Chapter 49

Harrison spotted Nathaniel with Isabella. Isabella, already released from the hospital, stood radiant beside him, her arm possessively linked through his. They looked like the perfect couple, completely at ease in each other's presence.

Gabrielle scoffed. "Nathaniel truly adores Isabella, doesn't he? After all that nonsense with Mrs. Eleanor, he just picks up right where they left off."

Harrison hadn't anticipated running into Nathaniel and Isabella at The Velvet Lounge, but their quick reconciliation didn't surprise her.

Not a flicker of shock crossed her face. She simply arched an eyebrow and murmured to Gabrielle, "You're just now realizing Nathaniel's feelings for Isabella?"

Once, this might have stung. Now, she felt nothing.

The sharp click of heels interrupted her thoughts.

"Mr. Falcon! Isabella! What a pleasant surprise," came Penelope's voice.

Harrison looked up, surprised to see Penelope had arrived.

Penelope wore a slinky black dress that hugged every curve, her wild curls and crimson lips creating a striking contrast. Her gaze lingered on Nathaniel with unmistakable interest.

Harrison smirked. Tonight just got more interesting.

Isabella, oblivious to Penelope's intentions, kept her grip on Nathaniel's arm, flashing a saccharine smile. "What a coincidence, Penelope."

Sebastian, who'd been waiting for this moment, clapped his hands. "Since we're all here, let's play a game! Alexander, Harrison, care to join?"

Alexander turned to Harrison. "Let's play together."

Harrison opened her mouth to decline, but Gabrielle cut in. "We're in."

Penelope's eyes widened when she noticed Alexander and Harrison together. "Since when are Alexander and Harrison a thing?"

Isabella, ever the instigator, smirked. "Penelope, didn't you know? Alexander has his eye on Harrison."

"What?" Penelope gasped, her voice dripping with disdain. "Alexander fancies Harrison? But she's just some country bumpkin. She's not in his league."

Isabella shrugged, grinning. "You don't get it. Harrison knows how to work her charms. Alexander's already hooked."

Penelope sneered. "How embarrassing to be related to someone like her. She doesn't belong in our circles."

Isabella laughed, clearly enjoying the drama.

Suddenly, Nathaniel pulled his arm free and walked away.

Isabella's hand dropped to her side, her smile freezing. Last night, Nathaniel hadn't returned to the hospital. Her calls went unanswered. Never in their relationship had he treated her so coldly.

Panic set in. Terrified another woman might steal him, she hurried after him.

Catching up, she pouted. "Nathaniel, why didn't you answer my calls?"

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable, his chiseled features as cold as marble.

Harrison, Alexander, and Gabrielle joined the group with Penelope, Sebastian, and other wealthy heirs. As everyone took their seats, Isabella had no choice but to drop the subject, sitting stiffly beside Nathaniel.

Sebastian produced a beer bottle. "Truth or Dare rules: spin the bottle. Whoever the mouth points to chooses someone the tail points to for a question or dare."

The first spin landed with the mouth pointing at Penelope and the tail at Nathaniel.