Chapter 24

A low, magnetic voice drifted from the phone, making Anastasia’s ear tingle before she stopped, startled.
“What gift?” she asked.
“A bouquet,” came the reply. “Logan just told me it’s been delivered should be downstairs. Go take a look.”
Harrison sent her flowers?
A rush of surprise and delight swept through Anastasia, washing away the cloud of frustration that had been lingering over her.
“I’ll go check right now!”
Hearing the excitement in her voice, Harrison couldn’t help but smile, his features softening.
Phone still in hand, Anastasia hurried out, only to bump straight into Alice in the hallway.
Alice was cradling a vibrant bouquet, clearly on her way downstairs as well.
Anastasia’s gaze locked onto the flowers instantly.
“Where’d you get those?” she asked.
Alice grinned, smug. “Mr. Lancaster sent them to me. Aren’t they gorgeous?” “Mr. Lancaster sent them to you?” Anastasia’s eyes narrowed, full of disbelief. Could Harrison really be so careless? Did he send two bouquets—one for her, one for Alice? The thought alone was enough to bring back the annoyance that had just faded.
Ignoring Alice, Anastasia rushed down the stairs and called out, “How many bouquets were delivered just now?”
“Just one, of course.” May, the housekeeper, glanced at Alice trailing behind and seemed to understand. She shot Anastasia a disdainful look. “Ma’am, you didn’t think those were for you, did you? Don’t get your hopes up. Mr. Lancaster sent them specifically for Alice!”
The staff nearby looked over, some openly curious, others whispering behind their hands. Clearly, to them, little had changed-Mr. Lancaster was still sending gifts to other women, not his wife.
They exchanged knowing glances, quietly enjoying the drama.
But when Anastasia heard there was only one bouquet, her heart settled. She spun around, reached for the flowers in Alice’s arms, and said, “Those aren’t yours. Give them here.” Google seaʀᴄh
“What do you mean, not mine? If they’re not for me, are they for you?” Alice scoffed, clutching the bouquet tighter. “These came from Kingsbridge University, a reward from Mr. Lancaster for my acceptance! If you want flowers, you’d have to get into Kingsbridge yourself.”
Anastasia let out a short laugh. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I got into Kingsbridge last year. So actually, those flowers are mine. Hand them over.”
Alice’s heart skipped a beat.
What?
Anastasia goes to Kingsbridge, too?
The staff who’d been enjoying the show froze, caught off guard.
Alice’s grip on the bouquet tightened. A sinking feeling crept in, but she refused to give up. “Just because you say so doesn’t make it true. Mr. Lancaster didn’t say they were for you!”
Anastasia had no patience left for this. She pulled out her phone and dialed the number from earlier.
Alice stammered, “Wait-”
But the call had already connected.
Anastasia wasted no time. “Honey, did you send me flowers from Kingsbridge University?”
She put the phone on speaker, and everyone in the foyer heard Harrison’s voice, steady and clear-
“Yes. Logan mentioned a lot of students wanted them, so I had them put together a bouquet just for you. Do you like it?”
May’s jaw dropped.
The other staff members all turned to stare at Alice.
Alice’s face went rigid, a fiery flush creeping up her cheeks.
“I’d love them—if they’d actually made it to me,” Anastasia said, casting Alice a pointed look.
Harrison’s tone turned steely, and Anastasia could almost picture his furrowed brow. “What happened?”
Anastasia didn’t hesitate. “Alice has them. She claims you sent them for her and refuses to give them back.”
“You-!” Alice was seething, ready to lunge and cover Anastasia’s mouth.
On the other end of the line, Harrison replied, “I’ll be home right away.”