Chapter 306: Now Turn Around and Look
In truth, Lauren never had any unrealistic hopes.
She knew that, given her status, being with Harrison was nothing but a pipe dream.
She also knew that Harrison didn't have the slightest feelings for her.
Recently, she had heard some vague rumors about what was happening between Harrison and Adeline.
As for Adeline, Lauren always felt respect and gratitude toward her.
She still remembered that in her most humiliating moment, it was Adeline who had covered her with a coat.
So even if Adeline liked Harrison, Lauren couldn't hold any resentment toward her.
She was genuinely willing to bless them.
Occasionally, however, she would allow herself a small selfish thought: to see Harrison, even just for a moment to exchange a word or two. That alone would satisfy her.
Harrison gave her a polite nod.
Then, as if something occurred to him, he asked, "When did you get here?"
Lauren smiled and replied, "I arrived just before lunch today."
"Hmm. And how do you find this place so far?"
Since she was a guest he knew, Harrison took the opportunity to ask her opinion on Castlewill Manor.
The more guest feedback he received, the better he could manage the estate.
Lauren understood his intention, so she carefully thought it over and shared her impressions and suggestions.
Then she added, "But since we only arrived today and spent most of the time resting indoors, we haven't really explored much. I'll play around over the next few days, talk it over with my friends, and give you more feedback later."
"Alright. Thank you," Harrison said. "These next few days are on me."
Lauren wanted to refuse, but she didn't want to appear disrespectful to Harrison, so she
swallowed the words.
From start to finish, Harrison remained polite yet distant to her.
Now that their conversation was over, it seemed he had no intention of continuing to chat.
Lauren knew it was time to leave.
And yet, a question lingered within her.
There was something she had always wanted to ask Harrison.
Even though she already knew the answer, she still wanted to hear it from him.
"Mr. Thomson, I have a question for you," Lauren asked.
"Go ahead."
Lauren took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "Back then, why did you drink the glass of wine I poured for you?"
It happened about a year ago. Harrison had been at Sam's club, drinking with Sam and a few friends, and he had accepted a drink she
poured.
Ever since then, Lauren couldn't help but wonder if she held a different place in Harrison's heart.
But everything that happened afterward made her realize it was just her imagination.
Hearing her question, Harrison paused slightly.
He seemed to think about it for a moment before replying, "Sorry, I don't remember."
After a beat, he added, "If it was at Sam's club, I probably didn't even notice who poured the drink."
Lauren smiled.
A breeze blew past, gently tossing her long hair.
In the cool night air, her smile carried a hint of sadness and relief.
Yes, back then, Harrison hadn't even looked at her.
She had simply overthought it.
But now, hearing the answer straight from Harrison, the foolish obsession in her heart could finally dissipate.
"I understand," Lauren said softly. "Thank you, Mr. Thomson."
With that, she turned and left.
After Lauren left, Harrison tilted his head back slightly and suddenly noticed the stars twinkling in the night sky.
Winter nights had fewer stars than summer ones, but they shone brighter.
Looking at the stars, Harrison found himself thinking of Adeline again.
He pulled out his phone, intending to call her-only to see her name appear on the screen first.
It was Adeline calling.
Harrison answered immediately, smiling. "It seems we're really in sync."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"I was just about to call you, and here you are."
Adeline laughed softly. "I called to tell you to look at the stars. I just looked up, and the stars are so bright tonight."
At her words, Harrison's heart warmed even more.
"I was about to call you for the same reason. I wanted you to see the stars with me."
"Really? Don't lie to me."
"I'm not lying," Harrison said. "We really are thinking the same thing."
"Then guess what I'm thinking right now."
"You're thinking about me," Harrison replied.
"Correct. You guessed right."
"Do I get a reward for that?" Harrison asked.
"Hmm, I can't think of a reward off the top of my head. What do you want?"
Harrison hesitated.
If he spoke the truth, he wanted too much.
He was afraid Adeline would want to hit him for saying it.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Adeline asked.
Harrison coughed awkwardly. "I'll tell you later when I think of something."
"No way," Adeline said teasingly. "You have to say it now, or the chance will expire."
"You're putting me on the spot here."
Harrison sighed helplessly.
"You have to answer," Adeline said.
Harrison suddenly let out a deep sigh.
"What's wrong? Is it so hard to think of a reward?"
"No," Harrison replied softly. "It's just that what I want most right now is something you can't give me."
"Oh? What is it? How do you know I can't give it to you if you don't tell me?"
"The reward I want most is for you to be here with me."
"Oh, I see," Adeline replied with a sigh.
Then, after a brief pause, she said, "Well, why don't you turn around and look?"
Harrison froze.
He whipped his head around.
Adeline was standing there in the moonlight.
She held her phone, smiling at him.
Harrison swallowed hard.
Without thinking, he rose to his feet and walked straight to her.
Then, he reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace.
His mind was blank.
All he knew was that she was really here.
This wasn't a dream.
And he wanted to hold her tightly, forever, and never let her go.
"Surprised?" Adeline asked with a smile.
"Didn't expect me to come, did you?"
Harrison didn't answer immediately.
After a moment, he said softly, "Yes. Very surprised."
Neither of them spoke again. They simply held each other in silence.
Neither noticed that, hidden in the shadows where the light couldn't reach, Eleanor stood watching them coldly.
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