Chapter 222

Nathaniel's sharp gaze landed on Daphne beside him. "Get out."

His command was ice-cold, leaving no room for argument.

Without ceremony, he abandoned her on the deserted roadside.

Daphne stepped onto the pavement just as the luxury sedan roared away, enveloping her in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

Her fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms. A frustrated stomp sent gravel scattering.

Meanwhile, Harrison had already arrived at the Falcon estate, seated across from Eleanor in the grand parlor.

The heavy oak doors swung open moments later. A gust of chilly night air announced Nathaniel's return.

"Mr. Falcon," the butler greeted with a bow.

Nathaniel kicked off his shoes with practiced ease, striding into the dining room with predatory grace. His eyes locked onto Harrison immediately.

Months had passed since their last encounter in the university infirmary. Harrison looked different now - her once cherubic face had sharpened into elegant angles, though her school uniform still clung to her slender frame. The high ponytail swayed as she turned, that youthful vibrancy still evident despite her newfound poise.

Nathaniel studied her in silence.

"Harrison darling! You're just in time for dinner," Eleanor chirped, ushering them to the table.

They took their customary seats - Eleanor at the head, Nathaniel and Harrison facing each other like opponents across a chessboard.

When the butler served the soup, Nathaniel's nose wrinkled at the first sip. "Grandmother, what is this?"

Eleanor's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Falcon fertility tonic, dear. For your... stamina."

Nathaniel's spoon froze mid-air.

"Now Nathaniel," Eleanor continued, "remember our little chat? The Falcon lineage won't continue itself. Drink up - I expect great-grandchildren by next season."

Nathaniel's gaze snapped to Harrison.

She met his stare unflinchingly, her voice calm but firm. "Eleanor, I have evening lectures."

The older woman blinked in surprise. "But you just arrived! Surely you can stay the night?"

"My research can't wait," Harrison demurred, though her knuckles whitened around her napkin.

Eleanor sighed, piling Harrison's plate with roasted lamb. "You're skin and bones, child. At least let Nathaniel drive you back to campus."

Nathaniel observed Harrison's unnatural stillness. Moonlight caught the fan of her lashes as she picked at her food with delicate precision. The quiet intensity radiating from her made something twist in his chest.

After dinner, Harrison rose abruptly. Nathaniel snatched his keys, following her into the night.

As they crossed the manicured lawn, a familiar scent stopped Harrison dead. Peaches and vanilla - Daphne's signature perfume.

The same fragrance Daphne had bragged about in the hospital, giggling about how her mysterious benefactor loved it.

Harrison's blood ran cold. The final puzzle piece clicked into place.

In all of Willowbrook, only one man had the power to transform an unknown girl into an overnight sensation.

Nathaniel Falcon.

The truth she'd been avoiding now stared her in the face.

Nathaniel noticed her sudden tension. "What brought you here tonight?" he asked, unlocking the car.

Harrison turned slowly. "Mr. Falcon, are you free tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"Let's finalize our divorce at the courthouse."

Nathaniel's hand stilled on the door handle.

Harrison's voice cut through the night air like shards of ice. "I won't wait another day, Nathaniel. This marriage ends now."