Chapter 257

The moment those words left Lady Lancaster’s lips, the entire room froze. Faces turned grim-Fiona and the other staff glanced at Anastasia, their eyes filled with worry.
Anastasia looked up, stunned. “Grandmother-”
She’d half-expected this outcome, but meeting the old woman’s cold, steely gaze still left her feeling disappointed and hurt.
“That’s enough!” Lady Lancaster cut her off sharply, voice like a whip. “Alice may have made mistakes, but she’s family, as is Mary. How could you push them this far? Are you trying to drive Mary to her grave? Who gave you the nerve to act with such impudence?”
“I know Harrison cares for you, but that is no excuse to break all the rules! Since he’s not here, I’ll do what he should’ve done long ago and teach you a lesson myself!”
Lady Lancaster was furious now-truly furious. Her voice trembled with determination as she turned to the staff. “Someone! If Mrs. Lancaster doesn’t know how to kneel and apologize, help her.”
At once, servants stepped forward.
Mary and Alice exchanged self-satisfied looks, their lips curving in smug delight.
“Ma’am―!” Fiona paled, voice shaking with panic.
Anastasia’s expression darkened. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word-
Bang!
The door slammed open, startling everyone.
“Mr. Harrison Lancaster!” someone gasped.
Anastasia’s head snapped around. Harrison strode in, tall and imposing, an icy aura clinging to him as he crossed the threshold with long, purposeful strides. Behind him, Wallis hurried in, clearly having failed to stop him.
In that split second, relief flooded Anastasia’s chest, and her eyes lit up, shining with hope. She’d never been helpless, not really, but seeing her husband there made her feel like she’d just been saved. She couldn’t help the smile spreading on her lips.
“Darling!” she called softly.
Harrison’s eyes immediately sought her out. Seeing she was unharmed, some of the tension in his brow eased, though his tone stayed icy as he turned to Lady Lancaster. “Grandmother, what exactly were you planning to do?”
Lady Lancaster’s frosty demeanor melted the moment she saw her grandson. Her voice grew gentler. “Harrison, why are you back so soon? Weren’t you busy with important work?”
“If my wife is being bullied, what business could possibly matter more?” Harrison replied coolly, his tone brooking no argument.
Lady Lancaster faltered, but she was determined not to back down. “Your wife made a grave mistake. Since you’re too busy, I’ll discipline her in your place. Otherwise, what will become of this family?”
“What did Ana do wrong?”
Lady Lancaster’s face soured. “What did she do? Just look at Mary!”
Mary seized the opportunity. With practiced misery, she bowed her head. Her bandaged forehead was now leaking blood—she’d made sure to knock her head extra hard for effect. She looked absolutely pitiful.
But Harrison’s expression didn’t flicker. Coldly, he said, “She’s alive. That’s proof enough of Ana’s mercy.”
A stunned silence fell. Even Mary’s carefully crafted expression froze in shock.
No one had expected Harrison to say something so blunt-so ruthless.
Anastasia nearly burst out laughing.
Trying to play the victim in front of her husband? Was Mary out of her mind?
Anastasia relaxed in her wheelchair, swinging her good foot back and forth, heart swelling with security and comfort.
With Harrison here, she had nothing-absolutely nothing to fear. Google seaʀᴄh.net
Lady Lancaster was caught off guard. “Harrison, you—!”
“But Grandmother, you are right about one thing,” Harrison said, voice suddenly steady and clear. “This situation does need to be handled properly. Some people need reminding of their place.”
Lady Lancaster’s face relaxed, clearly thinking he was finally siding with her.
Until Harrison added, “So, how Mary and Alice are dealt with-that will be Ana’s decision.”
Mary and Alice’s faces went rigid, their triumph vanishing in an instant.