Chapter 42

Harrison had known the truth from the moment she stepped into the Falcon estate. Isabella was behind that photo.

Earlier in the hospital room, she'd skillfully manipulated the conversation, coaxing Isabella into confessing to Nathaniel. She wanted to hear the admission directly from Isabella's lips.

Nathaniel ended the call and locked eyes with Harrison.

Her crimson lips curled into a mocking smile. "You're going to be disappointed, Nathaniel. That photo wasn't from me - Isabella sent it."

His chiseled features tightened, but he remained silent.

Harrison turned to leave. As she brushed past him, Nathaniel grabbed her slender wrist.

She jerked away violently, refusing any contact.

"After I left, Eleanor collapsed. She kept calling my name in her sleep." Her voice dripped with venom. "Maybe you should visit her sometime."

With that, she strode away.

Dominic materialized from the shadows. "Mr. Falcon, Mrs. Falcon misunderstands. You weren't taking Isabella's side, were you? You heard everything from outside the door."

A man like Nathaniel didn't accept things at face value. He'd orchestrated the entire scene, stepping away to observe both women. What surprised him was Harrison seeing through his game. The way she'd maneuvered Isabella into confession was masterful.

While Isabella thought she was playing Harrison, she'd been outmaneuvered.

Dominic watched Harrison disappear down the hall. "Mrs. Falcon is... more than she appears."

Nathaniel had underestimated his wife. A country girl with such composure and strategic thinking? How many layers did she possess?

"Return to the estate," Nathaniel commanded.

Dominic hesitated. "Ms. Isabella will call when she can't find you."

Nathaniel's expression turned glacial. Dominic immediately fell silent.

Isabella had grown too accustomed to Nathaniel's indulgence. She'd crossed a line without realizing it, still basking in her imagined victory.

Eleanor was awake when Harrison returned to Rosewood Manor.

Harrison threw herself into the older woman's arms. "You terrified me, collapsing like that."

Eleanor patted her back. "I'm not going anywhere, dear. I worry more about Isabella taking advantage of you."

Harrison's pale eyes reddened. No one could bully her now.

But wrapped in Eleanor's embrace, something unexpected happened. A foreign warmth spread through her chest. This unconditional love made her feel fragile. Tears welled as she clung tighter.

"Mr. Falcon has returned!" Reginald announced excitedly.

Nathaniel stood in the doorway, watching Harrison - usually so composed - clinging to his grandmother like a child. It was a side of her he'd never seen.

Harrison immediately straightened, wiping her eyes. "I should rest now."