Chapter 249

Daphne's eyes sparkled with triumph—she couldn't wait to rub her happiness in Harrison's face.

Harrison's gaze remained icy, offering no reaction.

Daphne rested a hand on her barely-there bump, lips curling into a smirk. "Harrison, you're not jealous, are you? Some women take morning-after pills and collapse from allergies, while I get pregnant and bathed in affection. Life's unfair like that."

"Hey!" Rosalind and Gabrielle both tensed, ready to retaliate, but Harrison lifted a hand to silence them.

"Let's go," she said flatly.

With that, Harrison turned and walked away.

Rosalind and Gabrielle hurried after her. "Harrison, why stop us? She deserved to be put in her place!"

Harrison gave a bitter, self-mocking smile. "Why bother? She's just stating facts."

She had taken the pill and fainted from an allergic reaction. Daphne got pregnant and became a celebrity.

The difference in Nathaniel's feelings was painfully clear.

Daphne knew exactly how to wound her. Each word was a needle, sharp and deliberate, piercing Harrison's heart with lingering pain.

The trio waited for the elevator when a group approached. Leading them was that tall, commanding figure—Nathaniel had arrived.

Nathaniel was flanked by Dominic and others. The hotel manager greeted them personally. "Mr. Falcon, please, the VIP elevator is ready."

The manager summoned the private lift.

Nathaniel had really come. For Daphne's birthday party.

Of course. Daphne carried his child. He wouldn't miss it.

Just then, Nathaniel's gaze swept past Harrison. Their eyes locked for a fleeting second.

"Come in," he said, tone even.

He was inviting them into the VIP elevator.

The manager immediately stepped aside. "Ladies, please."

Harrison hesitated. She didn’t want to share that confined space with him. His apology last night still confused her, but forgiveness wasn’t on the table. Running into him today was unexpected.

Rosalind and Gabrielle, however, tugged her inside without hesitation. They had no reason to fear him.

Harrison exhaled silently.

She glanced at Nathaniel again. Today, he wore a tailored black suit, every inch the aloof tycoon. Surrounded by his entourage, his demeanor was detached, unreadable.

Nathaniel had looked at her briefly before turning away, as if she were a stranger.

Harrison retreated to the corner, putting distance between them.

Both pretended the other didn’t exist.

Then the manager spoke up. "Mr. Falcon, what happened to your neck? A bite?"

The man had sharp eyes, spotting the faint marks on Nathaniel's throat.

The elevator fell silent, all eyes zeroing in on the marks.

"Mr. Falcon, it really does look like you were bitten."

Harrison stiffened, spine straightening. She kept her gaze averted, praying no one would notice her.

Nathaniel's voice, smooth and unbothered, cut through the tension. "Yes. A little puppy bit me."

"A puppy?"

Nathaniel chuckled faintly. "I have one. Misbehaved. Likes to bite."

"You own a puppy? How lucky it is to have you as its master!"

The crowd murmured in admiration, clearly envious.

Harrison bit her tongue, staying silent.

The elevator dinged softly. She bolted out the moment the doors opened.

Rosalind and Gabrielle chased after her. "Harrison, slow down! Wait for us!"

Nathaniel watched her retreat, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

Then his phone buzzed. A message from Daphne.