Chapter 138

Nathaniel knew he had to get up.

Gently disentangling his arm from Harrison's grasp, he slipped out of bed.

The cold shower helped clear his mind. He dressed swiftly in his signature black attire - shirt and trousers that accentuated his commanding presence.

Entering his office, he froze.

Isabella was already there, waiting.

She turned, crimson lips curling into a knowing smile. "Nathaniel, just waking up?"

It was 8 AM - unusually late for the always-punctual CEO. Nathaniel hesitated. He hadn't anticipated her early arrival.

Dominic rushed in, breathless. "Mr. Falcon, I was just at marketing. I didn't realize Ms. Isabella..."

His voice trailed off. Dominic knew Harrison was still in the lounge after spending the night there. Now with Isabella here... This was a powder keg waiting to explode.

Would there be hair-pulling? Screaming? Dominic didn't dare meet Nathaniel's gaze.

Isabella's sharp intuition caught the tension immediately. "What's happening? Am I unwelcome here?" Her eyes narrowed toward the lounge door. "Nathaniel, you're not hiding someone in there, are you?"

She moved toward the door with purpose.

Nathaniel blocked her path, his tall frame forming an immovable barrier.

"Why won't you let me in?" Isabella's voice turned sharp. "I called repeatedly last night. No answer. And now this?" Her accusatory tone hung in the air. "Were you with someone?"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed slightly. His deep voice remained steady. "Isabella. Leave."

Leave? Never.

She shoved past him with surprising strength, throwing the lounge door open.

Dominic braced for disaster.

Isabella stormed in - then stopped dead.

Nathaniel followed her gaze. The bed stood empty. No sign of Harrison.

Gone.

Dominic blinked in confusion. Where had she disappeared to?

Seizing the moment, Dominic intervened smoothly. "Ms. Isabella, you've misunderstood. Mr. Falcon worked late and has an important meeting..."

A knock interrupted them. A manager entered with documents. "These require your signature, sir."

Isabella's suspicion evaporated. Of course Nathaniel wouldn't betray her. She'd let paranoia take over.

"Forgive me," she murmured, touching Nathaniel's arm. "I'll let you work."

She left with a final glance.

Once alone, Nathaniel scanned the empty lounge. Harrison couldn't have left - only one exit existed.

His sharp eyes landed on the wardrobe.

The door was shut... but not quite right.