Chapter 148

Nathaniel couldn't concentrate on the financial reports spread across his desk. Pushing them aside, he strode toward the master suite.

The room stood empty - no trace of Harrison remained.

Noticing the ensuite bathroom door slightly ajar, Nathaniel paused at the threshold. His deep voice echoed in the silence. "Harrison?"

No reply came.

Not even the sound of running water.

He reached to push the door open when it swung inward on its own.

Stepping inside, his gaze swept across the marble surfaces. The freestanding tub sat dry and unused. His wife had vanished.

Where could she have gone?

As Nathaniel turned, a maid entered carrying fresh linens. "Mr. Falcon, Mrs. Falcon departed nearly an hour ago."

Gone? Without a word?

His eyes fell on the untouched ice pack resting on the dresser. "She refused treatment?"

"Yes, sir. Mrs. Falcon insisted it wasn't necessary."

A folded note caught his attention beside the bed. Nathaniel picked up the crisp stationery with long fingers. Two words stared back at him.

[Thank you.]

That was all. No explanation. No goodbye.

A humorless laugh escaped Nathaniel's lips as he ran a hand through his dark hair.

Once the maid withdrew, Nathaniel found himself alone in the cavernous bedroom. He leaned against the mahogany desk, extracting a silver cigarette case. The click of his platinum lighter punctuated the silence.

Smoke curled around his sharp features as he took a deep drag. He rarely indulged, but tonight the nicotine helped dull the growing frustration.

Dominic appeared in the doorway moments later. "Mr. Falcon, Ms. Isabella has departed. Regarding Mr. Ashford's situation..."

Nathaniel tapped ash into a crystal tray, noticing the faint teeth marks on his wrist.

Harrison's parting gift.

His voice turned glacial. "If Reginald calls again, deliver one message..."

At the Whitmore estate, Isabella entered the grand foyer. Reginald and Beatrice Ashford rushed forward expectantly.

"Ms. Whitmore! Where's our son? Mr. Falcon agreed to release Julian, didn't he?"

Theodore and Victoria Whitmore peered behind Isabella, their expressions freezing when no one followed.

"Isabella," Theodore asked hesitantly, "didn't Mr. Falcon return with you?"

Isabella's lips thinned as she regarded their hopeful faces. "Mr. Ashford, Mrs. Ashford... I'm afraid Nathaniel refused."

What?

Four pairs of eyes widened in shock.

Reginald's voice turned razor sharp. "What nonsense is this? Aren't you Mr. Falcon's favored woman?"

Beatrice's face crumpled. "We've been deceived, Reginald. She clearly holds no influence over him. This girl is nothing but a fraud!"

"You've wasted our precious time!" Reginald roared.

Without another glance, the Ashfords turned on their heels.

Theodore and Victoria rushed after them. "Mr. Ashford! Please—"

Reginald snapped his fingers at their security detail. "Remove every gift we brought."

Within moments, bodyguards began clearing the mountain of luxury items from the Whitmore's parlor.

"Mr. Ashford!" Theodore's voice cracked with panic. "Isabella, what happened?"

Victoria looked equally stunned. "You spoke to Nathaniel personally and he still wouldn't release Julian?"

Isabella's carefully constructed pride shattered like glass. Her manicured nails bit into her palms.

Harrison Falcon. This war between us has only just begun.