Chapter 169

Harrison stared at her phone screen where "Hubby" had sent a wink emoji.

Her fingers froze mid-air.

A second later, she buried her face in her hands and let out a muffled scream.

Across town, Nathaniel sat in his office at Falcon Enterprises, watching the chat window flicker with Harrison's typing indicator.

Minutes passed.

Then—silence.

The storm in Nathaniel's dark eyes cleared, replaced by quiet amusement.

She couldn't handle teasing.

His mind drifted to the screenshot he'd seen earlier—her delicate throat adorned with that ruby necklace.

Stunning.

And what had her best friend called him?

That jerk?

"Harrison, you must've pleased him well. A ruby necklace as a reward?"

Nathaniel's grip tightened around his phone.

Memories of the car flashed through his mind—her boldness, her defiance.

She had surprised him.

That was why, during his brief trip abroad, he'd bought the necklace the moment he saw it.

They hadn't crossed that line yet, but Harrison was the first woman who had ever taken care of him like that.

A man never forgets his first.

The office door swung open.

Isabella strode in, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor. "Nathaniel, you're back?"

He hummed in response.

Without hesitation, she perched herself on his lap, arms looping around his neck. "Where's my gift?"

Nathaniel stilled.

He'd bought one for Harrison.

But nothing for Isabella.

In fact, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind.

Seeing the expectation in her eyes, he exhaled. "Forgot. Tell me what you want. My secretary will handle it."

Isabella blinked. "But—the Alber ruby and diamond necklace? That wasn't for me?"

She had been certain it was hers.

Nathaniel's jaw tensed. "I ordered it. Didn't buy it for you."

Disappointment flickered across her face, but she quickly masked it.

"Anyway," she said, brightening, "I've planned something fun. A getaway. In two days, you, me, Harrison, and Alexander are all going to Silver Pines Resort."

Nathaniel's expression didn't change. "Harrison agreed?"

"Mm-hmm. She's dating Alexander now. It'll be a double date."

Harrison—Alexander's girlfriend.

So what happened in the car that day?

Just repayment?

A way to clear her debt?

She'd told him to stay away.

And now she was choosing Alexander?

Nathaniel could tolerate many things.

But not this.

Alexander was his childhood friend. His brother in all but blood.

Nathaniel would never accept this.

"Fine," he said coolly.

"Nathaniel." Isabella cupped his face, her gaze soft. "Did you miss me?"

He removed her hand and nudged her off his lap. "I just got back. Work to do. You should go."

Work. Always work.

Didn't he have needs? Desires?

Isabella clenched her fists, frustration simmering beneath her perfect smile.

Two days later, Harrison and Alexander arrived at Silver Pines Resort.

Nathaniel and Isabella were already there.

The hotel manager greeted them with a bow. "Mr. Falcon, Mr. Graves, welcome! The two best ocean-view suites are ready for you."