Chapter 956
Anastasia knew the real reason, though. He was aware of his awkward status in the family and simply didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.
She felt a pang of sympathy for him but didn’t expose his pretense, simply ensuring a meal was sent to him each time.
As dinner was about to begin, she took her seat next to Harrison.
Harrison glanced beside her and then asked casually, “Where’s Carter p>
The question sent a ripple of surprise around the table.
Everyone knew Carter was staying there. While Susan was despised, Carter was quiet and unobtrusive, and they had all tacitly agreed to tolerate his presence out of respect for Anastasia.
However, everyone also agreed that his absence from the dining table was for the best. After all, his very identity… for him to sit there openly would be a direct affront to Harrison. And yet, here was Harrison himself, the one to bring it up.
Anastasia was just as surprised. “Carter said he prefers to be alone, so I had his meal sent to his room,” she explained.
“That’s improper,” Harrison stated, his tone flat but tinged with displeasure. “Have him come here p>
The last part was an order to a nearby servant.
The servant quickly went to fetch him.
A few moments later, Carter appeared.
He clearly didn’t know what was happening, only that he’d been summoned by Harrison. Seeing the strange atmosphere at the table and Harrison’s cold expression, his heart began to pound nervously.
He walked over. “Harrison p>
“Since you’re here, have a seat,” Harrison said, glancing up at him. “With all the elders present, you think it’s acceptable to have someone deliver your meal to your room? Where are your manners and upbringing p>
The table fell silent once more.
His words sounded like a reprimand-and they were but the underlying acknowledgment was unmistakable.
The rest of the Lancaster family was stunned, their eyes darting to Harrison.
Was he actually acknowledging Carter’s place in the family?
Carter was equally dumbfounded and instinctively looked toward Anastasia.
Her eyes widened, and she stared intently at Harrison beside her.
Feeling her intense, searchlight-like gaze, Harrison sighed in resignation. He placed a bowl of her favorite soup in front of her What an looking at Eat.
Then, to Carter, he said again, “Sit down p>
A servant quickly brought a chair for Carter.
you
The rest of the meal was shrouded in a strange atmosphere. Only the old patriarch remained impassive throughout, offering no comment on his grandson’s decision.
As soon as dinner was over, Anastasia pulled Harrison aside.
“Hubby, why did you do that just now p>
She asked him cautiously, afraid that bringing Carter here had upset him.
Harrison leaned back into the sofa, pulling her into his embrace. His expression was unreadable. “Why? Are you not happy with what I did p>
“No, no, of course not!” Anastasia shook her head quickly, still scrutinizing his face. “I was just… a little confused p>
“And if I were unhappy, what would you have done?” His thumb grazed her smooth cheek as he looked down at her, his gaze deep and inscrutable.
Anastasia paused, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. Then, without much hesitation, she answered, “If you were unhappy would of course ask Carter to leave. His fiving here isn’t essential to our
friendship p>