Chapter 317

A peculiar sensation twisted in Nathaniel's chest. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words died on his lips.

His hand felt abruptly empty - Harrison had already pulled away.

She was immediately encircled by a group of young prodigies, the brightest minds of their generation. Among them stood Lucas Harrington, a fellow Westfield alumnus who'd risen to fame as a tech wunderkind, now the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Lucas gazed at Harrison's stunning features and flashed a charming smile. "Harrison, I've got to ask - are you seeing anyone?"

Nathaniel's eyes remained locked on Harrison as she arched one perfect eyebrow. Her response came in three simple words.

"Completely unattached."

Completely unattached.

The declaration made Lucas' face light up. Without hesitation, he produced his phone. "Since we're both Westfield alumni, let's connect on Instagram."

Harrison nodded. "Of course, Lucas."

Just like that, they exchanged social media details.

Nathaniel stood frozen, watching. A memory surfaced - Harrison had rejected his friend request months ago.

Yet she'd add this stranger without hesitation.

She'd called Lucas by his first name, so casually, so warmly.

While he remained "Mr. Falcon" to her. Always formal. Always distant.

An emptiness spread through Nathaniel's chest, as if something precious had slipped through his fingers.

"Harrison!"

A shrill voice cut through the crowd.

Margaret, Isabella, Penelope, and Victoria had arrived, but couldn't get close. Harrison stood in the VIP section - hallowed ground they couldn't access.

A security guard blocked their path. "This area is restricted."

Margaret refused to back down. She raised her voice, desperation coloring her tone. "I need to speak with Harrison! I'm her grandmother!"

Never in her wildest dreams had Margaret imagined the girl she'd considered the Whitmore family's shame would become this celebrated genius. Now she was desperate to reclaim her.

Hearing the disturbance, Harrison turned.

The guard approached respectfully. "Ms. Whitmore, these women claim to know you. This lady says she's your grandmother."

Margaret forced a smile. "Sweetheart, it's me - your grandmother!"

Sweetheart?

Harrison nearly laughed aloud. This was the first affectionate term Margaret had ever used with her. "Grandmother? Didn't we sever all ties just hours ago?"

Margaret froze.

Harrison's gaze swept past her to Cassandra and Penelope. Cassandra shifted uncomfortably, while the usually arrogant Penelope stood shell-shocked.

Behind them, Victoria and Isabella watched with venomous expressions, jealousy twisting their features.

Cassandra attempted damage control. "Harrison, your grandmother spoke in anger earlier. Blood is thicker than water."

Harrison stood tall, radiating quiet elegance. She blinked slowly, long lashes fluttering as she regarded Margaret. "So you're saying you want me back in the family?"

Margaret nodded eagerly. "Harrison, we've always been family-"

"Pity," Harrison cut in sharply, "I no longer consider you family."

Margaret stiffened.

Harrison's clear gaze swept over the people before her. They'd inflicted wounds that once burned with pain. Now only ice remained.

"I was abandoned by all of you as a child," she said calmly. "While others had grandmothers and mothers - a family - I felt like an orphan. As you said earlier - our ties are severed. This time, it's my choice to walk away."

Turning to the security guard, she delivered her final words.

"I don't know these people. Please remove them."