Chapter 150

Abuse.

The night was deep when Harrison returned alone, her body bearing the marks of violence. Nathaniel's absence twisted like a knife in Rosalind's chest.

Where was Julian now?

Earlier, Isabella had gone to see Nathaniel. By all logic, Julian should have been released by now.

Harrison trembled slightly, her arms wrapping around Rosalind's warmth without a word. "Rosalind, my face hurts. I can't talk right now."

"Okay, okay," Rosalind replied instantly, her voice soft. "No more questions. Let me check your other injuries. I'll apply more ointment. By tomorrow, you'll look like yourself again."

The lamplight in their dorm room painted everything in a gentle, golden hue.

By morning, under Rosalind's care and the medicine's magic, the bruises on Harrison's face and body had faded. Her skin was smooth and flawless once more.

They were heading to the cafeteria for breakfast when Reginald and Beatrice Ashford appeared, blocking their path.

Rosalind tensed immediately. "What do you want?"

Without speaking, Reginald and Beatrice dropped to their knees before Harrison.

Rosalind froze. "Harrison, what...?"

Harrison was just as stunned. She hadn't expected this.

Frowning, she asked, "What are you doing?"

Reginald and Beatrice looked exhausted, their faces lined with worry. Beatrice's eyes brimmed with tears as she pleaded, "Our son is a fool. He hurt you. As his parents, we beg for your forgiveness. Please... ask Mr. Falcon to release him."

Harrison paused. "Nathaniel hasn't let him go yet?"

"No." Reginald shook his head. "Last night, we begged Isabella. She spoke to Mr. Falcon on our behalf, but he refused. He said... he said..."

Harrison's gaze sharpened. "What did he say?"

Reginald looked defeated. "Mr. Falcon said we were asking the wrong person. We should have come to you, not Isabella."

Had he really said that?

Harrison had assumed Isabella's intervention would secure Julian's release. Apparently, Nathaniel had other ideas.

"Julian is our only child," Reginald continued. "We spoiled him, and our lack of discipline led to this. We'll make it right—whatever you ask. The Falcon and Ashford families have been friends for years. Mr. Falcon said the decision is yours. Do you truly want to sever that bond?"

Their desperation was palpable.

Harrison exhaled. "Get up. I'll call Nathaniel and ask him to release Julian."

"Really? Thank you!" Beatrice choked out, relief flooding her face.

"But I never want to see Julian again," Harrison stated coldly.

Reginald nodded eagerly. "Once he's released, we'll take him abroad. You won't have to lay eyes on him again."

Harrison gave a curt nod. "Fine."

Reginald and Beatrice showered her with gratitude before leaving.

Then, chaos erupted ahead. Penelope had arrived.

A crowd of students swarmed her, their admiration palpable. "Penelope, can I have your autograph?"

"Penelope, we all want to be like you someday!"

Rosalind quickly filled Harrison in. "You missed everything yesterday after Julian took you. Dr. Sinclair was absent, and in the chaos, Penelope—our very own star at Willowridge University—stepped up to deliver the lecture. The applause was deafening. Overnight, she became a sensation."

She lowered her voice. "Also, her research paper was selected by the National Medical Gallery. Tomorrow, it'll be displayed in their showcase. It's a huge honor. Right now, Penelope is all anyone can talk about."

Harrison watched Penelope, understanding now why the girl radiated such smug satisfaction today.

When the king was away, the jester had indeed claimed the throne.