Chapter 54

Anastasia’s grip on her napkin tightened suddenly.
Around her, the group’s expressions shifted as Elder Mrs. Lancaster spoke; realization dawned in their eyes.
A derisive laugh broke out. “No wonder she got so worked up when we mentioned Mr. Lancaster earlier. Turns out her husband is just the same!”
“So this is Anastasia? I’ve heard about her husband-supposedly a man so worthless he doesn’t even dare show his face in public.”
“Tch, no wonder she flew off the handle like that!”
Fury flared within Anastasia. Without hesitation, she grabbed the nearest oversized flute of champagne and, with a swift flick of her wrist, doused the offending women with it.
“Aaah!”
They shrieked as champagne soaked through their dresses and their makeup streaked down their faces.
“Anastasia! How dare you-!”
Anastasia arched a cold smile, raising her chin, her beauty taking on a razor’s edge. “Why don’t you tell me again how I don’t dare? I think my actions are answer enough. Go on, keep talking. See if you think I won’t do it again.”
One of the women screeched, “How can you act so shamelessly in front of the Lady of the house? Do you realize where you are? This is the Lancaster estate!”
Predictably, Elder Mrs. Lancaster’s face darkened with fury. “No wonder you’re from such humble beginnings-you have no manners at all!”
Anastasia shot right back, her words sharp as glass. “And no wonder you act like you do. I suppose being a mistress first means you never actually learned the difference between right and wrong.”
The room froze. Everyone stared at Anastasia, stunned. No one could believe she’d have the guts to say that—even to Elder Mrs. Lancaster!
Didn’t she know what the Lancaster family represented? This was the house tied to Mr. Lancaster himself.
Everyone present had whispered about Mr. Lancaster behind closed doors, but when it came to his power and status, even the boldest among them held a healthy dose of fear.
Was Anastasia trying to get herself thrown out-or worse?
The Lady of the house was beside herself, her face turning an ugly shade of gray as her breath came in ragged bursts. She looked on the verge of fainting.
She jabbed a finger at Anastasia, shrieking, “Somebody! Get her out of here! Teach her a lesson-show her what it means to have some respect!”
Before her order could be carried out, a furious voice rang out from the entrance.
“What on earth is going on here?!”
Barry had arrived.
He looked fit to burst with anger.
Mr. Lancaster had finally agreed to make an appearance—so how had things turned into such a circus? And to make matters worse, Barry could already hear his mother’s shrill voice echoing through the hall.
He knew his mother could never keep her temper, but times had changed. She was the lady of a prominent household now; couldn’t she show a little dignity? ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ
The arrival of the head of the Lancaster family brought the commotion to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned in his direction.
And then, to everyone’s surprise, Barry wasn’t alone. A man in a wheelchair sat beside him.
He was striking his features sharp and handsome, his presence commanding and regal. Even seated, the air around him seemed to crackle with authority, making it impossible not to feel a shiver of awe in his presence. Nobody dared meet his gaze.
What truly unsettled everyone, though, was the way Barry treated him-with almost embarrassing deference, bordering on obsequiousness.
Who was this man?
As if answering their silent question, Barry bowed and said, “Mr. Lancaster, please
forgive my mother’s bluntness. She means no harm
Mr. Lancaster?!
The words sent a jolt through the room.
Everyone knew there was only one person Barry would address as “Mr. Lancaster” with such respect: the legendary Mr. Lancaster himself.
The women who’d been gossiping gaped in disbelief.
This-this was Mr. Lancaster?
He was supposed to be old and hideous!
The realization dawned, and panic spread through the group. Faces drained of color as they scrambled to melt into the background.
Gossiping about Mr. Lancaster behind his back was one thing. But now that he was here in the flesh, even ten lifetimes’ worth of courage wouldn’t let them say a word.
Who could have guessed he’d show up himself?
Thank God, they thought, he hadn’t heard their whispers. Only that little nobody, Anastasia, had.
A silent sigh of relief swept through the onlookers.
Elder Mrs. Lancaster, however, seized the moment. “Mr. Lancaster, this girl has no respect for you! I was just about to teach her a lesson!” she complained, shooting her son a nervous glance as he glared at her in warning.