Chapter 233

Nathaniel's arousal was unmistakable. His usually sharp eyes darkened with desire, the edges flushed red. When Harrison spoke, he froze mid-motion, his gaze locking onto hers.

Harrison gestured casually toward the door. "Mr. Falcon, now would be the perfect time to work your charm and bring Daphne back."

Nathaniel's sharp mind processed her words instantly. This wasn't genuine seduction—Harrison was putting on a performance for Daphne's benefit.

The heat in his eyes vanished, replaced by icy clarity. His voice turned frosty. "Get off. Now."

Harrison didn't hesitate, immediately complying.

Nathaniel stood, his tall frame casting a long shadow against the floor-to-ceiling windows. This infuriating woman! "Speak. What do you want?"

Harrison steadied herself. "Mr. Falcon, Gabrielle didn't cut Daphne's wires. She's been framed. I'm asking you to show mercy and release her."

Gabrielle? Her best friend?

Nathaniel hadn't paid attention to Daphne's accident or the surrounding drama, unaware of Gabrielle's involvement.

Dominic had briefed him, but he'd left the matter to Daphne.

So Harrison had come here for her friend.

Nathaniel turned, a cold smirk playing on his lips. "Are you asking me for a favor?"

Harrison flinched, her heart heavy. For Gabrielle, she'd swallow her pride. "Yes."

"Then show some sincerity. Have you considered what you're willing to offer in exchange?"

His blunt words made her stiffen.

Nathaniel's gaze traveled over her slender frame, lingering deliberately. His tone shifted to mocking amusement. "You haven't thought this through, have you? Come back when you've decided what you're willing to give."

He turned to leave without waiting for a response.

But Harrison grabbed his sleeve. "Wait."

Nathaniel paused, looking back at her. "Harrison, I'm not running a charity. Why should I help your friend? Frankly, there's nothing about you I want—except..."

His eyes darkened as they raked over her body. "This."

That night at the hospital, she'd refused him.

Now he wanted to see if she'd break.

Harrison clenched her fists. She didn't understand him. They'd been together once, but he'd found her boring, unremarkable. After that, he'd shown no interest.

So why these demands now?

Did he want her again?

"Mr. Falcon, aren't you worried about Isabella and Daphne finding out?" Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "This stays between us. Wasn't that your rule? I help you, you repay me. You set the terms of this game."

Harrison had no rebuttal. Slowly, she released his sleeve. "Think about it. When you've decided, come find me."

With that, Nathaniel walked out.

After failing to make progress with Nathaniel, Harrison went straight to the police station to see Gabrielle.

But Oliver stopped her at the entrance. "Ms. Whitmore, we can't see Ms. Sunder right now."

Harrison froze. "Why not?"

Oliver's expression was grim. "Mr. Falcon has ordered no visitors."

What?

Nathaniel was playing hardball, backing her into a corner.

Gabrielle was locked away, and Harrison had no way of knowing her condition.

Tears welled in Harrison's pale eyes. She didn't want to make that kind of deal with Nathaniel, but his ruthless tactics left her no choice.

"Ms. Whitmore, what now?" Oliver asked.

At that moment, Harrison thought of someone—Alexander.