Chapter 264

Harrison stepped back into the girls' dormitory, her phone buzzing immediately with a video call from Rosalind.

Rosalind's radiant face filled the screen, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So? How was last night? Did you and Mr. Falcon finally...?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Harrison let out a soft laugh, keeping her tone light. "Why aren't you back yet?"

"Didn't want to interrupt your private time. Nobody likes being the third wheel." Rosalind grinned before continuing, "Mr. Falcon handled Daphne perfectly this time. I'm convinced he has feelings for you. You've consummated your marriage now - you're officially husband and wife. I hope everything works out between you two."

Harrison didn't respond immediately. She popped a mint into her mouth, letting the cool flavor spread across her tongue.

After a beat, she smiled. "Thanks, Rosalind. Come back soon, okay?"

"I'll be there tonight."

"Good."

The call ended, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Harrison sat on her bed and pulled out the crystal pendant hidden beneath her pillow. Her fingers traced the delicate engravings with practiced familiarity.

Her phone chimed suddenly - Nathaniel was calling.

Harrison glanced at the screen before answering quietly. "Yes?"

His deep voice resonated through the speaker. "Are you free now?"

"I am."

"I'm waiting outside the school gates." His car was already there, engine idling. Waiting for her. "Alright."

She hung up and opened her closet. Selecting a few items, she tucked them into her bag before heading out.

The sleek black Bentley sat in its usual spot. Harrison slid into the passenger seat. "How's Isabella?"

Nathaniel's hands tightened on the steering wheel, his handsome features as striking as ever but edged with frost. "Still emotionally unstable. Her heart condition is deteriorating. The prognosis isn't good."

Harrison remained silent.

Suddenly, Nathaniel turned, his gaze settling on her delicate profile. "Harrison, let's get divorced."

He was asking for a divorce.

A bitter smile touched Harrison's lips. She'd expected this. Against Isabella's tears, she never stood a chance. Between them, the choice had always been obvious.

She'd known this was coming since the hospital. Everything had unfolded exactly as predicted.

Their marriage had been heading toward this conclusion for months. Today simply made it official.

Harrison nodded, her voice barely audible. "Okay."

Nathaniel's grip on the wheel tightened. "Name your terms for the settlement."

"I don't want anything," Harrison replied. "What you've already given me is enough."

Nathaniel produced a black card with gold embossing, holding it out to her. "Take this."

"I don't need it."

"This is for that night. And last night. You've earned it."

Harrison felt her heart constrict painfully, each breath suddenly labored.

She'd given herself to him, and now he was paying her for it.

No matter how intense their connection had seemed, to him it had always been transactional. Everything had its price.

Harrison's dark eyes locked onto his striking features as the question that had burned inside her for so long finally escaped. "Nathaniel... Did you ever have feelings for me?"