Chapter 140

Harrison stood frozen, her lips parted in silent shock.

She'd expected nothing from him. Nathaniel would never touch her—Isabella had made sure of that.

Yet this deliberate humiliation cut deeper than she'd anticipated.

"Nathaniel, your hatred runs this deep? Fine. You'll never see me again."

She spun on her heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The air between them crackled with unresolved tension.

Nathaniel's expression darkened as he strode into his office, flipping through urgent documents.

Isabella swept in moments later. "Darling, when are we leaving for Willowridge University? Dr. Sinclair's lecture starts soon—this is our chance to finally meet him."

Her congenital heart condition made Dr. Sinclair her last hope. After two failed attempts, the renowned physician was finally making an appearance.

Nathaniel remembered the elusive doctor—a medical prodigy shrouded in mystery. He signed the last document and rose. "Let's go."

At Willowridge University, campus buzzed with excitement. Banners proclaimed [Welcome, Dr. Sinclair!] News crews jostled for position, cameras at the ready.

The lecture had become the social event of the season. Harrison checked her watch—she needed to get backstage.

Arabella and Penelope spotted her immediately.

Penelope's face twisted in contempt. "Harrison! What are you doing here? Don't you realize today's importance? We've been camped out all night waiting for Dr. Sinclair. Are you trying to sabotage this?"

Arabella smirked. "Why bother, Penelope? She'll probably doze off like always."

Harrison pressed her lips together, refusing to engage.

Isabella's melodic voice cut through the tension. "What's going on here?"

Harrison looked up to see Isabella approaching, Nathaniel's imposing frame beside her.

Arabella beamed. "Nathaniel! Isabella! You came!"

Isabella smiled warmly. "We wouldn't miss Dr. Sinclair's lecture."

Nathaniel's icy gaze locked onto Harrison, who immediately looked away.

Isabella tilted her head. "What were you discussing?"

Arabella opened her mouth, but Alistair's announcement boomed through the quad: "Dr. Sinclair's arrival imminent! Please proceed to the lecture hall."

Penelope grabbed Isabella's arm. "We shouldn't waste another second on Harrison. Dr. Sinclair awaits!"

Isabella shot Harrison a dismissive glance before threading her arm through Nathaniel's. "Shall we, darling?"

Nathaniel led the group toward the lecture hall without a backward glance.

Harrison stood alone, the dismissal stinging more than she cared to admit.

Her phone vibrated.

A message from Alistair:

[Dr. Sinclair, have you arrived?]

Harrison's lips curved.

[I'm here.]