Chapter 28

Anastasia hadn’t mentioned Nora’s birthday to Harrison, and she certainly hadn’t planned on inviting him along.
Her husband’s time was precious-why should Nora have that kind of pull?
She figured she’d just let him know in passing right before she headed out.
But, as it turned out, Harrison found out anyway-because Penelope showed up at the house with a dress for her.
When one of the staff came to report that her stepsister was downstairs talking to Mr. Lancaster, Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. She set down what she was doing and headed downstairs at once.
She hadn’t forgotten what kind of thoughts Penelope harbored toward her husband.
Downstairs, Penelope was standing there, feigning shyness, holding out an invitation with both hands. “The birthday party’s in five days. My mother hopes you’ll come, Mr. Lancaster. I hope so, too.”
Harrison glanced at the invitation, making no move to take it.
Penelope took a step closer, her voice growing soft and timid. “Mr. Lancaster
She hadn’t even finished speaking when she suddenly tripped, lurching forward with a little cry, as if she were about to fall right into his arms.
Seeing that Harrison didn’t seem inclined to move out of the way, a flash of delight crossed Penelope’s eyes—she was all set to let herself “fall” into his embrace.
But-
“Ah!”
Suddenly, someone grabbed her by the collar from behind, yanking her upright so abruptly her eyes almost rolled back.
“Penelope, how do you even manage to trip on flat ground?” Anastasia’s voice was sweetly mocking. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to throw yourself at my husband.”
She pulled Penelope back firmly, her smile never reaching the icy chill in her eyes.
Penelope’s expression froze, but she quickly tried to cover her embarrassment. “Anastasia, what are you talking about? I just lost my balance for a second
Anastasia gave her a dismissive smile. “Sure.”
Harrison spoke up then, voice mild. “Your sister came to bring you a dress.”
“I know, the housekeeper just told me.” Anastasia’s tone softened immediately. She walked over to Harrison’s side. Noticing he was sitting on the couch instead of his wheelchair, she settled in next to him almost instinctively, taking on the air of the lady of the house.
She looked up at Penelope. “It’s just a dress, Penelope. Why come all this way yourself? Couldn’t you have sent it with someone?”
Penelope stood there, stunned by how close the two were sitting. How had Anastasia and Mr. Lancaster gotten so familiar in just a few days?
Wasn’t he supposed to hate people getting close? Why hadn’t he pushed her away?
Trying to compose herself, Penelope forced a gentle smile. “I also wanted to bring Mr. Lancaster the invitation myself. It would be rude to send a servant for something like that.”
Invitation, huh? Anastasia scoffed inwardly. More like another excuse to see my husband.
“Invitation?” Anastasia’s tone was light. “I already told Mrs. Sinclair-Mr. Lancaster won’t be attending.”
As she spoke, she slipped her arm around Harrison’s, her voice turning sweet. “Right, darling?”
The affectionate gesture made Penelope’s face tighten with surprise—and jealousy.
But secretly, Penelope doubted Anastasia had even mentioned the party to her husband. She looked anxiously at Harrison.
Harrison felt the soft warmth of Anastasia pressed against his side, her hand giving his arm a gentle shake. When he turned, she was blinking up at him, sending pleading little signals with her big, bright eyes-adorable and mischievous.
He couldn’t help but feel both exasperated and amused. She hadn’t even asked him yet, had she? Thıs text ıs hosted at
But seeing how tense she was, clearly terrified he might agree, he decided to play along. “That’s right. I’m not going.”
Anastasia cheered inwardly at their unspoken teamwork. She almost wanted to hug or kiss him right then and there, but with Penelope still in the room, she restrained herself.
She turned back. “You heard him, Penelope. Mr. Lancaster isn’t going.”
Penelope bit her lip. “Mr. Lancaster, the Sterling family and the Lancasters are practically in-laws now
Anastasia’s grip on Harrison’s arm tightened almost imperceptibly.
Harrison noticed. He hadn’t made a point of investigating her life with the
Sterlings, but he’d heard bits and pieces. The current Mrs. Sterling wasn’t the original matriarch, after all.
Judging by Anastasia’s reaction to the upcoming party, her relationship with that family—and especially with that woman-was anything but warm.