Chapter 110

Harrison lifted her eyes to meet Nathaniel's intense gaze. "No, I'm leaving tonight."

She attempted to wrench her wrist free from his iron grip, but Nathaniel's hold remained unbreakable. His strength was immovable, rendering escape impossible. His lips parted, voice steady as always.

"Tomorrow, report to Willowridge University for registration."

Harrison froze. "What?"

"You'll be attending medical school there. Everything's arranged."

Her breath caught in her throat.

Was he seriously sending her to Willowridge University? Had he lost his mind?

"Absolutely not!" Harrison snapped instantly.

Nathaniel's perfect brows knitted together. "Harrison, Willowridge is the nation's top medical institution. This opportunity doesn't come twice. I know you left school at sixteen, but now I'm giving you this chance. Don't you want to practice medicine? Study hard and you could shine like Isabella does on stage."

Harrison stood motionless, stunned into silence.

He truly believed her incapable!

White-hot fury surged through her veins.

Clenching her jaw, she swallowed her rage. "Fine. I'll go."

With a sharp twist, she freed her wrist and stormed out.

Harrison entered Eleanor's chambers where the elderly woman sat knitting by lamplight, reading glasses perched on her nose as she worked on a sweater.

"Grandmother, you should be resting." Harrison approached her.

"Perfect timing, dear. I've made you a vest. Try it on." Eleanor secured the final stitch and draped the delicate garment over Harrison's shoulders.

"Oh Lady Eleanor, it fits her beautifully," Reginald observed with a smile.

Nathaniel lingered outside the doorway, drawn by the laughter within. His gaze fell upon Harrison wearing a butter-yellow knitted vest. The garment hugged her petite frame, accentuating her slender waist. Raven locks cascaded over her shoulders, framing an angelic face that glowed in the lamplight.

Eleanor had chosen well - the soft hue complemented Harrison perfectly. "Grandmother, I have more than enough clothes. Don't strain your eyes for me."

"Autumn approaches, child. I won't have you catching chill." Eleanor patted the knitted wool. "This will keep you warm."

Harrison's nose pinkened, warmth blooming in her chest.

Reginald chuckled. "Miss Harrison, Lady Eleanor hasn't knitted in years. Not even Master Nathaniel owns anything made by her hands."

Eleanor swatted playfully at him. "Nathaniel has staff to keep him warm. But our Harrison only has herself."

Harrison had always been alone.

Something fragile in Harrison's chest cracked open. She threw her arms around Eleanor.

Tears pricked her eyes as she buried her face in Eleanor's shoulder, clinging tightly. "Thank you, Grandmother."

Gratitude overflowed.

For the warmth. The understanding. The belonging.

For welcoming her into the Falcon family.

Rosewood Manor was the warmest place she'd ever known. Her sanctuary. Her home.

Yet it could never truly be hers.

No matter how she wished otherwise.

Soon, she would have to leave it all behind.