Chapter 201

The Whitmore family clinked their glasses together, faces glowing with satisfaction as they sipped their drinks.

Isabella noticed Nathaniel sitting silently in the corner. He hadn't participated in any family discussions, maintaining an unusually low profile.

Ever since Harrison left, Nathaniel had been staring into space, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Isabella couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Nathaniel, is something wrong? Do you object to our investment in Dr. Sinclair's medical team?"

Nathaniel slowly lifted his gaze, his piercing eyes locking onto Dr. Sinclair across the table. There was something unnervingly perceptive in his stare.

For a brief moment, Dr. Sinclair felt a chill run down his spine. Nathaniel's calm yet intense gaze seemed to see right through him. The whole situation - first Harrison, now Nathaniel - was making him increasingly uncomfortable.

But Nathaniel merely gave the doctor a dismissive glance before looking away.

"Not at all. It's your decision to make," he said casually, rising from his seat. "I should go. There's something I need to attend to."

As Nathaniel moved toward the door, Margaret quickly shot Isabella a meaningful look.

"Mr. Falcon, you're leaving already? But you haven't eaten dinner," Margaret interjected smoothly.

Isabella knew Nathaniel was still upset about the photo incident, yet when he heard about her heart condition, he'd rushed over immediately, hadn't he?

Without hesitation, Isabella pressed a delicate hand to her chest.

"Nathaniel, my heart... it hurts," she murmured, her voice laced with just the right amount of vulnerability.

Nathaniel stopped in his tracks.

With a soft sigh, Isabella leaned into him, resting her head against his broad chest. "Nathaniel, would you carry me upstairs? I need to lie down."

Margaret, eager to move things along, added, "Yes, Mr. Falcon. Please take Isabella upstairs to rest."

Nathaniel hesitated briefly, his gaze lingering on Isabella's pale face. Finally, he relented, his strong arms effortlessly scooping her up.

The two disappeared upstairs, leaving the rest of the family behind.

Margaret turned her attention to the other relatives. "Now that Penelope is dating Dr. Sinclair and they'll be married soon, I hope Isabella will be Mrs. Falcon by then."

Theodore and Victoria froze. Things between Nathaniel and Isabella had been strained lately.

Margaret continued pointedly, "I've always favored Isabella. She needs to act quickly. It's time for Mr. Falcon and Harrison to finalize their divorce."

It was true - Nathaniel and Harrison's marriage had dragged on far too long.

Victoria quickly caught the hint. "Don't worry, Mother. Tonight, Isabella will ensure Mr. Falcon stays with her."

Margaret's face lit up with satisfaction. "Excellent. Penelope and Isabella are our family's jewels. A double wedding would be perfect - the talk of Willowbrook! A spectacular event!" Margaret's eyes sparkled as she envisioned the glorious future.

Though the family branches often clashed, they'd remained united after Benjamin's death, particularly in their shared disdain for Harrison.

A joint wedding where the Whitmore daughters married Nathaniel and Dr. Sinclair would elevate their family's status beyond measure.

Margaret raised her glass again. "To our bright future and the life ahead of us. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Meanwhile, Harrison hadn't left the estate immediately, wandering instead to the backyard.

There used to be a swing here, one her father had built for her. As a child, she'd sit on it while he pushed her higher than she ever thought possible.

"Fly high, Harrison," Benjamin would say with that warm smile.

Those were the happiest days of her childhood.

But when she reached the backyard now, the swing was gone - completely removed. Margaret must have ordered its removal.

Harrison stared at the empty space, her heart constricting painfully, as if an invisible hand were squeezing it. The last physical traces of her memories here had been erased.

She stood frozen for a long moment before turning to leave. Just then, two maids walked by carrying incense, chatting quietly as they passed.