Chapter 237

What did he just say?

Harrison could sense it—the icy facade had shattered. The real Nathaniel had emerged, all dark desire and wicked intentions.

She'd wanted to peel away his mask before. But now that it was gone, she realized she wasn’t as ready as she thought.

The sleek Bentley glided effortlessly down the road. Harrison stole a glance at the man beside her. "Did you stop me from seeing Gabrielle?"

Nathaniel's strong hands, veins prominent beneath his skin, rested lazily on the wheel. He gave a dismissive hum, barely acknowledging her question.

He didn’t deny it.

"Did Alexander leave because of you too?"

Nathaniel signaled, turning the wheel with effortless precision, the platinum of his watch glinting under the streetlights.

His voice was low, almost amused. "Alexander should have landed by now. What do you think he’s doing?"

Harrison stayed silent, waiting.

Nathaniel handed her a photograph.

She took it, her breath catching. There, in crisp detail, was Alexander with another woman.

"That’s the Graves family’s choice for him," Nathaniel explained. "Serena Whitmore, daughter of the Whitmores. He barely stepped off the plane before they arranged the meeting. The merger of the Graves and Whitmore families is inevitable."

The photo was taken in a penthouse suite of a seven-star hotel. Both families were present, Alexander and Serena seated across from each other.

Serena was breathtaking, dressed in an ivory gown that screamed old money and sophistication. The pairing was undeniable—two heirs of powerful dynasties, poised to unite.

"You can blame me for making him leave, or you can blame the Graves family for recalling him. Either way, you’re not stepping into their world. There’s no future for you and Alexander."

Harrison studied the photo. They looked perfect together. And strangely, she felt… happy for him.

Alexander was one of the few people who had been kind to her. She wanted him to find someone worthy.

She tucked the photo away. "I know I’m not good enough for him. I’m aware of my place."

Nathaniel didn’t react, just let out a cold scoff. "Where do you want to go? A hotel?"

Her stomach twisted. Was he already moving to the main event?

"I don’t want a hotel."

"Then we’re going back to Emerald Heights."

Tonight, he was taking her back to the place where it all began—where he had first claimed her, then destroyed her.

She still didn’t understand. If he was done with her, why did he want her again?

"Mr. Falcon, do you have protection at your place?"

Nathaniel’s gaze flicked to her.

Harrison straightened, her voice steady. "I’m allergic to emergency contraception. So you’ll need to wear something. Unless you want a child with me?"

Of course he didn’t. Nathaniel had never even considered it.

His silence confirmed it. That night had been about control, not consequence.

She swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat. "Here’s a deal—you get the condoms, and you let Gabrielle go. I’m not running anywhere."

Before she could finish, the Bentley jerked to a stop. Nathaniel stepped out, yanking open her door. "Out."

Harrison blinked. "Why are we stopping here?"

Nathaniel nodded toward the 24-hour pharmacy ahead. "You wanted condoms. Let’s go buy them."

Harrison froze.

He was serious.

Nathaniel pulled her inside, and Harrison couldn’t believe this was happening. He was actually taking her to buy protection.

She had never done anything like this in her life.