Chapter 242

Harrison pulled Gabrielle into a tight embrace. "Gabrielle, I'm so sorry you had to endure all this."

Gabrielle looked completely unfazed, her energy high. "It was practically a vacation—gourmet meals, plush bedding. Couldn't have been better."

The trio burst into laughter.

Just then, Daphne approached, shooting Harrison a poisonous glare. Her plan to use Gabrielle against Harrison had spectacularly backfired. The humiliation burned.

Daphne knew Nathaniel's feelings for Harrison, especially after that fateful night. The woman in Nathaniel's bed had been Harrison. That's why Daphne had panicked upon seeing Harrison's text.

She'd sent investigators to tail Harrison, confirming she'd visited Falcon Enterprises. Shortly after, Nathaniel whisked her away in his Bentley.

Terrified, Daphne's only recourse was withdrawing her police statement to secure Gabrielle's release.

Her angelic features twisted with malice as she hissed, "Harrison, you knew Nathaniel was mine, yet you still pursued him. Have you no—"

"Daphne." Harrison cut her off sharply, nodding toward the exit. "Nathaniel's waiting outside. Better keep up your sweet little act."

Daphne whirled around, spotting the Bentley Continental parked under the streetlights.

The luxury sedan sat like a panther in the shadows—understated yet radiating power. Though the tinted windows revealed nothing, Daphne shuddered under the weight of an unseen gaze.

Her expression transformed instantly—venom replaced by trembling vulnerability.

A soft scoff made her turn. Harrison's piercing gaze stripped away every pretense, seeing straight through her.

Daphne's face paled.

Rosalind smirked. "Quite the performance."

Gabrielle stepped forward, bumping Daphne's shoulder. "We both know who the real homewrecker is here. Wouldn't want your precious image shattered, would we?"

Daphne's fists clenched.

"Gabrielle, Rosalind—let's go," Harrison called.

"Right behind you."

As the three walked away, Daphne trembled with suppressed rage, too afraid to retaliate with Nathaniel watching.

She approached the Bentley just as the window descended, revealing Nathaniel's sculpted profile.

"Mr. Falcon, Harrison and I...we're friends. Even though Gabrielle tried to hurt me, I still..." Daphne's voice dripped with manufactured sweetness.

Nathaniel lounged against the leather seats, long fingers drumming the steering wheel. His icy gaze sliced through her. "Was it really you that night?"

Daphne froze. "Pardon?"

His voice dropped to subzero. "Emerald Heights. The woman in my bed—was it truly you?"

Daphne's pulse stuttered. Why this question now? Did he know?

Had he discovered her deception—that Harrison had been his mystery lover? That she'd been impersonating Harrison all along?

She forced steadiness into her voice. "Mr. Falcon...of course it was me."

Nathaniel's razor-sharp stare caught the flicker of guilt in her eyes. His expression turned glacial.