Chapter 123

Harrison gaped at Gregory in disbelief. "Wait, Mr. Thornton, you must have dialed the wrong number..."

Her voice faltered as a towering figure stepped between them, blocking her view. Nathaniel had positioned himself directly in front of her.

His piercing gaze swept over Rosalind before locking onto Harrison. "Who initiated the altercation? Step forward!"

The fury radiating from him was suffocating. Rosalind instinctively retreated, her face paling.

In a cowardly move, Rosalind shoved Harrison forward, sending her stumbling straight into Nathaniel's chest.

His body was unyielding, like forged steel. The aura of a powerful CEO, fresh from a high-stakes board meeting, made his presence even more intimidating—no one dared approach.

Harrison, still off-balance, felt her cheeks burn as she pressed against him. She couldn't believe Rosalind had betrayed her like this.

Traitor!

Nathaniel looked down at her, his voice sharp. "Stand properly."

"Right." Harrison quickly righted herself, smoothing her rumpled clothes.

"Look at me," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Harrison obeyed, lifting her chin.

Nathaniel's frown deepened as he studied her. Bruises marred her face, her hair tangled from the fight. Though she and Rosalind had overpowered Julian, his physical advantage had left its mark—her clothes were torn, dust smudged her porcelain skin, and she looked utterly pitiful.

Yet her eyes remained bright and clear, meeting his without flinching.

For a moment, Nathaniel's reprimand died on his lips.

Just then, Gregory approached. "Mr. Falcon, my sincerest apologies for the disturbance. However, the situation with Harrison and Rosalind brawling is severe. The Ashfords are demanding Harrison's expulsion. What would you advise?"

Nathaniel's mouth thinned into a razor-sharp line. "I'll take them to clean up first."

Gregory nodded. "Understood."

Nathaniel escorted Harrison and Rosalind to the dormitory. Rosalind snatched her basin and bolted. "Harrison, I'll use the shower down the hall."

Harrison could only stare after her, speechless.

Nathaniel waited outside with impeccable decorum while Harrison showered, washing away the grime of the fight.

When she emerged, Nathaniel still stood guard outside.

His imposing figure drew whispers and awed glances from every girl in the building. They peeked through doorways, their voices hushed with admiration.

"Is that Nathaniel Falcon? He's even more striking in person!"

Nathaniel ignored them, his expression unreadable.

Dominic appeared, murmuring, "Sir, shall we handle this discreetly? The Falcons and Ashfords have ties. A word from you could retract the expulsion demand."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Harrison had been at Willowridge University for barely two days and already caused an uproar.

Then, as if sensing her gaze, he turned.

His intense stare made Harrison flinch. She hastily stepped aside. "Mr. Falcon, please come in."

Nathaniel strode into the dorm.

It was his first time in a girls' dorm. The space was a riot of pastels—peach-colored bedding, pop star posters, and an overwhelming air of youthful femininity. A stark contrast to his own austere world.