Chapter 439

The tension in the room became palpable, thick enough to choke on. Dominic couldn't believe Nathaniel had actually struck him.

But Nathaniel was his golden goose now, so Dominic bit back his fury. He swallowed his pride like bitter medicine.

"Did you bring the cash?" Dominic asked, keeping his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him.

Nathaniel's reply came ice-cold. "Every last cent. But I want an exchange - one for one."

Dominic smirked. "Fine, one for one. But you only get one person."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Explain."

"We agreed to an exchange, but never specified both. A hundred million buys one life," Dominic sneered, his grin twisting like a knife.

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "Name your price."

"Mr. Falcon, that's not how this works. Pick one - your ex-wife or your mistress. The other stays with us," Dominic taunted, his laughter devoid of warmth.

Harrison's face went pale. She hadn't anticipated this cruel twist - being forced to watch Nathaniel choose between her and Isabella.

Isabella immediately began pleading, her voice trembling. "Nathaniel, you'll choose me, won't you? My heart condition... I can't take much more of this. Please get me out of here."

Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Isabella before locking onto Harrison.

Harrison met his eyes, her voice quiet but firm. "Mr. Falcon, if I begged you... would you pick me?"

She wasn't stupid. Of course she wanted to leave. She carried Nathaniel's child now. Would that change anything? If she asked for his help, would he choose her over Isabella?

Nathaniel's brow furrowed, but he remained silent.

Dominic's voice cut through the heavy air. "Mr. Falcon, I'll count to three. Choose fast, or you get nothing. One... Two..."

Isabella cried out again, desperate. "Nathaniel! Remember your promise! You swore you'd take me with you! You vowed to always protect me!"

The countdown was nearly over.

Nathaniel's voice rang out, calm and final. "I choose Isabella."

He'd made his decision. Isabella.

Harrison wasn't entirely shocked. Nathaniel had never chosen her when it came down to it.

Still, hearing the words aloud felt like a knife to the heart.

Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach as she thought of their unborn child. Not even born yet, and already abandoned by its father.

He'd left them both behind.

Dominic barked out a laugh. "No hesitation at all! Take your precious Isabella and go."

With a sharp gesture, he signaled his men to untie Isabella.

The moment she was free, Isabella leapt up and rushed to Nathaniel. "I knew you'd pick me! My legs won't hold me - carry me!"

She batted her eyelashes dramatically.

Nathaniel scooped her up without hesitation.

Isabella beamed up at him. "Let's get out of this hellhole."

Nathaniel cast one last glance at Harrison before turning and walking out with Isabella in his arms.

He was leaving.

Leaving with Isabella.

Harrison's lips twisted into a bitter smile.

Dominic stepped forward, grabbing Harrison's chin roughly. "See that? You're the discarded one. Mr. Falcon doesn't want you anymore. Now you're ours to play with."

Harrison jerked her face away, breaking his grip.

Dominic chuckled darkly. "Still got some fight left? Let's see how long that lasts."

He lunged at her.

Outside, Nathaniel set Isabella down and turned back toward the building.