Chapter 202

The two maids moved through the candlelit corridor, their whispers barely audible.

"Is this for Mr. Nathaniel and Ms. Isabella's suite?" the younger one inquired, clutching the ornate incense holder.

The older maid nodded. "Direct orders from Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. Victoria. This isn't ordinary incense - it's the strongest aphrodisiac from Santorina."

"Tonight might finally be the night then," the younger giggled.

"Mark my words, by dawn she'll be Mrs. Falcon."

"And don't forget Dr. Sinclair staying over. With Ms. Penelope here too... Mrs. Margaret won't stop boasting about her future grandsons-in-law."

"The Whitmore family's status is about to skyrocket."

Their voices faded as they turned the corner.

Harrison stood frozen in the shadows, having caught every word. So Margaret and Victoria were resorting to drugging Nathaniel now?

That incident at Whitmore Manor had been weak - barely enough to make Nathaniel blink. But this Santorinian blend? Rare. Potent. Impossible to resist.

They were getting desperate.

Should she warn him?

Her fingers curled into fists before relaxing. No. This wasn't her battle. Nathaniel had always belonged to Isabella. The incense just... accelerated the inevitable.

Harrison glanced back at the illuminated mansion, all glittering chandeliers and forced merriment. The fog swallowed her whole as she disappeared into the night.

The maids delivered their package. Isabella sat perched on the silk-covered bed while Nathaniel handed her a crystal glass.

"Feeling better?" His voice gave nothing away.

Isabella's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Much. These heart palpitations... Dr. Sinclair will know what to do."

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "Penelope found this doctor?"

"You doubt his credentials?" Isabella's grip tightened on the glass.

Silence stretched between them.

"Really, Nathaniel," she laughed lightly, "Dr. Sinclair comes highly recommended."

Nathaniel stood abruptly. "If you're recovered, I should--"

"Isabella caught his wrist. "Still angry with me? I said I was sorry. Stay."

He extracted himself gently. "Rest."

As he turned to leave, Isabella's voice turned sharp. "Have you developed feelings for Harrison?"

Nathaniel went rigid.

"You wonder why I showed Lionel that photo?" she pressed. "A woman knows. I see how you look at her."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. He tugged at his collar suddenly, heat flooding his veins. The fire spread rapidly, his vision darkening at the edges.

Something was very wrong.

He lunged for the door.

Theodore and Victoria stood there, clearly waiting.

"Mr. Falcon," they greeted nervously.

Nathaniel's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "What did you do?"

Theodore swallowed hard. "We only--"

"Mr. Falcon!" Victoria interrupted desperately. "That incense... there's only one way it wears off. If you leave now, what becomes of Isabella?"