Chapter 430

"It's late. You should head home and rest," Harrison said, her tone steady but leaving no room for argument.

Nathaniel didn't move. His gaze lingered on her. "You're right. It's late. Goodnight."

Harrison stiffened.

Was he planning to stay?

"Mr. Falcon, hasn't Dominic brought the key yet?" she asked, fighting to keep her voice even.

"He won't deliver it until tomorrow. So tonight, I'm staying here," Nathaniel replied smoothly, as if discussing the weather.

"No," Harrison protested, her voice betraying a slight tremor.

Nathaniel turned, his eyes sharp as a blade. "This isn't a request. It's a statement."

Harrison opened her mouth to argue, but before she could speak, the world tilted. Nathaniel's lips crashed against hers, stealing her breath and silencing any protest.

In the hospital room, Isabella had been dialing Nathaniel's number relentlessly. No answer.

She tried Harrison next. Still nothing.

What were they doing together?

The images from the video call flashed in her mind, igniting a firestorm of rage. With a violent jerk, she hurled her phone across the room. It shattered against the wall.

"Harrison, you scheming little witch! You'll pay for this!" she screamed, fists clenched so tight her nails bit into her palms.

Victoria rushed forward, hands outstretched. "Calm down! You can't let your emotions control you. Think of your health!"

Isabella shoved her away. "Mother, if you love me, help me! Do you see what Harrison's doing? She's stealing Nathaniel from me. I never should have let her take my place in that marriage. They never should have met!"

Victoria's stomach twisted with regret. Harrison—the girl from the cave all those years ago—was back in Nathaniel's life. And though he'd despised her at first, his attention had shifted entirely.

"Don't worry. I have a plan," Victoria murmured, something dark flickering in her eyes.

Isabella leaned in, curiosity burning. "What plan?"

Victoria whispered into her ear, the words low and venomous.

Isabella's eyes lit up. She flashed a thumbs-up.

"Mother, you're brilliant!"

The next morning, Harrison jolted awake. She shifted, realizing she was still on the couch. The space beside her was empty—Nathaniel had gone.

Memories of the night flooded back. They'd fallen asleep together, Nathaniel's arms wrapped around her, his warmth a shield against the world. For the first time in years, she'd slept soundly.

Now, he was gone.

Harrison sat up slowly, reaching for her phone. Oliver had called multiple times.

She dialed him back immediately.

Oliver answered on the first ring. "Where were you last night? I've been trying to reach you!"

Harrison hesitated. "I went to bed early."

"Liar," Oliver teased. "You were with Mr. Falcon, weren't you?"

Harrison nearly choked.

Did he have spies watching her?

She changed the subject. "Why were you calling so urgently?"

"Mr. Falcon is looking for you. He's put out an industry-wide search. I can barely hold them off. What do you want to do?" Oliver's voice was heavy with concern.

Nathaniel was searching for her this aggressively?

Of course. Isabella's condition was deteriorating. With Nathaniel so desperate, it was only a matter of time before he found her.

Harrison smirked. "Don't worry. Contact him. Tell him I've arrived in Willowbrook. I'll arrange a meeting."

Oliver chuckled.

"If the Whitmores hear the real Dr. Sinclair is in Willowbrook, they'll lose their minds. Alright, I'll set it up. He's been hunting for you—it's time he sees who you really are."