Chapter 111

The truth was, Harrison had long accepted her transient existence.

Drifting through life had been her norm since childhood. But now she understood—it wasn't hardship that shattered her. It was kindness. The warmth she'd never known made her chest tighten unbearably.

Eleanor reached out, pulling Harrison into an embrace as if she were a child. "My dear, why so formal with me?"

"Grandmother, I need to tell you something."

"Of course, sweetheart. What is it?"

Outside the door, Nathaniel stood motionless. Harrison leaned against Eleanor's shoulder, silent tears tracing her cheeks like morning dew.

"Grandmother, I can't stay here anymore. I'm leaving."

Eleanor stiffened. "What? Why? Has that boy Nathaniel been cruel again? I'll deal with him right now!"

Reginald materialized with a feather duster. "Madam Eleanor, here!"

She snatched it, scowling. "Harrison, you're not going anywhere. If anyone leaves, it's him!"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched.

Had his grandmother forgotten he was her blood relative? At this point, adoption seemed plausible.

And Reginald—that traitor would regret his allegiance.

Harrison's soft voice cut through the tension. "You misunderstand. Nathaniel has been... unexpectedly kind."

Eleanor scoffed. "Truly?"

Nathaniel watched as Harrison wiped her tears, forcing a bright smile. "Absolutely. Actually, he's arranged for me to attend Willowridge University. I'm moving to campus tomorrow."

Eleanor blinked. "Willowridge? Well... that's impressive. For once, the boy makes a decent decision."

Harrison disentangled herself. "Registration is tomorrow."

"I'll accompany you."

"No need, Grandmother."

"Nonsense! Every student needs family during registration. You have me."

Harrison's eyes shimmered again. She bit her lip. "Arriving in a luxury car would draw attention. I just want to focus on my studies."

Eleanor opened her mouth to protest, but Harrison continued quickly—before the dam broke. She couldn't afford to hesitate. Lingering would make leaving impossible.

"Grandmother, don't distract me. I'll visit often."

Eleanor sighed. "Very well."

"Thank you. Rest now."

As Eleanor settled back, Harrison stepped into the hallway—where Nathaniel waited.

"Grandmother's calm now. I'm leaving."

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on her tear-streaked face. Her eyes, though swollen, shone brighter. Flushed cheeks. Pink nose. That stubborn posture couldn't disguise how fragile she looked.

How utterly breakable.

His voice dropped. "I'll have the car ready."

"No thank you."

Without a backward glance, Harrison walked away.

Nathaniel watched the estate gates swallow her slender figure into the night.

Something heavy settled in his chest. He yanked off his tie and flung it aside.

Fine. Let her go.