Chapter 404

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable, his features carved from stone. His voice was devoid of emotion as he answered Isabella. "Not yet."

"Mr. Falcon, we can't wait any longer!" Victoria pressed, her voice edged with urgency. "Isabella's condition is deteriorating by the hour!"

Theodore nodded in agreement. "She barely survived the last attack. What if the next one is worse?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "I'm well aware."

The sharp trill of a phone shattered the heavy silence. Nathaniel pulled his phone from his pocket.

"I need to take this," he said coolly before stepping out of the room. Isabella watched him go, her mind whirling with unanswered questions.

Just then, Dominic entered. "Ms. Whitmore, your hospital paperwork is complete. You can rest now."

He turned to leave, but Isabella's voice stopped him.

"Dominic, wait."

He paused, turning back with practiced politeness. "How may I assist you, Ms. Whitmore?"

Isabella studied him carefully. "I already know. Nathaniel told me everything."

Dominic stiffened. He hadn't expected Nathaniel to reveal the truth. The order had been clear—silence.

This changed things.

"Ms. Whitmore..." His voice trailed off, uncertain.

Isabella's eyes narrowed. She could sense the hesitation, the unspoken words. Nathaniel was hiding something.

Her instincts had never failed her before.

"Nathaniel said he found a heart donor. But this person..." She hesitated, watching Dominic's reaction like a hawk.

Dominic was a master at keeping secrets. But that very skill confirmed her suspicions.

"It's someone close to me, isn't it?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "It's Harrison."

Dominic went utterly still.

Isabella's hands clenched into fists. She had guessed correctly. The heart meant to save her belonged to Harrison.

No wonder Nathaniel had kept it from her.

"Ms. Whitmore," Dominic said quietly, "Mr. Falcon has made his decision. I can't speak on his behalf. Please focus on your recovery for now."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Isabella alone with the devastating truth.

Victoria, who had been silently observing, suddenly gasped, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Isabella, Harrison's heart could actually save you?"

A shadow crossed Isabella's face as she clenched her fists. "Exactly. It's a perfect match, but Nathaniel kept this from me. What does that imply?"

Victoria's brow furrowed in confusion. "This makes no sense. If he found a compatible donor, why wouldn't he arrange the transplant immediately? Unless..." Her voice trailed off ominously.

Isabella's chest constricted with betrayal. Nathaniel was clearly prioritizing Harrison over her survival. The realization cut deeper than any knife.

Why would he do this? Had her life become so insignificant to him?

Victoria's demeanor shifted suddenly, her lips curling into an unsettling smile. "Actually, darling, this might work in your favor." She placed a cold hand on Isabella's arm.

Isabella blinked, unsettled by the sudden change in Victoria's tone. The older woman's smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Think about it," Victoria continued, her fingers tightening slightly. "If Harrison's heart can save you, then Nathaniel has only two choices - let you die, or..." She let the implication hang in the air.

Victoria's grin turned predatory. "How poetic - the woman who stole your place will literally give you her heart. What could be more fitting?"

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Isabella's face as the realization dawned. This wasn't a setback - it was an opportunity.

The game had just become infinitely more interesting.

Without hesitation, Isabella reached for her phone and dialed Harrison's number. The screen illuminated with each digit, casting eerie shadows across her determined face.

The phone's sharp ring cut through the silence of the room. Harrison picked up after the first ring, her voice crisp yet guarded. "Hello?"

Isabella couldn't suppress her smirk. Harrison remained blissfully unaware—the mere thought of what awaited her sent waves of satisfaction through Isabella's veins.

"Harrison, it's me. I wanted to express my gratitude for helping expose that fraud Dr. Sinclair. We're doing everything possible to recover the lost funds. While we won't recoup everything, your assistance was invaluable." Harrison had been holed up at Rosewood Manor for days, barely stepping outside. Lately, she'd been plagued by unexplained fatigue and relentless drowsiness.

When Isabella offered her thanks, Harrison's voice dripped with skepticism. "Cut the act. State your real purpose."

Isabella expressing gratitude? Harrison wouldn't buy that in a million years.

A soft chuckle escaped Isabella's lips. "I collapsed earlier from sudden chest pains. They rushed me to the hospital. Given our... history, perhaps you'd pay me a visit?"

Harrison snorted. "Will my presence magically heal you? What's the point of doctors then?" Isabella clenched her jaw. That razor-sharp tongue of Harrison's hadn't dulled one bit. She swallowed her irritation—patience was key now. The real game was just beginning.

"Actually, Nathaniel found a compatible heart donor for me. Someone you know intimately. Come see me, and I'll share all the details."

Harrison hesitated, wary of Isabella's motives. But she'd uncover the truth soon enough. Ever since learning about Benjamin's murder at their hands, she'd been anticipating the Whitmore family's next move. A cold smile curled Harrison's lips. "Fine. I'll be there shortly."

After hanging up, Harrison reached for her water glass.

Without warning, a bitter taste flooded her mouth. She doubled over, retching violently despite her empty stomach. The dry heaves wracked her body until bile forced its way up.

What the hell was happening?

She stumbled to the bathroom, scrubbing her teeth furiously to erase the vile taste.

Then realization struck like lightning. Her clockwork-precise period was late.

She checked the calendar. Ten days overdue.

Since returning from Wintervale, the chaos had distracted her from tracking it.

But now the truth crashed over her: No period.

What did this mean?

Harrison's pulse quickened as one terrifying possibility surfaced. Her fingers flew to her wrist.