasia had the worst luck—of all people, she managed to offend Harrison Lancaster’s woman. So, Mr. Pierce thought, she had it coming.
“At tonight’s outdoor ball, she’ll be Mr. Jason’s dance partner. Let Mr. Jason enjoy himself,” Mr. Pierce murmured in a low voice, the implication clear.
Mr. Jason grinned with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with predatory interest as he ogled Anastasia.
Anastasia’s expression cooled, but she kept her composure, calmly looking away.
Every other guest had been paired with normal, respectable partners. Only she had been given this creep. Did they really expect her to believe it was just a coincidence? Hardly.
Soon, it was time for the honor guard to make their entrance.
Each of them carried a bouquet, preparing to present it to the distinguished guests.
“It’s starting, it’s starting! Hurry, set up the camera-don’t miss Alice and her boyfriend together on stage, this is going to be adorable!”
All eyes were on Alice. Her face glowed with a shy, hopeful smile as she tried to steady her racing heartbeat. She walked gracefully toward the man who carried himself like royalty.
At last, she stood in front of Harrison, her eyes shining with adoration, and offered him her bouquet.
“Mr. Harrison Lancaster
At the sound of his name, Mr. Pierce felt a surge of certainty.
He’d guessed right: Alice was indeed the girl Harrison Lancaster had a soft spot for.
Otherwise, how could she have known who he was?
After all, Harrison had attended the anniversary celebration incognito-his identity hadn’t been announced to the public. Only someone close to him could know.
“So this is the surprise you arranged for me?” Harrison spoke at last, his voice cold as ice.
Mr. Pierce, oblivious to the chill in Harrison’s tone, beamed ingratiatingly. “Yes, Mr. Lancaster, this was arranged especially for you. And there’s more-after the flower presentation, we have the outdoor ball. This young lady will be your partner for the evening!”
He puffed up with pride, eager for Harrison’s approval.
Mr. Pierce had spared no effort to please him. A simple bouquet wasn’t enough,
so he’d organized the ball specifically to give Harrison and his favorite girl more time together.
Just thinking of the rewards he might reap if Harrison was pleased made Mr. Pierce’s heart race with excitement.
Alice was no less thrilled. Blushing, she said softly, “Mr. Lancaster, I picked these flowers just for you. They’re different from anyone else’s
But she waited, and waited, her arm beginning to ache, and Harrison made no move to take the bouquet.
Slowly, Alice’s smile froze on her face.
“Mr. Lancaster?” she whispered, voice trembling.
Harrison finally looked at her, his gaze cold and distant. Just one glance from him sent a cold sweat down Alice’s back.
Her hands, slick with nervous sweat, clenched the bouquet tighter. She lowered her eyes, her voice barely audible. “You promised… If I got into Kingsbridge, you’d grant me one wish
Harrison leaned back in his chair, unmoved. The air around him seemed to grow heavier and darker by the second, the shadow in his eyes enough to chill anyone to the bone.
In the stands, people began to notice something was off. Quiet whispers rippled through the crowd. Updates are released by
“What’s going on? Why isn’t he taking Alice’s flowers?”
“Yeah, he looks downright terrifying
Feeling the weight of so many stares, Alice’s palms grew even sweatier, her gaze growing anxious and desperate.
If Harrison refused her flowers, all her careful plans-everything she’d worked for -would fall apart.