Chapter 226

"Mr. Falcon, I need to speak with you—"

"Not now." His voice was ice. "Contact my assistant if it's urgent."

The line went dead before Harrison could finish.

The dial tone echoed in her ears.

Her chest tightened, but for Gabrielle's sake, she had to try again.

"Mr. Blackwood, expect my message," she murmured.

Harrison arrived at Emerald Heights, where the maid greeted her politely. "Mrs. Falcon."

"Is Nathaniel here? Please inform him I need to see him." Her voice remained steady.

"One moment."

Harrison waited outside. The maid returned quickly. "Mr. Falcon is in his study, but he declined your request."

He refused to see her.

She didn’t move. "Then I’ll wait until he changes his mind."

A sleek black limo pulled up just then. Daphne stepped out, her designer heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

She smirked at Harrison. "Still chasing after him? How pathetic. He’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with you."

With a dismissive flick of her hair, Daphne strutted inside. Harrison’s nails dug into her palms.

Inside the study, Nathaniel sat behind his desk, scanning documents. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable.

He’d waited outside the courthouse for hours. She’d promised to meet him—then never showed.

Was this some kind of game to her?

Had he really let himself be played like this?

Now she had the nerve to show up unannounced.

Not a chance.

The door opened. Daphne entered with a practiced smile.

"Mr. Falcon," she purred.

He barely glanced up. "Leave."

She stepped closer, undeterred. "I just wanted to thank you for everything. I was hoping you’d join me for drinks tonight. Unless you’re too busy?" Her gaze flickered toward the window. "Though I did see Harrison waiting outside..."

Nathaniel’s expression shifted. "Wait."

Daphne paused.

He stood abruptly. "We’re leaving now."

Her lips curved in triumph.

Harrison had been standing outside for what felt like hours when the gates finally opened. Nathaniel strode out, Daphne clinging to his arm.

She rushed forward. "Mr. Falcon, just five minutes. Please."

His cold gaze swept over her. "I don’t have time."

Daphne smirked. "Sorry, Harrison. He’s all mine tonight."

She slid into the Rolls-Royce. Nathaniel revved the engine and sped off, leaving Harrison staring at the vanishing taillights.

At The Velvet Lounge, Sebastian raised an eyebrow as Nathaniel walked in with Daphne. "Since when do you bring rising starlets here?"

He knew the entertainment scene well—too well.

Nathaniel didn’t answer. His dark shirt was slightly undone, revealing the sharp line of his collarbone. He dropped into the booth and drained an entire glass in one go.

He reached for another bottle, but Daphne’s manicured fingers wrapped around his wrist.

"Mr. Falcon," she chided playfully. "That’s enough."