Chapter 20

Arabella, Nathaniel's cousin, had always been particularly close to Isabella. The moment she spotted Harrison, her expression twisted with open contempt.

"Harrison, Nathaniel doesn't want you here. Yet you keep cozying up to Eleanor? Honestly, you're nothing but a charity case in this family! A country girl who only got to be his wife because Isabella was away. Do you really think you belong at Falcon Enterprises? You're not worthy of Nathaniel! Just sign the divorce papers already!"

Harrison barely flinched. She'd grown accustomed to this treatment from Nathaniel's family and friends alike.

Without acknowledging Arabella, she strode past her into the grand estate.

Eleanor's silver hair gleamed under the chandelier as her face lit up at Harrison's arrival. She reached out with trembling hands. "My dear, why has it been so long? Don't you miss your old grandmother?"

This was the only genuine affection Harrison had ever known in the Falcon household. Eleanor truly cherished her.

Harrison's lips curved into a soft smile as she gently embraced the older woman. "Of course I've missed you, Grandma."

Eleanor's joy was palpable, her smile refusing to fade.

Just then, Nathaniel's imposing figure filled the doorway.

Harrison immediately released Eleanor. "Grandma, I noticed you haven't had your herbal remedy this week. Let me prepare some for you."

She disappeared into the kitchen before Nathaniel could speak.

Nathaniel took the seat beside Eleanor. "Grandmother."

Eleanor's gaze followed Harrison's retreating form. "Nathaniel, have you been fighting with Harrison?"

Not wanting to upset his grandmother's fragile health, Nathaniel simply said, "No."

"Then why does she flee every time you enter a room? That never used to happen."

Eleanor's expression turned grave.

"Don't let Isabella cloud your judgment. Three years ago when you fell into that coma, she abandoned you without hesitation. It was Harrison who married you in that condition, who cared for you daily."

Her grip tightened on his hand.

"During those three years when I could barely function from grief, Harrison tended to us both. She prepared every remedy, managed this household. Without her, our family would have crumbled."

Eleanor's voice dropped to a whisper.

"I know people, Nathaniel. That girl loves you with her entire being. Don't make the mistake of taking that for granted. When a woman's heart breaks completely, she leaves without looking back."

Nathaniel's gaze drifted toward the kitchen. Harrison's raven hair was swept into a loose ponytail, revealing the elegant curve of her neck. The sight caught his breath.

The distinctive aroma of her herbal preparations soon filled the air - that same bittersweet fragrance he remembered from his coma. Though unconscious, he'd been aware of gentle hands tending him daily.

He'd assumed they belonged to Isabella.

Upon waking to find Harrison by his bedside, he'd been... confused.

That evening, Eleanor insisted they stay overnight. Neither could refuse her.

When Nathaniel entered their assigned bedroom, Harrison sat with her back to him, writing intently. Her phone on the desk played a message from Gabrielle:

"Sweetheart, you're about to be free! Stop playing housemaid for those people and meet me tomorrow. I've lined up three perfect candidates for you."