Chapter 198

The household staff buzzed with excitement, their admiration for Penelope palpable in every whisper.

Just then, Margaret descended the grand staircase with Frederick and Cassandra from the Whitmore family. All three wore formal attire, their faces alight with anticipation.

When Margaret spotted Harrison, her expression instantly darkened.

"Harrison," she snapped sharply. "Penelope is bringing Dr. Sinclair home for dinner tonight. You will not speak a single word that might embarrass him, or you'll regret it."

Frederick and Cassandra barely glanced at Harrison before turning away. "Mother, Penelope and Dr. Sinclair should be arriving any moment. Let's greet them outside."

As if on cue, a sleek limousine pulled onto the manicured lawn.

Penelope stepped out, radiant in an elegant gown, her arm linked with Dr. Sinclair's.

"Grandmother, Father, Mother," she announced proudly, "allow me to introduce Dr. Sinclair, my partner."

The Whitmores' faces lit up with approval as they turned toward the distinguished physician. "Dr. Sinclair, what an honor," they chorused.

Harrison studied the man from her corner - tall, impeccably dressed in designer clothes, a luxury watch glinting at his wrist. His polished manners and handsome features gave no hint of his true nature. Only she knew the truth behind his charming facade.

Dr. Sinclair smiled warmly. "Mrs. Margaret, Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, the pleasure is mine. I've brought some small tokens of appreciation."

His driver began unloading an impressive array of gift boxes.

Margaret beamed. "Dr. Sinclair, you're too generous! Please, come inside!"

As the group moved into the grand foyer, Harrison found herself pushed aside, invisible as always.

"Dinner will be served as soon as all our guests arrive," Margaret announced.

Penelope glanced around. "Who are we waiting for, Grandmother?"

"The second branch. Isabella is bringing Mr. Nathaniel tonight," Margaret replied, turning to Dr. Sinclair. "I don't know if you're acquainted with Willowbrook's most prominent businessman, but he's also my son-in-law."

Dr. Sinclair nodded politely. "Mr. Nathaniel's reputation precedes him. I look forward to meeting him."

Harrison's breath caught. She hadn't known Nathaniel would be attending. The rivalry between the family branches had clearly escalated, with both sides parading their most impressive connections.

Another luxury vehicle pulled up outside.

Isabella entered on Nathaniel's arm, followed by Theodore and Victoria.

Margaret rose immediately. "Mr. Nathaniel! Isabella! Welcome!"

Isabella looked stunning in her designer gown, every inch the perfect socialite. Nathaniel cut an imposing figure in his tailored black suit, his sharp gaze immediately finding Dr. Sinclair.

"So you're Dr. Sinclair," he stated coolly.

The physician extended his hand. "Mr. Nathaniel, we've narrowly missed meeting several times. Rest assured, Ms. Isabella is receiving excellent care. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

Nathaniel shook the offered hand, his expression unreadable.

Margaret practically glowed with pride as she took both men's arms. "Isabella and Penelope bring such honor to our family! Now we have two remarkable sons-in-law - Mr. Nathaniel and Dr. Sinclair. We are truly blessed!"