Chapter 191

Victor's eyes lit up with predatory interest as they landed on Harrison. "Well, well, where did this exquisite creature come from? You look like you've stepped right out of a dream."

Daphne shrank behind Harrison, her voice trembling. "She's my classmate. Mr. Blackwell, we're university students. We're not... what you think. Please just let us go."

"Students?" Victor licked his lips, his gaze raking over Harrison's body. "Even better. I have a particular fondness for educated girls." He gestured to his security team. "Take them both to my suite."

Harrison positioned herself protectively in front of Daphne, her voice cutting through the air like ice. "Attempting to abduct women in public? Are you completely lawless?"

Victor threw back his head with laughter. "Law? In Willowbrook, I make the laws. I break bread with Nathaniel Falcon himself - the most powerful man in this city. Don't lecture me about legality."

The mention of Nathaniel's name sent a jolt through Harrison. It had been weeks since their last encounter, but everyone knew Nathaniel's influence reached every corner of Willowbrook.

"Stop wasting time! Seize them!" Victor barked impatiently.

Two broad-shouldered guards advanced.

Daphne's nails dug into Harrison's arm. "Harrison, what do we do?"

When one guard reached for her, Harrison's eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't you dare lay a hand on me!" She turned her glacial stare on Victor. "Touch us and you'll regret it. Do you have any idea who I am?"

Victor hesitated under her commanding presence. "Enlighten me."

Harrison enunciated each word with precision. "I am Nathaniel Falcon's wife. Mrs. Falcon."

Victor's jaw dropped. "You're lying."

"Test me and see what happens. Nathaniel will tear you apart."

Before Victor could respond, a familiar voice echoed down the corridor. "Mr. Falcon, your private dining room is prepared."

Harrison's head snapped up to see Nathaniel approaching with an entourage of businessmen.

Nathaniel was here.

Dressed in a bespoke charcoal suit that hugged his powerful frame, Nathaniel moved with effortless authority. The chandelier's glow highlighted his sharp cheekbones and piercing eyes, making him look every inch the untouchable tycoon.

Harrison's breath caught. The universe had a cruel sense of humor - invoking Nathaniel's name only to have him materialize.

The hotel manager bowed deeply. "Mr. Falcon, right this way."

Victor seized his chance, stepping forward with an obsequious smile. "Mr. Falcon! What an honor."

Nathaniel gave him a cursory nod. "Blackwell."

"Sir, I don't mean to interrupt, but this young woman claims to know you." Victor gestured toward Harrison.

Their eyes met. Nathaniel's gaze was as impenetrable as ever, sending an involuntary shiver down Harrison's spine. Every businessman in his party turned to stare.

Harrison's fingers twitched. She'd only used Nathaniel's name as a desperate bluff - never imagining he'd actually appear.

That night at the hospital when she'd slapped him... that had been their final moment. Now Victor was asking if Nathaniel recognized her. What would he say?

Humiliation burned through her veins.

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable as his deep voice resonated through the hallway.

"I've never seen her before."