Chapter 178

Harrison clutched her strawberry ice cream, stealing a glance at Nathaniel.

He stood imposingly tall, those long legs planted firmly as he observed her with silent intensity. Waiting. Watching for her reaction.

"I bought this myself," she lied smoothly, lifting the cone slightly.

Isabella and Arabella exchanged knowing looks, their skepticism evident.

Nathaniel's lips quirked in amusement. Such a terrible liar.

Harrison had enough of this charade. Turning to Alexander, she said, "Let's go back to our room. I'm done with the hot springs."

Alexander nodded, taking her hand without hesitation.

Arabella's mocking voice followed them. "Pathetic liar. Obviously some man bought her that ice cream. Now she's rushing off to sleep with Alexander."

Isabella clung to Nathaniel's arm, pressing closer. "They're sharing the presidential suite tonight. Do you think they'll...?"

"Of course they will!" Arabella cut in. "Even if Nathaniel never touched her, that girl's no virgin."

Isabella studied Nathaniel's stony expression before adding, "Arabella, really now."

"Open your eyes, Isabella! Harrison plays the innocent angel, but she's clearly experienced. Who knows how many men she's been with?" Arabella smirked.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened imperceptibly. His dark gaze tracked Harrison's retreating figure, something dangerous flickering in their depths.

Arabella continued viciously, "Remember her foster father? I bet they—"

She choked on her words as Nathaniel turned that glacial stare on her. The unspoken threat in his eyes silenced her instantly.

Isabella understood perfectly. A man of Nathaniel's refinement wouldn't tolerate crude gossip about Harrison's past. The implication alone was enough.

No man, especially not one with Nathaniel's notorious fastidiousness, would accept a woman with such a tainted history.

"Let's retire, Nathaniel," Isabella suggested sweetly.

As they walked down the corridor, a staff member approached with a room service cart. "Excuse me, coming through."

Arabella's eyes zeroed in on the placard. "The presidential suite? That's going to Harrison and Alexander!" She gasped dramatically at the cart's contents. "They ordered...condoms?"

Nathaniel's attention snapped to the small green box prominently displayed.

But that wasn't all.

Arabella shrieked, "And lingerie! Black lace lingerie!"

The scandalous ensemble lay atop the cart, impossible to ignore.

Condoms and seductive underwear, en route to Harrison and Alexander's shared suite.

Arabella stamped her foot. "That little minx! No wonder Alexander's obsessed with her. She's a complete slut behind that innocent act!"

Isabella tightened her grip on Nathaniel's arm. "Now we see why Alexander can't resist her. All that purity is just an act."

Nathaniel's expression remained impassive, but the air around him turned arctic.