Chapter 151

Harrison's absence only made Penelope's triumph shine brighter.

Penelope signed autographs for the adoring students before sauntering over to Harrison with a triumphant smile. "Harrison, I heard Julian Ashford kidnapped you. Why do you constantly find trouble? You're embarrassing the Whitmore name!"

Not a single Whitmore family member had shown concern—only criticism.

Harrison remained unfazed, long accustomed to their indifference. She winked playfully, her tone light. "I don't mind tarnishing the Whitmore reputation when you're here to polish it back up."

The barb hit its mark. Penelope's lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk. "You've heard about my research paper, haven't you? The National Medical Gallery selected it for display tomorrow. The entire family's celebrating. Grandmother Margaret and my parents will be there to witness my achievement."

Even Margaret Whitmore would attend—Penelope was her golden child. The brightest star at Willowridge University and the Whitmore family's pride. Tomorrow, Margaret would bring the entire third branch to bask in Penelope's glory.

Harrison arched an eyebrow. Though she hadn't visited the Whitmore estate in ages, she could picture their excitement perfectly.

She smiled. "Then I'll join the celebration at the National Medical Gallery tomorrow."

"You?" Penelope's gaze turned disdainful. "Come if you must, but we both know you're just a small-town nobody trying to leech off my success. Just don't make a scene, or I'll have security remove you."

Harrison smirked. "Noted."

Penelope strutted away, her designer heels clicking against the pavement.

Rosalind looked troubled. "Harrison, are you serious about going tomorrow? Penelope and her family will humiliate you."

Harrison gave Rosalind's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Trust me." She pulled out her phone and texted Oliver. [Send me Penelope's research paper—the one the National Medical Gallery selected.]

Oliver replied instantly. [On it.]

At Falcon Enterprises...

Nathaniel had buried himself in work all day. His recent preoccupation with Harrison had created a mountain of paperwork.

That evening, Sebastian barged in and collapsed on the sofa. "I can't believe you're jeopardizing relations with the Ashfords over someone like Harrison. She must have you under some spell."

Nathaniel glanced up from his documents, his expression icy.

Sebastian clamped his mouth shut instantly. While he feared no one in this world, Nathaniel was the sole exception.

Yet the competitive fire burned too strong. He launched his gaming app and sent Harrison a challenge notification. After their last humiliating defeat, Sebastian had splurged on premium upgrades—this time, victory would be his.

Across campus, Harrison sat cross-legged on her dorm bed, engrossed in the research paper Oliver had forwarded.

Her screen suddenly exploded with notifications.

[Harrison! Fight me!]

[I dare you to play!]

[You're going down this time!]

[Too scared?]

[Coward!]

Harrison exhaled sharply through her nose.

Sebastian was at it again.

She bookmarked the academic document and logged into her gaming account. [One round. That's it.]

Sebastian nearly dropped his phone in triumph. She'd taken the bait! His newly acquired Zen staff glowed ominously—this time, he'd crush her within minutes.

The match began with his signature aggressive assault, enhanced by his expensive upgrades.

"Game over."

The words flashed crimson across Sebastian's screen after forty-seven seconds.