Chapter 158

Penelope had no clue how many tongues were wagging about her behind closed doors.

She despised being the subject of gossip, particularly when it involved something this humiliating.

"Grandmother, Father, Mother, I can't comprehend how this situation escalated!" Penelope cried, her voice trembling with distress.

Frederick and Cassandra exchanged panicked glances. "Penelope, tell us you didn't offend Dr. Sinclair?"

Margaret slapped her knee in frustration. "Oh dear! Dr. Sinclair is a medical prodigy - someone we mustn't antagonize! What shall we do now?"

Harrison observed quietly as the Whitmore family descended into chaos over Dr. Sinclair's disapproval.

Penelope's eyes were red-rimmed, her composure visibly shaken.

Cassandra suddenly spoke up, her tone thoughtful. "Penelope, do we know if Dr. Sinclair is male or female?"

Frederick frowned. "What difference does that make?"

"Well," Cassandra's voice lifted with hope, "if Dr. Sinclair is a man, someone as stunning and accomplished as Penelope would surely captivate him instantly."

Margaret's expression shifted from worry to excitement. "Exactly! If Penelope became Mrs. Sinclair, our family would reach unprecedented heights! With Dr. Sinclair and Nathaniel as my grandsons-in-law, I could die a happy woman!"

Truthfully, Frederick and Cassandra had been scouting elite matches for Penelope for years. They couldn't let the second branch with Isabella outshine them. Dr. Sinclair had long been their target, being the only man who could rival Nathaniel.

Penelope's pulse quickened. She'd admired Nathaniel, but his heart clearly belonged to Isabella. She vowed to find someone equally extraordinary. Dr. Sinclair fit the bill perfectly.

A determined smile curved Penelope's lips. "Grandmother, Father, Mother, I have inside information - Dr. Sinclair has already arrived in Willowbrook."

"Truly? Where is he staying?" Margaret asked eagerly.

"Don't trouble yourselves. I'll locate Dr. Sinclair. Just await my good news." Penelope flashed a confident smile.

The family buzzed with renewed excitement.

Harrison remained silent in the corner.

Well, this should be interesting.

A melodic ringtone interrupted the moment. Harrison saw Alexander's name flashing on her screen.

Stepping outside, she answered. Alexander's voice came through immediately. "Harrison, it's my birthday today. You're coming to celebrate."

It was Alexander's birthday, and he was summoning her.

Harrison began to decline. "Alexander, I-"

He cut her off, his tone playful yet firm. "Harrison, refusal isn't an option. If you don't come, I'll personally collect you from Willowridge University."

Harrison paused. That was certainly an aggressive invitation.

"Fine, Alexander. Send the address. I'll be there later."

The location arrived instantly. Realizing she couldn't arrive empty-handed, Harrison decided to shop for a gift.

It needed to be appropriately expensive yet impersonal - she couldn't risk sending the wrong signals.

After browsing several boutiques, she settled on an elegant men's leather wallet.

With the gift neatly packaged in a luxurious gift bag, she hailed a cab to Alexander's celebration.

The birthday party was being held at an exclusive vineyard's most opulent VIP suite. The guest list comprised elite young heirs, all gathered for an evening of revelry.

Nathaniel and Isabella had already arrived.

Isabella presented her gift with a radiant smile. "Happy birthday, Alexander."

The couch overflowed with extravagant presents from luxury brands.

Sebastian and Arabella approached. "Alexander, shall we begin the festivities?"

Alexander glanced toward the entrance. "Not yet. My most important guest hasn't arrived."