Chapter 194

Nathaniel was clearly toying with her. That fiery glare she shot him was the first spark of defiance he'd seen all night.

His voice dropped to a dangerous purr. "Say the words, and I'll get you out of here."

The seasoned businessman had already assessed her situation perfectly. He wanted to hear her beg for his help. But Harrison would rather die than ask.

She didn't need his rescue. Owing him anything was out of the question.

"Mr. Falcon, release me!" Harrison twisted violently, breaking free from his grip and scrambling off his lap.

She couldn't stay in that suffocating room another second. Without a backward glance, she flung open the private room door and stormed out.

Victor sprang to his feet. "Mr. Falcon, may I be excused?"

Even now, the coward wouldn't leave without Nathaniel's permission.

Silence.

That was answer enough. Victor scurried after her.

Nathaniel's chiseled features darkened like a gathering storm.

The remaining guests exchanged nervous glances. What had just provoked the notoriously ruthless CEO?

Outside, Harrison and Daphne were being manhandled into Victor's sleek limousine by his security team.

Daphne trembled in the corner, her face buried in her hands. Victor leered at Harrison. "So, what did Mr. Falcon whisper to you back there?"

Harrison remained stone-faced.

Victor grabbed her chin roughly. "You actually sat in Nathaniel Falcon's lap? I've never seen anyone survive that privilege."

Harrison recoiled. "Get your disgusting hands off me!"

But his grip only tightened, leaving angry red marks on her porcelain skin.

Victor's eyes darkened with lust. "I planned to take my time with you at the hotel, but now I can't wait. What a prize - a woman who's touched the untouchable."

In one brutal motion, he shoved her down onto the leather seat.

The car's confines didn't deter him. He tore at her blouse with frantic hands.

Daphne lunged forward, clinging to his arm. "Mr. Blackwell, please! We're just students! We don't want—"

"Bitch!" Victor backhanded her across the face. Daphne's head cracked against the window with a sickening thud, her complexion draining of color.

"Daphne!" Harrison tried to reach for her friend.

But Victor had already pinned her beneath him, fumbling with his belt. "Time to play, princess."

Harrison had planned to deal with Victor at the hotel, but circumstances demanded immediate action. Her fingers inched toward the concealed needle at her waist.

Suddenly, the driver's panicked voice cut through the chaos. "Sir! We're being followed!"

"What?" Victor jerked upright, peering through the rear window. A Rolls-Royce Phantom was gaining on them at alarming speed.

Victor's face went slack with recognition. That was Nathaniel's car. Why was he pursuing them?

"Mr. Falcon?" Victor's voice cracked with fear.

Before he could process the situation, the Phantom's engine roared. With a deafening crash, it rammed into their bumper.

The impact sent them lurching violently forward.

The world-class luxury car showed no mercy. Victor's limo crumpled like tissue paper under the assault.

Screeching tires filled the air as their vehicle was forced to a shuddering halt.

The Phantom's door swung open. Nathaniel emerged like an avenging angel, his towering frame radiating lethal intent.

In three strides, he reached their car and wrenched open the rear door.