Chapter 230

Nathaniel's shirt bore faint creases where Harrison had perched on his lap, yet the dishevelment only accentuated his dangerous allure. In the dim glow of The Velvet Lounge, it made him look even more untamed, like a predator barely restrained.

He ignored the question about his preferences. Instead, he seized a bottle of bourbon and drained it in one swift motion.

Daphne's nails dug into her palms. That little seductress—where had she come from? The moment she entered, the room had shifted, erasing Daphne's presence entirely. She was used to being the center of attention, the woman men fought over. But now? Invisible.

She despised it.

Without hesitation, Daphne slid onto the seat beside Nathaniel. "Mr. Falcon, I—"

Before she could finish, Nathaniel slammed the empty bottle onto the table and strode out without a backward glance.

He left her there.

Alone.

"Why'd Mr. Falcon leave? Sebastian, get me that girl's number," one of the men muttered.

"Don’t bother. She’s already caught his eye," another replied.

"What?"

"Didn’t you see? The way he reacted to her? With his influence, you really think she’d choose you?"

Nathaniel—aroused? By her?

Daphne’s blood boiled. Nathaniel had always been ice—untouchable, indifferent. He barely glanced at women, let alone showed interest. Yet that girl had managed to provoke him?

How?

She’d just dealt with Harrison, and now this new threat appeared.

Who the hell was she?

Nathaniel stepped outside, the cool air doing little to temper his irritation. He pulled out his phone and fired off a message to Harrison.

[Change. Now.]

A reply chimed instantly. [On my way.]

His lips curled. Obedient for once.

Good. He’d congratulate her on her little performance.

Just then, two drunken fools staggered past, their laughter grating.

"That girl—damn. I’d pay to have her screaming my name by dawn."

"You sure she’s in the dressing room?"

"Positive. Let’s go make it happen."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened.

Before they could take another step, he blocked their path, his presence like a wall of ice.

The idiots blinked up at him. "The hell? Move, asshole. We’ve got plans."

Nathaniel’s voice was lethal. "Leave."

They scoffed. "You don’t know who you’re messing with."

One signaled, and two bodyguards lunged forward.

Nathaniel was already in a foul mood.

He didn’t hesitate.

A bottle shattered against the first guard’s skull.

The sound echoed like a gunshot.