Chapter 643

Nathaniel had known Harrison for years.

Isabella stood frozen, her hands trembling. "This...this can't be true! You're lying to me, aren't you?" Her voice cracked with disbelief.

Harrison tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Ms. Lancaster, as the daughter of the wealthiest man alive, shouldn't you mind your manners? Your current behavior is rather...unbecoming, don't you think?"

The whispered murmurs around them grew louder.

"Look at how she's acting - positively green with envy."

"Ms. Lancaster may have wealth, but she lacks Harrison's grace and talent."

"Such a stark contrast between them. No wonder she's losing her composure."

"Embarrassing display for someone of her status. The Lancasters must be mortified."

Arabella's face flushed crimson with fury. "You planned this humiliation all along, didn't you? How calculating!"

Harrison merely shrugged. "You created this situation yourself. I simply obliged." Her gaze sharpened. "Though frankly, Arabella, I doubt you even belong here. Did Isabella sneak you in?"

The event coordinator materialized beside them. "Ms. Arabella, this is an invitation-only affair. Security will escort you out immediately."

Arabella's mouth fell open as two broad-shouldered guards appeared. The handsome tycoon she'd flirted with earlier now regarded her with open disdain.

"You'll regret this, Harrison!" Arabella spat as the guards gripped her arms.

Harrison smiled sweetly at the coordinator. "She seems reluctant to leave voluntarily."

"Understood, Ms. Harrison."

The guards marched Arabella toward the exit, her heels scraping against the marble floor. The weight of public disgrace crushed her - being ejected from the prestigious Global Scholars Forum would ruin her social standing.

"Nathaniel! Isabella!" she cried desperately. But neither moved to help. The grand doors swung shut behind her.

The coordinator bowed slightly. "Our deepest apologies, Ms. Harrison."

"A minor inconvenience," Harrison dismissed gracefully.

The murmuring crowd immediately swarmed Harrison. "Ms. Harrison, what an honor! We've followed your work for years."

Nathaniel finally approached, his gaze intense. "I never imagined you were Harrison."

She met his eyes, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "I did tell you I didn't need rescuing."