Chapter 45
Ever since her grandson was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Lady had devoted herself to prayer and a vegetarian diet. Hearing May’s tearful story just now, she couldn’t help but sigh and furrow her brow. “Harrison, it’s just a few flowers-let it go. And the porcelain Madonna can always be replaced
Harrison’s tone was cool and unyielding. “She stole from her employers, destroyed their property, and then tried to frame someone else. Rosewood Manor can’t tolerate that kind of behavior. Since she made her choice, she has to bear the consequences there’s no getting around that, no matter how sorry her story sounds.”
Lady knew well enough that playing the victim would never soften Harrison. The man was infamous for his icy heart.
Anastasia could see he was standing up for her, and the thought made her heart flutter. Still, she didn’t want Harrison and Lady falling out over someone as insignificant as May. Discreetly, she tugged on Harrison’s sleeve, signaling him to let it go, then turned to Lady with a composed expression.
“Grandmother, May is a compulsive liar. You can’t believe a single word she says.” Lady’s frown deepened.
May opened her mouth to protest, but Anastasia’s cold, steady gaze cut her off. “You said your father’s disabled, your mother’s terminally ill, and your brother needs money for school? Funny, that’s not what I heard.”
Anastasia’s voice was crisp and clear, echoing through the room. “From what I know, both your parents are perfectly healthy-they spend their days gambling and living large. And as for your brother, unless my memory fails me, he graduated high school two years ago and never made it into college. What schooling does he need money for?”
May’s face drained of color. She stared at Anastasia in disbelief.
How did the new Mrs. Harrison know so much about her family?
Of course Anastasia knew—she was drawing on memories from another life.
“Is this true?” Lady’s shock was palpable. She never expected a servant to lie so brazenly, especially to her face.
Anastasia nodded, her expression gentle and innocent. “It’s true, Grandmother. If you don’t believe me, feel free to have someone look into it.”
“N-no, Lady, I—I’m not lying May stammered, panic overtaking her. But the guilt in her eyes was impossible to hide. Anyone could see the truth.
Clearly, Anastasia’s words hit the mark.
Lady’s indignation grew-she felt humiliated, especially in front of the new daughter-in-law. Flustered, she threw up her hands. “Harrison, you handle it however you see fit!”
As soon as Lady sided with her, Anastasia finally relaxed.
It was only then she noticed a strange, lingering warmth on the back of her hand. Looking down, she realized she was still holding onto Harrison’s sleeve. He was watching her hand, his eyes shadowed and unreadable-was he pleased, or annoyed? Dıscover more novels at.net
With a start, she let go, pulling her hand back in a flash.
He lifted his gaze, those deep, glacial eyes locking onto hers.
Anastasia tucked her hand behind her back and flashed him a dazzling, innocent smile. “What’s wrong, darling?”
Nothing.”
Was it just her imagination, or did she catch a fleeting note of disappointment in his voice?
Neither of them noticed Lady watching with raised brows, surprise flickering across her face.
Darling?
That’s what the new bride called him? And Harrison actually answered?
Promising, Lady mused, her eyes quietly sizing up Anastasia. There was an unmistakable intimacy between the couple that made her heart quicken with hope.
If only the girl’s character held up…
Lady’s thoughts drifted to Alice’s complaints-the stories of Anastasia’s bold, unruly behavior since arriving at Rosewood Manor. Lady’s frown returned, troubled by the memory.