Chapter 323

Rosalind had returned.

But she came back alone - Harrison wasn't with her.

Alistair asked, puzzled, "Bebe, why are you alone? Where's Harrison?"

Rosalind explained, "She had prior commitments and couldn't make it today."

Nathaniel looked at Rosalind, his lips pressing into a thin line. "What commitments could she possibly have?"

Rosalind flashed a knowing smile. "If you're that curious, I'll tell you. Harrison went out to enjoy herself."

Harrison went out to enjoy herself?

"Where exactly did she go?"

"To Wintervale. I heard the first snowfall is coming soon, so Harrison went with the group to witness it. Oh, and Lucas went with her too."

Nathaniel's memory stirred. Yesterday, Julian had mentioned taking everyone to Wintervale for the snow, but Nathaniel had declined. He hadn't expected Harrison and Lucas to go together.

Rosalind chuckled. "Nathaniel, I think Lucas is quite taken with Harrison. He personally drove to pick her up this morning. Now you won't need to worry about introducing her to any CEOs."

She feigned a sigh. "Some men are blind though. They hold a diamond in their hands yet chase after worthless stones. Now that diamond might be claimed by someone else."

Nathaniel remained silent.

Rosalind hadn't directly insulted him, but her words struck deep.

Harrison was the diamond, and Isabella was the worthless stone. Rosalind was mocking him for losing the treasure and settling for a pebble.

Harrison arrived at Wintervale accompanied by several senior students from her university and top scholars from various prestigious families. The lively group of about ten included Lucas among them.

They stayed at a luxurious seaside resort where Wintervale was visible right from their doorstep.

A female student handed Harrison her room key. "Harrison, you're in Room 608." Harrison accepted it with a smile. "Thank you."

Lucas glanced at his own key - 612. Too far from Harrison's room. He immediately swapped with another student. "Mind trading for Room 609?"

Everyone noticed Lucas's interest in Harrison and teased him. "Room 609 faces Harrison's directly! Looks like Lucas wants to be closer!"

"Seems Lucas has fallen for Harrison and is making his move."

Lucas met Harrison's gaze, his eyes sparkling. "A lady of such grace deserves proper courtship. Quiet now, or you'll embarrass Harrison."

The group laughed. His protective instincts were showing even before anything official. Clearly, Lucas was serious about Harrison.

He approached Harrison. "Do you enjoy watching snow?"

Harrison nodded. "I've loved snow since childhood. My father and I made a promise to visit Wintervale together for the first snowfall."

A female student asked, "Where is your father now? Why didn't he come with you?"

Back then, Harrison's father was still alive. He'd built her a swing. On snowy days, he'd stand behind her holding an umbrella while pushing her higher into the air - her favorite winter memory.

He'd promised, "They say Wintervale has the most beautiful snow. Next year, I'll take you there to see it."

The next year, he was gone forever.

Harrison smiled faintly. "My father passed away."

The students offered comforting pats on her shoulder.

Lucas said gently, "It's alright. Though your father can't be here, we'll share this moment with you."

The mood lightened.

"The weather station predicts Wintervale's first snowfall will arrive soon. Let's drop our bags in our rooms and head out together to witness winter's first snow."