Chapter 499

Victoria's face was stern, but she gave Isabella's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry. I promise the kidnappers and the doctor won't double-cross us."

Nathaniel's heart raced as he approached Harrison's private hospital room. His fingers trembled as he reached for the doorknob, desperate to see her, but Rosalind blocked his path before he could enter.

She planted herself firmly in his way. "Stop right there!"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed in frustration. "Move aside. I need to see her."

Rosalind's piercing gaze never wavered. "Why bother now? You weren't there when she needed you most. Harrison wouldn't want to see you anyway."

His jaw clenched in silence.

Rosalind's voice softened slightly, but her words cut deep. "I'll never understand what hold Isabella has over you. How could you choose her over Harrison? You've broken her heart completely this time."

Nathaniel's voice cracked with emotion. "Rosalind, you don't understand the whole story."

"That's exactly the problem," she shot back. "You never explain anything! Just answer me this - do you truly love Isabella that much?"

She needed the truth from him. She couldn't believe Nathaniel had completely abandoned Harrison.

Nathaniel's hands balled into tight fists. "It's more complicated than love. Isabella is my responsibility."

"Responsibility?" Rosalind's confusion deepened. "What does that even mean?"

Nathaniel avoided explaining further. "Please, just let me see her."

"Not until you tell me everything," Rosalind stood her ground. "No explanations, no access. You won't get past me."

Nathaniel's expression darkened as he hesitated. "Isabella once saved my life."

"What?" Rosalind froze, disbelief flashing across her face. Isabella? The woman who had abandoned Nathaniel when he was at his lowest? That was impossible.

Her brows knitted in suspicion. "When? How?"

Nathaniel took a deep breath. "Years ago, I was badly injured in the wilderness. Isabella found me unconscious in the forest. She hid me in a cave and nursed me back to health. I made a promise then - to always protect her. That's why I can't abandon her now. As for Harrison..."

His gaze drifted toward the closed hospital door. There could be no future between them now. Not with Isabella in the picture.

Yet when he'd heard about Harrison's kidnapping, an unexpected pang of concern had struck him.

Even knowing the child wasn't his, he still cared deeply for her.

Rosalind stood speechless, struggling to process his words. She didn't believe a word of it.

The idea of Isabella performing such a selfless act was laughable. There had to be more to the story.

Sometimes those too close to a situation couldn't see the truth clearly. While Nathaniel remained blind, Rosalind sensed something was off.

She resolved to tell Harrison everything once she woke up. Harrison was clever - she'd figure out the truth.

With obvious reluctance, Rosalind stepped aside. "Fine. You can see her. But keep quiet - she's extremely weak."

"Thank you," Nathaniel murmured gratefully.

His hand trembled as he turned the doorknob and stepped inside.

The sight that greeted him made his breath catch.

Harrison lay motionless in the hospital bed.

Her porcelain face was deathly pale, long lashes resting against colorless cheeks. She slept deeply, exhausted from her ordeal.

Eleanor had been keeping vigil at Harrison's bedside. The moment she spotted Nathaniel, her eyes flashed with fury.

"Who let you in here?" she hissed through clenched teeth.