Chapter 4

Anastasia’s mother had been dead for years. Now, the true lady of the Sterling household was her own mother. So what if the marriage arrangement had been shifted to her instead? There was nothing wrong with that.
Lucky for her, her foolish younger sister had been so easily manipulated. With just a bit of prodding, she’d run off and eloped. The position of Mrs. Lancaster-the
future matriarch of the Lancaster family-would finally be hers!-
The thought nearly made Penelope smile right then and there. Read full story at
“Mr. Lancaster, this is Ms. Penelope Sterling, of the Sterling family.”
Penelope quickly lifted her head. The moment she saw the man being wheeled over, she went completely still.
Her heart thudded against her ribs.
She had never seen a man with such striking features and presence before…
“Hello, I’m Penelope!” she blurted out, jumping to her feet, nerves and a hint of shyness in her voice. The idea that she might soon become this man’s wife made her eyes light up with anticipation.
Harrison caught every subtle flicker of emotion on her face, yet his expression remained cold, his voice deep and even. “Sterling? And what brings you here?”
“I came to apologize for my sister!” Penelope replied, her face the picture of remorse. “Mr. Lancaster, my sister is still young and naive. She heard some rumors, got scared, and ran off with someone else. She was too frightened to marry you.”
Upstairs, Anastasia finished her shower only to discover that the staff hadn’t laid out any clothes for her.
She frowned, then finally pulled one of Harrison’s bathrobes from the wardrobe and slipped it on. The man was tall-his robe was so long it trailed on the floor behind her. She had to hike up the excess fabric and tie the belt around her waist, leaving it hanging loosely around her frame.
She stepped out, intending to ask someone to fetch her something to wear. But then she heard a voice from downstairs-a voice she knew all too well.
“I’m willing to take my sister’s place and marry into the Lancaster family. I hope you can find it in your heart, Mr. Lancaster, not to blame the Sterlings for this.”
Her tone was righteous, painting the image of a selfless older sister, nobly sacrificing herself for her family.
Anastasia’s lovely face turned cold.
Downstairs, Penelope stood like a delicate, stubborn little flower-chin lifted, eyes rimmed red. She finished her speech and waited for Harrison’s verdict with absolute confidence.
She was every bit as good as Anastasia-maybe even better. If Mr. Lancaster had been willing to marry Anastasia, why wouldn’t he accept her instead? Especially now that Anastasia had run off-
“Penelope, what are you doing here?”
A gentle, melodious voice drifted down from the staircase.
Penelope’s eyes widened in shock as she snapped her head up.
The moment she saw the girl descending the stairs, her expression changed so quickly she nearly gasped aloud.
-How could Anastasia possibly be here?!
Harrison, who had been listening to Penelope’s performance with an unreadable expression, also looked up-and froze.
Anastasia had just showered; her hair was still damp and twisted up in a loose knot. Her skin glowed with a rosy flush, and her eyes, always beautiful, seemed even more luminous and captivating. She looked so stunning it was impossible to look away.
But the most striking thing of all was the oversized, ill-fitting bathrobe she wore. Harrison recognized it at once as his own. His dark eyes narrowed.
Logan and several of the staff exchanged nervous glances. This was bad.
Mr. Lancaster was notoriously territorial and obsessive about cleanliness. He absolutely hated anyone entering his room or touching his things without permission. For the new lady of the house to break both rules the moment she arrived what a way to start.