Chapter 196

Rosalind gave Harrison a teasing wink. "Harrison, your husband did quite well this time."

Daphne stared at Harrison in shock. "Harrison, Mr. Falcon is your husband? You're really Mrs. Falcon?"

Rosalind grinned and nodded. "Exactly, Harrison is Mrs. Falcon!"

Daphne couldn't believe it. She grabbed Harrison's arm, envy flashing across her face. "Harrison, you're so fortunate. You must be overjoyed!"

Harrison forced a smile, unsure how to respond. Joy was the last thing she felt these days.

Lying on her bed, Harrison pulled out her phone and opened the chat with "Hubby".

After a long pause, she typed two simple words. [Thank you.]

Just that. Nothing more.

Ding.

Nathaniel's reply came instantly. [How do you plan to thank me?]

Harrison curled her fingers around the device, hesitating. She shoved it under her pillow and closed her eyes.

The next morning, Daphne arrived at Falcon Enterprises. The corporate headquarters dominated Willowbrook's skyline - a gleaming monument to wealth and power that made ordinary people feel insignificant.

Approaching reception, Daphne flashed her brightest smile. "I'd like to see Mr. Falcon."

"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist asked politely.

"No, but Mr. Falcon knows me."

"I'm sorry, without an appointment-"

Disappointment flickered across Daphne's face as she turned to leave.

Just then, Nathaniel strode through the lobby flanked by executives, all wearing the company's signature blue badges. He was reviewing documents while issuing instructions.

Daphne's eyes lit up. She rushed forward. "Mr. Falcon!"

Nathaniel stopped, his expression blank. "You are?"

He didn't recognize her.

"I'm Harrison's classmate. Thank you for rescuing us last night."

A flicker of recognition crossed Nathaniel's face. Daphne had dressed carefully - a flattering dress, demure posture, the picture of innocence.

"Mr. Falcon, I made this for you." She offered a gift bag eagerly.

Nathaniel remained impassive. "Did Harrison send you?"

"No, I came alone. Harrison went to the hospital to visit Alexander this morning." Daphne's voice dripped with sweetness.

Nathaniel stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"Mr. Falcon, I handmade this-"

"Don't come here again." Nathaniel's icy tone cut her off mid-sentence.

He walked away without another glance.

Daphne stood frozen.

The receptionist appeared. "Miss, you'll need to leave."

Tears welled in Daphne's eyes as she clutched the rejected gift - an embroidered sachet she'd spent hours making.

Outside, a sleek limousine pulled up. Vivian Astor, the entertainment industry's newest sensation, swept into the building surrounded by entourage.

Two employees whispered nearby.

"Isn't that Vivian Astor? The rising star from Apex Entertainment?"

"Anyone signed with Apex is guaranteed success."

"Especially if she catches Mr. Falcon's eye. Then she'd have everything!"