Chapter 425

Nathaniel dragged Harrison out of The Velvet Lounge, his strides long and purposeful. Harrison stumbled behind him, struggling to match his pace.

"Let go of me, Nathaniel!" Harrison snapped, her brows furrowing.

Without a word, Nathaniel yanked open the door of his sleek black Bentley and shoved her into the passenger seat before sliding behind the wheel.

The car roared to life, cutting through the neon-lit streets of Willowbrook. The city lights reflected off the polished exterior, casting fleeting shadows across Nathaniel's sharp features.

Harrison crossed her arms. "Did the entertainment at dinner bore you already? Or did the dancers fail to hold your attention?"

She had spotted him earlier, watching a group of performers with that infuriatingly composed expression. His sudden appearance at the bar had caught her completely off guard.

His fingers, adorned with a platinum Rolex, tightened slightly on the steering wheel. A faint smirk played on his lips. "You saw me?"

"Hard to miss," Harrison retorted. "Your admirers are everywhere."

Nathaniel chuckled darkly. "Coming from you—who was just at a male revue bar. Enjoying the show? If I'd arrived any later, would I have found you buying private dances on my credit card?"

Harrison gaped at him, momentarily speechless. That man and his razor-sharp tongue!

Concern for Rosalind surged. She pulled out her phone and dialed, but the call rang endlessly. No answer.

Where was she?

Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the silence. "Is Rosalind with Everett?"

Harrison nodded. "Probably."

His expression remained unreadable. "Tell her to stay away from him."

Harrison shot him a look. "Don't underestimate Everett. He's got potential. There's more to him than you think."

Nathaniel's lips quirked. "I don't doubt his abilities. But he comes from a different world—one that doesn't align with Rosalind's. Or yours. Some things aren't meant to be."

Logically, Harrison knew he was right. But Everett reminded her of a wild stallion—untamed, unpredictable, destined for greatness in his own way.

She looked away. "You can't control who people fall for."

Hadn't she known from the start that she and Nathaniel had no future? Yet here they were.

Nathaniel didn't respond. Thirty minutes later, the Bentley pulled up to Emerald Heights.

Rain poured down in sheets. Without an umbrella, they sprinted to the building, both drenched by the time they reached the lobby.

Harrison scanned her fingerprint to unlock the penthouse door. "Thanks for the ride. Goodnight."

She stepped inside, ready to shut the door—but Nathaniel's tall frame blocked it. With one firm push, he forced it back open.

Harrison blinked. "What are you doing?"

"I forgot my key," he said smoothly. "Dominic's bringing it. Mind if I wait inside?"

"No—hey!"

Too late. Nathaniel strode past her as if he owned the place.

Harrison exhaled sharply. "This is trespassing."

Nathaniel surveyed the penthouse. Both their units boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic ocean views.

But where his was all cool marble and monochrome, hers was warm—cream walls, plush furnishings, and a crystal chandelier that bathed the space in golden light.

It felt like home.