Chapter 307

Since the divorce, Harrison had been behaving like a cornered kitten around Nathaniel - all puffed-up fur and tiny, ineffective claws.

Her feigned ferocity didn't intimidate him. If anything, it stirred something primal within him.

Harrison collided with his broad chest, instantly surrounded by his crisp, masculine scent. She thrashed violently, palms pressing against his solid frame.

"Release me!"

Nathaniel shoved her away effortlessly, sending her tumbling onto the bed.

Her slender back sank into the plush mattress. As she struggled to rise, his overwhelming presence descended again. He knelt over her, powerful arms caging her in, lips curled in that infuriating smirk.

"Go ahead, Harrison. Show me what you've got."

His mocking gaze made heat flood her porcelain cheeks. She glared daggers. "Actions speak louder than words. You'll see soon enough." Nathaniel's curiosity deepened. He grasped her delicate chin. "Who exactly are you, Harrison?" Genuine suspicion laced his voice. Layers of secrets seemed to swirl beneath her surface.

His grip stung just enough to make her wince. She slapped his hand away sharply. "Someone you'll never truly have."

Nathaniel's eyes darkened dangerously. "Didn't I already have you?"

Her gaze turned icy. "That chapter's closed."

The air thickened with unspoken memories. Nathaniel's mind flashed to their last night together - this very bed. Their passionate farewell before the divorce.

The dormitory hallway had buzzed with passing students that night. She'd straddled him, crimson lips bitten raw, flushed face a portrait of nervous tension.

The memory hit him like a physical blow. Now here she was again, beneath him. Nathaniel swallowed hard, abruptly releasing her and stepping back.

He stood abruptly.

The sheets had changed. Gone were the pink heart-patterned ones from that night, replaced by modest floral prints.

Harrison sat up. "Mr. Falcon, you should leave. I won't answer any of your questions."

Nathaniel gave her one last inscrutable look before striding from the dormitory.

Gone.

Ding!

Her phone lit up with a notification.

Julian had tagged both Nathaniel and her in a group chat: Congratulations on your first collaboration at tomorrow's Global Scholars Forum.

Harrison watched Nathaniel's retreating figure. No need to tell him anything now - they'd meet soon enough.

Then her phone trilled its melodic ringtone. Margaret.

Harrison knew this call meant trouble. Probably Isabella running to complain about their earlier confrontation.

She answered. Margaret's voice crackled with authority. "Harrison, come to the Whitmore estate tonight."

Harrison's lips curled. "I'll be there."

The Whitmore estate buzzed with activity that evening, both secondary and tertiary branches in attendance.

Another one of Margaret's infamous "family gatherings."

Margaret beckoned. "Harrison, meet Marcus Whitfield."

She presented a bespectacled man with a bland, earnest face.

Margaret continued, "Marcus teaches middle school in a rural district. Tenured position. I've arranged your marriage. You'll relocate to the countryside after the wedding."