Chapter 490

Nathaniel sat in his study, surrounded by stacks of documents. His fingers tapped impatiently against the mahogany desk before he abruptly shut the file in front of him.

Dominic, standing nearby, immediately noticed the shift in his demeanor. "Mr. Falcon, is everything alright?"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed, his piercing gaze sharpening.

"I don't know what's wrong," he admitted, his voice tight. "But my chest feels... heavy."

The man was known for his relentless work ethic, but today, concentration eluded him. His mind refused to settle on the papers before him.

This wasn't just physical discomfort. Something deeper gnawed at him—an unease he couldn't shake.

He pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the dull throb beneath his ribs. "Should I call a doctor?" Dominic asked, concern lacing his tone.

Nathaniel shook his head. "No."

A moment of silence stretched before he spoke again, his voice low. "Where is Harrison right now?"

Dominic hesitated. "She lives across from you. I can check on her if you'd like."

Nathaniel didn't respond, his expression distant.

Then, a knock interrupted the quiet.

Isabella's voice floated through the door. "I brought you coffee."

"Come in," Nathaniel called.

She entered, carefully placing the cup beside him. "You've been working too hard. Drink this—I made it just for you."

Nathaniel exhaled, lifting the cup to his lips. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, his face twisted in displeasure.

"What's wrong?" Isabella asked, her smile faltering.

Dominic, attuned to Nathaniel's moods, understood instantly. "Mr. Falcon, is the coffee not to your liking?"

It wasn't.

Before the divorce, Harrison had always prepared his coffee. She had perfected every detail of his routine, her presence ingrained in his daily life.

Nathaniel set the cup down, his fingers lingering on the rim.

Isabella's jaw tightened. She couldn't even make coffee as well as Harrison?

Dominic broke the silence. "Should I fetch Ms. Harrison?"

Isabella's stomach dropped. Nathaniel wanted to see her?

No. Absolutely not.

This was the critical moment of their plan. She couldn't risk him figuring things out.

She moved closer, her voice soft and coaxing. "Do you really want to see her? After everything? She's carrying Oliver's child now. She hates you. Why would she welcome you?"

Nathaniel's mind flashed to the icy words Harrison had thrown at him in her apartment—and the undeniable truth of her pregnancy. His lips thinned into a hard line.

Isabella leaned in, her voice a whisper. "We should stay away from her. Once she cures my heart condition, we'll be married."

Her fingers brushed his temple, massaging gently. "You're exhausted. Let me help. Dominic, it's late. You can go."

A subtle dismissal.

Dominic hesitated but finally turned to leave.

As the door clicked shut, Isabella allowed herself a small, victorious smile.

Harrison was alone on that operating table now—helpless.

She deserved this for crossing her.

Just as the satisfaction settled in, Nathaniel's voice cut through the silence.

"Dominic, wait."

The command froze Dominic in his tracks.