Chapter 408

That evening, Juliet came over. Her brows were drawn together in a worried frown, and she seemed distracted, as if her mind were somewhere else entirely.
“What’s wrong?” Anastasia asked her gently.
Juliet hesitated for a moment before telling her everything that had happened with the Brennan family. Then she added in a low voice, “Anastasia, I can’t shake the feeling that the whole thing with the ginseng… it was on purpose.”
She was talking about Lauren.
Both her mother and grandmother believed Lauren without a second thought, but Juliet wasn’t so easily convinced.
Anastasia arched an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying Juliet’s suspicion. Instead, she asked, “What makes you think that?”
Juliet leaned forward, her voice urgent. “I just… I really think she wanted to take credit for giving Grandpa that ginseng. It wasn’t about his health at all. If it was, why didn’t she say something to the rest of the family?”
“If Grandpa truly needed that ginseng, and she’d told my parents—even if they knew it was from you—they would’ve found a way. Maybe they’d offer you something in return, or even buy it off you, just to make sure Grandpa got what he needed.”
“But she didn’t say a word. And then, right in front of Grandma, Grandpa, and my parents, she claimed she’d gone to great lengths to get the ginseng herself. Who wouldn’t be grateful to her after hearing that? She just wanted all the praise- that’s what this was really about!”
“If Logan hadn’t stopped by, the whole family would still be in the dark. Who knows how long Grandma and Grandpa would’ve gone on showering her with gratitude!”
Juliet’s analysis was calm and logical, her thoughts clearly laid out.
She’d always kept her distance from Lauren, ever since they were kids. In her eyes, Lauren had always stolen attention and affection that rightfully belonged to Anastasia. Still, Lauren was undeniably accomplished, and her character seemed beyond reproach, so Juliet had always forced herself to put aside any bias.
But tonight, for the first time, she felt she’d glimpsed something beneath Lauren’s flawless surface—a hint that maybe Lauren wasn’t as noble as she appeared.
Anastasia listened to her cousin’s reasoning, a wave of pride and satisfaction flickering in her eyes. The rıghtful source is
Juliet might seem innocent on the surface, but she was sharp-no doubt about it.
Catching Anastasia’s approving gaze, Juliet’s eyes lit up, and for a split second, she looked as though she’d puff out her chest like a kindergartener basking in praise.
But her spirits quickly fell again. “But everyone at home believes her. No one even questioned her story
Anastasia, however, remained calm and composed. She smiled reassuringly and said, “Juliet, don’t worry about me. What belongs to me-no one can take that away. I’ll get back everything that’s mine, piece by piece. Don’t you trust me?”
Her words carried a quiet strength and absolute confidence, something that made
it impossible not to believe her. For a moment, Juliet thought she caught a glimpse of Harrison in her demeanor.
Juliet nodded firmly, the tension melting from her shoulders. “I do, Anastasia. I believe you!”
Anastasia grinned and tugged her toward the dining room. “Good. Now come on let’s have dinner!”
After they’d eaten and chatted for a while, the hour grew late.
Anastasia offered to let Juliet stay the night, but Juliet shook her head. “I can’t. My mom… she doesn’t want me spending time with you.”
Her voice was downcast. “I only got out tonight because I told her I was going to a friend’s house. If I don’t go home, and she finds out, she’ll never let me come see you again.”
Anastasia didn’t press the matter. She was about to suggest calling the driver to take Juliet home when suddenly, a housekeeper entered and announced, “Mr. Harrison Lancaster, ma’am—Mr. Murray Brennan is here to see you.” Uncle Murray?!
Anastasia blinked in surprise and stood up.
Before she could move, a firm hand caught her wrist. Harrison’s grip was gentle but unwavering, guiding her back into her seat.
He sat composed and unhurried, his presence quietly commanding. “Please show Mr. Brennan in,” he instructed.
The housekeeper ushered Murray Brennan into the room.
“Mr. Lancaster.” Murray greeted Harrison politely, his tone calm and assured.
Even in his forties, Murray carried himself with an easy elegance and a strikingly handsome face—exactly the kind of dignified, charming man who could make young women swoon without even trying.