Chapter 269

Nathaniel's deep voice resonated through the room. "Mr. Ashford, are you telling me the prodigy freshman will be attending the Global Scholars Forum?"

What?

The words "prodigy freshman" hit Isabella like a thunderclap, instantly seizing her focus. Was the elusive genius finally making an appearance?

"She's been right here in Willowbrook all along," Julian responded. "Though you've never crossed paths. She'll be at the Global Scholars Forum, so you'll finally meet. Make sure to clear your schedule."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "Understood."

As the call ended, Isabella stood frozen. "Nathaniel, this prodigy has been in Willowbrook this whole time? Who is she?"

Willowbrook's elite circles weren't vast, yet she'd never heard whispers of such a brilliant young woman.

The existence of this mysterious freshman unsettled Isabella deeply.

Nathaniel, equally in the dark, had no answers.

The thought of this enigmatic genius intrigued him. He arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

"We'll discover soon enough," he replied.

Harrison had spent seven feverish days confined to bed, lost in delirium.

On the eighth morning, clarity returned. The illness had lifted completely.

Rosalind and Gabrielle rushed to her side. "Harrison, you gave us such a scare."

Harrison pushed open the window. Golden sunlight bathed her slender frame as she inhaled deeply, then flashed a playful grin.

"Relax, girls. I'm perfectly fine now."

She'd healed herself.

Life had returned to her eyes. Though the process of breaking and rebuilding had been agonizing, she'd emerged whole.

She'd accepted Nathaniel's rejection, carving him from her heart with excruciating precision.

No regrets remained.

She'd loved fiercely, throwing herself into flames that nearly consumed her.

And so, she walked away unburdened.

Rosalind and Gabrielle cheered.

"We knew you wouldn't let any man destroy you!"

"Single and ready to conquer the world! Forget Nathaniel!"

Harrison slung an arm around each friend. "Exactly. That chapter's closed. Nathaniel who?"

Their laughter filled the room.

Soon after, Harrison returned to classes. Alistair Whitmore's lecture was in session.

While Alistair taught, Harrison drowsed at her desk, head pillowed on folded arms. Noticing her apparent disinterest, Alistair shook his head. She clearly didn't deserve someone of Nathaniel's caliber. Little did he know his perception would soon undergo a seismic shift.

Alistair continued expounding on ancient medical texts when Harrison suddenly stirred. Her sharp gaze locked onto him as she raised a hand, summoning him over.

Alistair hesitated. Now what?

He approached warily.

Harrison met his eyes squarely. "You made an error earlier."

What?

Alistair stiffened. As a titan in medical academia, no student had ever dared correct him.

"Impossible," he scoffed.

Harrison sat upright, posture perfect. "Check 'Classic of Herbal Medicine,' Volume 10, page 4008. The mistake is undeniable."