Chapter 141

Harrison slipped backstage. She'd requested Dominic to clear the area, leaving her completely alone in the dimly lit space.

She settled before the vanity mirror. Her raven-black hair was pulled into an elegant chignon, accentuating her graceful neckline. A swipe of lipstick was all she added to her flawless complexion.

Makeup had never been necessary for Harrison. Her porcelain skin and delicate features gave her an ethereal glow. The subtle enhancement only amplified her natural beauty.

Outside, Alistair's voice carried through the curtains. "Good afternoon, everyone."

Harrison rose and lifted the heavy drape slightly. The auditorium was packed beyond capacity, every seat filled with eager attendees. This was the most anticipated lecture of the year.

Camera flashes erupted like lightning across the room.

Alistair stood at the podium, adjusting his microphone. "We're gathered here today for..."

The crowd erupted in unison. "Dr. Sinclair!"

Alistair beamed. "Exactly. It's our immense privilege to host Dr. Sinclair here at Willowridge University today."

Harrison's gaze swept across the audience. Front and center sat Nathaniel - tall, imposing, his expression unreadable as always. To his left were Isabella and Penelope, to his right the university's senior faculty. Nathaniel always commanded the spotlight wherever he went.

Alistair practically vibrated with excitement as he announced, "Without further ado, please welcome Dr. Sinclair!"

Showtime.

Three years had passed since Harrison left as Mrs. Falcon. Now she returned as Dr. Sinclair.

She couldn't help anticipating Nathaniel's reaction when he saw her. Isabella and Arabella's expressions would be equally priceless. This moment would be unforgettable.

Harrison took a deep breath and stepped forward.

A sudden, searing pain exploded at the base of her skull. Darkness swallowed her vision as she crumpled to the floor.

Meanwhile, in the auditorium, Nathaniel sat rigidly in his front-row seat. Isabella whispered excitedly, "Nathaniel, we're finally going to meet Dr. Sinclair!"

The curtains began parting slowly. Nathaniel's sharp eyes fixed on the stage. But no one appeared.

No Dr. Sinclair.

Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd.

Penelope gasped. "Where is she? What's happening?"

Alistair looked equally bewildered. He'd just received confirmation that Dr. Sinclair had arrived backstage. Where had she gone?

"Please remain calm, everyone," Alistair said, struggling to regain control.

The audience buzzed with speculation. Nathaniel's phone vibrated - Rosalind calling urgently.

He stepped into the hallway to answer. Rosalind's panicked voice came through. "Nathaniel! It's Harrison!"

His jaw tightened. "What now?"

"I saw her being knocked out and dragged away! I couldn't catch the car, but it was Julian's men. Julian took Harrison!"

Julian took Harrison? Again?

First that bastard Vincent, now the notorious playboy Julian? How did she keep attracting these men?

A sharp pang of anger twisted in Nathaniel's chest. There was never a moment's peace with her.

"Nathaniel, you have to find her immediately! I think Julian has... intentions. If you don't act fast, you'll lose your wife!" Rosalind gasped between words.

She'd been searching for Harrison when she witnessed the abduction. The getaway car had vanished before she could intervene.

Nathaniel ended the call without responding.

Dominic approached. "Mr. Falcon, should we implement roadblocks like last time?"