Chapter 35

Being labeled "annoying" without warning left Nathaniel utterly bewildered.

He dismissed the comment. Setting his phone aside, he refocused on the documents spread across his desk. When he finally finished, midnight had long passed.

Nathaniel rose to pour himself water. Turning toward Harrison, he noticed she'd already drifted into sleep.

Just as he prepared to return to the sofa, a soft chime sounded from her phone resting near the pillow. A text notification lit up the screen.

Nathaniel's sharp gaze landed on the device, then narrowed abruptly.

The glowing profile picture matched exactly with that of the prodigious freshman known as W.

He moved swiftly toward the bed, reaching for her phone.

Harrison stirred in her sleep, pressing her delicate cheek against his outstretched hand.

Nathaniel froze mid-motion. This couldn't be happening - was Harrison truly the same genius student W?

Impossible.

She was merely a decorative ornament.

His palm grew unexpectedly warm as Harrison, still dreaming, nuzzled against his hand like an affectionate kitten.

The soft lamplight illuminated her flawless complexion. Dark curls framed her slender neck, stray strands brushing against crimson lips. The striking contrast of pale skin, ebony hair, and scarlet mouth held him captive momentarily.

A woman's beauty could indeed be lethal, especially to a man's resolve. Nathaniel found himself staring despite himself.

With sudden determination, he withdrew his hand. He'd encountered countless beauties before - none had ever swayed him, and neither would she.

Nathaniel returned to the sofa and closed his eyes.

Morning found Harrison waking to an empty room. A glance at the clock sent panic through her - she'd overslept.

Their appointment at the naturopathy center was set for 9:00 AM. Given Nathaniel's icy demeanor the night before, missing it again would have severe consequences.

Harrison rushed through her morning routine and bolted downstairs.

Eleanor called out, "Harrison, you're awake! Nathaniel left already. Join me for breakfast."

"Grandmother, I can't - I'm running late!" Harrison dashed out the door.

Eleanor frowned in concern. "How can she leave without eating?"

At that moment, Reginald approached with an envelope. "Mrs. Eleanor, this arrived for you. Marked for your eyes only."

"What is this?"

As Eleanor opened it, a photograph slipped out.

Harrison reached the center just before nine, spotting familiar figures in the waiting area.

Nathaniel and Isabella had arrived, accompanied by Arabella.

Isabella practically vibrated with excitement. "Nathaniel, is Dr. Sinclair really coming today?"

Her lifelong heart condition fueled two burning desires: restored health, and becoming Mrs. Falcon by marrying Nathaniel. She intended to achieve both.

Nathaniel nodded. "Dr. Sinclair will be here."

Arabella clutched pen and paper, beaming. "This is incredible! I finally meet the legendary Dr. Sinclair. I'm such an admirer - I must get an autograph!"

Scanning the room eagerly, Arabella suddenly paused. "Where is Dr. Sinclair? Dr. Sinclair... Wait, Harrison?"