Who could resist such an exceptional student?

But he stopped himself. It was precisely because she was so exceptional that he couldn't hold her back. He had to find a better teacher for her. With great effort, Bruno suppressed the urge.

Anastasia stayed at the Austin home for a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Austin were reluctant to see her go and invited her to stay the night, but she checked the time and realized it was getting late. Harrison was probably on his way home. Regretfully, she declined their offer. Their son must have been delayed at school, as she still hadn't had the chance to meet him.

When she arrived back at the Lancaster estate, Harrison was just returning from the office. Seeing her walk in, the stern lines of his face softened. "Where have you been?"

"I was visiting an old friend. Hubby, you're back!" she chirped, running happily toward him.

Harrison caught her in his arms. "I'm back. Were you bored at home today?"

"Not at all. Aunt Debby and Aunt Emily kept me company."

Her cheerful independence made Harrison feel a pang of guilt. He had been away for over six months and had a mountain of work to catch up on, which meant he would inevitably have less time for her.

He gently cupped her cheek. “How about I find some people to keep you company for a while?"

Anastasia thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No, that's okay. It's a good chance for me to focus on my own things." She only wanted his company; anyone else would just be a substitute.

Debby and Emily watched the couple's affectionate, private exchange, a world of their own that no one else could enter. They glanced at each other, surprised but smiling secretly.

The patriarch was also observing them, his usual stern expression

replaced by one of deep

contentment. His grandson's

marriage had once been his arrest

worry. Despite being the head of a powerful family, he had never

intended to sacrifice his grandson's happiness for a strategic

Slance."

He had only ever wanted him to find

a wife he loved, so he wouldn't have

to spend his life alone.

Given Harrison's old disposition, the patriarch had often feared he might never fall in love. But then, a trip to Fairhaven had unexpectedly brought someone into his life. The more he looked at Anastasia, the more pleased he was.

After finishing her conversation with Harrison, Anastasia realized she hadn't greeted the patriarch. She quickly went to his side, a little embarrassed. "Grandfather."

The old man waved her apology away, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "Seeing you two so happy is a good thing. It makes an old man like me very glad."

As they chatted, Anastasia noticed a flurry of activity in the kitchen. "Is something special happening tonight?" she asked.

Emily explained, "Harrison's back, so of course we're having a family banquet. All your cousins will be coming home tonight."

Anastasia nodded in understanding.

Sure enough, as the evening progressed, the younger generation of Lancasters began to arrive one by one. By nightfall, the old estate was filled with people. The banquet had to be spread across several tables; even the largest one in the house wasn't big enough to seat everyone.

All seven of Harrison's cousins and their spouses were present, along with a gaggle of children who respectfully approached Harrison to greet him as uncle Harrison beside him, Anastasia received a chorus of greetings as their new "Aunt."

Curious eyes followed her every move. Her beauty was striking, and she was so

young.