Chapter 345

Nathaniel strode into Stonebridge with Dominic and their team. His sharp eyes immediately caught sight of a cluster of villagers. Without hesitation, he approached them.

"Pardon me," Nathaniel began, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Have two strangers arrived in your village today?"

The villagers exchanged wary glances. One stepped forward, crossing his arms. "Who's asking? You don't belong here."

Nathaniel didn’t flinch. "We're searching for someone."

"Nobody new's come here," another villager snapped. "Outsiders aren’t welcome. Leave."

A few of them started shooing Nathaniel away.

Dominic tensed, ready to argue, but Nathaniel lifted a hand, silencing him. "Understood. We’ll go. Thank you for your time."

He turned on his heel and walked away.

Dominic hurried after him, frustration creasing his brow. "Mr. Falcon, why are we retreating? I’m certain Ms. Harrison and Sebastian are here!"

Nathaniel’s gaze turned glacial, his piercing eyes scanning the village. "They are. I don’t need a feeling to know that."

"Then why—?"

"Did you miss the hostility?" Nathaniel cut in. "One of them slipped away to gather reinforcements. We’re outnumbered, and this is their territory. Charging in blindly won’t help."

The real problem was Nathaniel still didn’t know where Harrison and Sebastian were being held. A confrontation now could put them in greater danger.

For the first time, Nathaniel felt the weight of restraint. His hands were tied by the villagers' defiance.

Dominic lowered his voice. "Backup’s on the way."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "We still need a way inside."

Just then, a voice called out behind them.

"Who are you?"

Nathaniel turned. Standing there was Felicity Blackwood.

Felicity, the village chief’s daughter and Adrian’s younger sister, had spotted Nathaniel from afar. His striking features, aristocratic bearing, and commanding presence made him impossible to ignore. Like a moth to a flame, she found herself drawn to him.

Felicity, a beauty in her own right, had never encountered a man as captivating as Nathaniel. She couldn’t resist approaching.

Her lips curved into a coy smile. "I’m Felicity Blackwood. The chief’s daughter. Can I help you with something?"

Nathaniel’s eyes gleamed. This was an opportunity he hadn’t expected.

"We’re looking for two people," he said smoothly.

"Who?"

"A man and a woman. Both exceptionally attractive."

Felicity’s gaze lingered on Nathaniel, her interest unmistakable. "And what’s your relationship with this… beautiful woman?"

Dominic suppressed a groan. His boss’s damnable charm was causing problems again.

Nathaniel recognized Felicity’s flirtation instantly. He was no stranger to women’s attention—each with their own allure—and he knew exactly how to navigate it.

Right now, he needed her cooperation. So he played along.

"They’re my siblings," he lied effortlessly. "They fell overboard and washed up here. I’ve come to bring them home."

Felicity’s eyes sparkled. "Are you married?"

Nathaniel shook his head. "No. Will you help us?"

Her smile widened at his single status. "I’ll be honest. My brother brought a man and woman here earlier. The man was badly injured."

Finally—confirmation. Injuries aside, they were alive.

The suffocating pressure in Nathaniel’s chest eased slightly.

"Ms. Blackwood," he said, voice low and persuasive, "would you take us to them?"