Chapter 298

After what happened with Alice, Harrison’s need to control her only grew stronger. But Anastasia didn’t mind complying; in fact, she was happy to play along if it meant he’d be a little happier.
Noticing how worried Maggie and Juliet looked, she gave them a reassuring smile and teased, “Sure, Shirley’s from Riverton. But so is my husband, you know.”
Maggie and Juliet both froze for a second before the realization hit them.
Of course!
Juliet knew her cousin’s husband was the famously elusive Mr. Harrison Lancaster, but since she kept to herself and rarely mingled in social circles, she hadn’t really grasped what those three words-Mr. Harrison Lancaster-meant in the world of the elite.
Seeing how unbothered Anastasia was, Juliet realized her cousin’s husband might be even more formidable than she’d imagined.
Maggie, on the other hand, didn’t know Harrison’s true identity. But Anastasia’s subtle hint was clear enough for her to pick up on: not only was her husband from Riverton, he had to be influential—his status surely rivaled the powerful family backing Shirley.
That evening, after her last class, Anastasia walked out of campus and spotted Harrison’s car waiting a short distance away.
She jogged over, surprised to see him in the back seat. “You came to pick me up yourself?”
The place was only a short walk from home, so she hadn’t expected Harrison to come all this way just for her.
He didn’t seem pleased by her reaction. The moment she got in, he pulled her into his arms.
“What’s wrong? Not happy to see me?”
Anastasia quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, trying to explain. “No, of course not! I’m just surprised, that’s all. It’s so close by-I didn’t expect you to come pick me up. It’s a nice surprise.”
She added softly, “You’re always so busy, I didn’t want to trouble you. I wanted you to have a little more time to rest.”
Harrison’s expression finally softened as he held her close. “There’s nothing more important than you.”
The words made her heart skip a beat.
As the car pulled away, Harrison asked, “So, how’s the food at the new dining hall?”
Anastasia had called earlier to say she’d be eating with classmates and wouldn’t be home for dinner. Harrison had grilled her for every detail, and now he wanted to hear it all over again.
She knew about his quirks-how he liked to know exactly what she was doing at all times—and she didn’t mind. Leaning into his arms, she dutifully told him what she’d eaten and which dishes she liked best.
She didn’t mention a word about Shirley or Penelope. Such trivial matters-she could handle them herself. No point wasting precious time with Harrison on that
nonsense.
The next day, Anastasia went to class as usual.
She only had one class that afternoon, and when it ended, she headed out of the building. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
She’d barely made it out when-
“Anastasia! Stop right there!”
Shirley and her friends stormed toward her, faces set with determination.
Once they stood in front of her, Shirley sneered. “What did I tell you yesterday?
Apologize to Penelope before two o’clock-on your knees! Did you do it?”
Anastasia glanced up lazily. “And I’m supposed to do whatever you say? Who do you think you are?”
“Who am I?” Shirley lifted her chin in arrogance. “I’m Shirley-from the West family of Riverton. And I’m the future Mrs. Lancaster!”
The future Mrs. Lancaster?
Anastasia frowned, finally giving Shirley a proper look.
-Which Lancaster was she talking about?