Chapter 641

Harrison studied the event coordinator with piercing eyes. "If I recall correctly," she began smoothly, "the Zenith Gala exclusively invited Forbes-listed individuals this year?"

The coordinator nodded briskly. "Precisely, madam."

"Then logically," Harrison continued, her voice dropping to a dangerous purr, "any unlisted attendee would be an intruder?"

"Undoubtedly," the coordinator confirmed. "Our security team would immediately remove such persons to maintain the event's exclusivity."

Arabella's lips curled in satisfaction. "This isn't some charity fundraiser where gatecrashers belong. The organizers should make an example of any imposters."

Isabella's smirk turned predatory as she raised a manicured finger. "How fascinating then, that we've discovered one such fraud among us tonight."

All eyes followed her accusing gesture to where Harrison stood, utterly unruffled. The heiress merely arched one perfectly sculpted brow, her champagne flute steady in elegant fingers.

The murmurs began instantly among the glittering crowd.

"Ms. Lancaster claims Ms. Harrison isn't listed?"

"No Harrison on this year's rankings..."

"Another social climber trying to snag a billionaire husband?"

"Pathetic really - getting caught by the Lancasters of all people!"

Isabella basked in the growing scandal, advancing on Harrison with venomous delight. "Well? Will you leave gracefully, or must security drag you out?"

Nathaniel moved like shadow given form, his towering frame materializing beside Harrison. "She's my personal guest." His voice could have frozen the champagne in their glasses.

Isabella scoffed. "Using you as her golden ticket, more like! Open your eyes, Nathaniel - she's just another-"

Harrison's sudden laughter cut through the tension like shattered crystal. "Oh Isabella," she sighed, shaking her head with genuine amusement. "You always did have spectacular timing for humiliation."

With the effortless grace of a panther, Harrison stepped into the gala's spotlight. The ambient chatter died as every guest instinctively turned toward her commanding presence.

"Let me clarify my position," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly. "I require no wealthy patron. No powerful benefactor." Her gaze swept the room, leaving no doubt. "I am the power in any room I enter."

The declaration hung in the air, vibrating with unshakable certainty. Nathaniel found himself transfixed - the way the chandeliers caught in Harrison's upswept hair, the defiant set of her shoulders. She reminded him painfully of another woman who'd once stood just so, years ago...

A startling realization dawned. Could Harrison possibly be...?

Isabella's shrill cackle shattered the moment. "Delusional much? Not even ranked yet you dare claim equality here?"

Arabella joined the attack with a pitying smirk. "Honestly, it's embarrassing watching you pretend."

Harrison merely smiled, reaching into her clutch with deliberate slowness. What she withdrew silenced the room more effectively than any shout.

The newly printed Forbes list trembled in Isabella's suddenly nerveless fingers. There, glaringly obvious in the top twenty, glared the name she'd never expected to see: Harrison.

The gasps were everything.