Chapter 203

Nathaniel froze mid-step, slowly turning to face Isabella.

She had also inhaled the potent aphrodisiac, waves of heat flooding her system. Her porcelain skin flushed crimson, teeth sinking into her already swollen lips as she gazed at him with smoldering intensity.

Victoria's voice sliced through the tension. "Mr. Falcon, Isabella requires your presence. Surely you won't abandon her now?"

Silence stretched between them, Nathaniel's expression unreadable as he studied Isabella's desperate form.

Without warning, Isabella threw off the silk sheets, crossing the room in quick strides before launching herself into his arms.

Theodore and Victoria exchanged knowing glances before discreetly exiting, the door clicking shut behind them.

One strap of Isabella's nightgown slipped down, revealing smooth shoulder. She gazed up through her lashes. "Nathaniel, I've always known I'm the one you truly love."

Her arms wound around his neck as she rose on tiptoes, seeking his mouth.

Nathaniel jerked his head aside at the last second.

Isabella blinked in shock before trying again - only to be met with the same rejection.

He pushed her away firmly, voice icy. "This ends now, Isabella. Attempt this again and you'll regret it."

That final threat drained all color from her face.

A clear warning to the entire Whitmore family.

Nathaniel turned to leave.

Panic seized Isabella. She lunged forward, arms locking around his waist. "Don't go! I need you!"

"Release me," Nathaniel ground out.

"Big Brother!" The plaintive cry made him hesitate.

That childhood nickname always weakened his resolve. Isabella's lips curved in triumph as she maneuvered around him.

With surprising strength, she shoved him backward onto the bed.

Before he could react, she straddled his hips, settling firmly against him. "Don't you want me anymore, Big Brother?"

Nathaniel's body betrayed him, muscles tensing beneath her.

Seizing the advantage, Isabella leaned down to claim his mouth.

Meanwhile, Harrison sat beside Alexander in the hospital VIP suite.

Alexander reached for his phone. "I need to discuss the merger with Nathaniel."

The call rang unanswered. Twice. Three times.

"Where the hell is he?" Alexander muttered.

Harrison wrung out a warm towel, fingers moving methodically. "Mr. Falcon is... occupied tonight. Try tomorrow."

"With what?" Alexander snapped, then realization dawned. Occupied... with Isabella.

The aphrodisiac would be taking full effect by now. No chance Nathaniel would answer any calls.

Harrison handed over the towel, changing subjects. "You should rest." Within half an hour, Alexander slept soundly.

Harrison scrolled through her phone, messaging Oliver on WhatsApp. A reply appeared instantly:

[Harrison, the Whitmores walked into a trap. That Dr. Sinclair? Part of an international scam ring. The whole family gambled everything - they're about to lose it all.]