Chapter 84

“But Alice shouldn’t stay here anymore. Move her to the guest house,” Lady said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Alice’s smile froze instantly.
Rosewood Manor was enormous, and next door stood the guest house-but everyone knew that was reserved for the staff.
Until now, Alice had been the exception. Living in the main residence set her above the other servants, earning their attention and flattery. If she was made to move out, what would they think of her?
“Lady, please—!” Alice’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
But Lady had already turned to Anastasia, asking gently, “Anastasia, what do you think?”
Her voice was warm and patient.
Anastasia understood that Lady hardly knew her and was only being kind because of Harrison. She didn’t want to put the old woman in a difficult spot, so she smiled and said, “Grandma, I don’t mind at all.”
Whether Alice was thrown out completely or just sent to the guest house, the humiliation was the same. Seeing the color drain from Alice’s face, Anastasia couldn’t help but feel a quiet satisfaction.
Lady seemed equally pleased with her answer. She nodded approvingly. “Alice, did you hear that? Anastasia is gracious enough to let you stay on the estate. You should thank her, then go pack your things.”
Alice nearly choked on her indignation.
She had to thank Anastasia?
Anastasia smiled at her, clearly waiting for Alice to speak.
Alice’s shoulders shook with frustration, but under Lady’s watchful gaze, she could only swallow her pride and mumble, Thank you, ma’am, for your generosity.”
Anastasia simply nodded. “Good. Off you go.”
Alice’s mother dragged her back to their room, and as soon as the door closed, Alice broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. “Mom, I don’t want to move to the guest house! That’s where the staff live! How can I stay there?”
The more she thought about it, the more she realized something was off. Anastasia had been far too prepared for all this.
“She did it on purpose, Mom! Anastasia set me up! She knew I’d try to steal something!”
She’d had a copy made of the drawer key in secret. Now, thinking back, it made no sense-Anastasia wouldn’t just leave the key lying around if the contents mattered. She must have known. She’d wanted Alice to walk right into the trap. But now, realizing it was all for nothing, Alice could only sob harder.
Mary’s heart ached for her daughter, and her hatred for Anastasia grew deeper. After settling the matter with Mary and Alice, Lady didn’t leave immediately.
She turned to Anastasia. “Mary told me you and Harrison went to the courthouse?”
Anastasia blushed. “Yes, we did.”
Lady’s expression bloomed into a delighted smile as she took Anastasia’s hand. “Wonderful, wonderful! I thought Harrison would wait until he could walk again— turns out he just couldn’t wait!”
Lady had never been especially fond of Anastasia, but seeing her now, she looked more and more pleased. If Harrison was this eager to marry her, the girl must truly mean something to him.
“Take good care of each other,” Lady said, her eyes twinkling. “And give me a great-grandchild soon, will you?” She glanced, not-so-discreetly, at Anastasia’s stomach.
A great-grandchild?
Anastasia’s ears burned. She lowered her eyes, not sure how to respond.
Just as the awkwardness peaked, Harrison came downstairs.
He greeted Lady, then paused when he saw Anastasia’s flushed cheeks. “Are you feeling alright?”
I’m fine.”
His gaze only made her blush deepen.
Lady, unable to hide her amusement at her grandson’s concern, laughed. “I was just telling Anastasia it’s time you two gave me a little one. Harrison, you’re not getting any younger.”
More than that, she worried for him-who knew what the future held? If he left them too soon, at least she would have a child to remember him by.
A child…
Harrison glanced at Anastasia. She was clearly embarrassed, her shyness a far cry from her earlier boldness. Now, she just kept her head down, refusing to meet his eyes. Thıs content belongs to
He looked away, his expression unreadable. “Grandma, Ana’s still young.”