Chapter 57

Harrison slipped through the doorway unnoticed. The lively chatter continued without pause, leaving her standing awkwardly by the wall.

Victoria's voice cut through the noise. "Harrison, you're here."

Every head turned in unison, eyes locking onto her figure.

Margaret's smile froze. Disgust flickered across her face. "Why did you invite Harrison?"

Victoria gave a light laugh. "Mother, it's your birthday. I thought she should come."

Margaret's tone turned icy. "I don't want her here. Look at Penelope and Isabella - accomplished young women. Then there's Harrison. A country girl with no status. She doesn't belong at my celebration."

The message was clear - Margaret didn't consider Harrison family.

Isabella and Penelope had dressed to impress, their makeup flawless. They exchanged smug glances before addressing Margaret sweetly.

"Grandmother, she's still your granddaughter. You can't just send her away," Isabella cooed.

"Don't let this ruin your special day," Penelope added with a practiced smile.

Margaret's responding smile didn't reach her eyes. "I'm perfectly content with you two as my granddaughters."

Harrison felt her chest tighten. The Whitmore family had been destitute until her father Benjamin built their fortune from nothing.

Benjamin sent Theodore to university, making him the family's first graduate. He helped Frederick establish a steel business that made him wealthy.

Yet after Benjamin's death, they'd divided his assets like vultures.

Margaret was the worst - she only valued those who brought prestige to the Whitmores.