She glanced at Harrison, and before she could even speak, he gently patted her head. "Go on."

So, Anastasia got up and joined them.

She wasn't a reserved person, and with Marcus there, she quickly warmed up to everyone and naturally blended in.

Harrison watched her, his expression softening as he saw her playing enthusiastically without a hint of shyness. He then turned his gaze away.

Barnett suddenly spoke, a hint of amusement in his voice. "So this is your type?”

For so many years in Riverton, Harrison had rejected countless women of every possible type. None had ever moved him.

Who would have known that a trip to Fairhaven would result in him bringing back a young woman?

Harrison glanced over at her again and shook his head. "I don't have a type. I just have her."

Barnett looked at him, genuinely surprised.

Could the great Mr. Harrison Lancaster really say something so sentimental?

Harrison's expression remained unchanged. "You'll understand when you meet the one."

"Then I suppose I'll never understand," Barnett said with a small shake of his head and a smile.

Across the room, Anastasia happened to look back, and her gaze lingered for a moment.

The two men sitting together possessed auras that were almost equally matched— both powerful, both dangerous, and both exuding an intimidating presence that warned others to keep their distance.

But in Anastasia's eyes, of course, her Hubby was still the most formidable.

Her gaze was so obvious that both men suddenly looked over at her. Anastasia immediately broke into a sweet smile for Harrison.

The icy aura around Harrison instantly melted.

"Well, well, isn't this what they call 'exchanging loving glances'?" Marcus suddenly appeared beside her, his tone teasing.

Anastasia whipped her head around and stomped hard on his foot. "No one will mistake you for a mute if you keep quiet!"

Marcus let out a yelp, which made everyone else at the table laugh, lightening the mood even more.

However, watching Anastasia and Marcus interact, the others were privately surprised.

It was one thing for Harrison to personally bring her to meet them. After all, even the greatest heroes fall for beauty, and what man isn't drawn to a pretty face. Perhaps this Ms. Sterling was just a passing fancy for Mr. Lancaster.

But for Marcus to be so friendly and doting on her? That changed everything.

The esteemed Mr. Jackson would never debase himself for someone who was merely a plaything, valued only for her looks.

Instantly, a subtle shift occurred in how everyone treated Anastasia, their attitudes becoming more respectful.

One of them even said with a smile, "We might not be on Harrison's level, but we have some pull in this city if you ever need help with anything, Anastasia, just let us know. Don't be a stranger!"

The others quickly echoed his sentiment.

Everyone in that room had earned Harrison's respect, which meant they were all exceptional in their own right And indeed, in terms of both background and ability they were among the most outstanding individuals of the new generation in the upper echelons of society.

Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. By offering to have her back, they were signaling that Anastasia wouldn't even need to mention Harrison's name to be untouchable from now on.

Anastasia smiled. “Well, thank you in advance, then.”

After playing for a while, Anastasia turned and noticed that Harrison was gone. Only Barnett remained in that corner.

She blinked. "Where's my Hubby?"