Chapter 503

Nathaniel stood rigid in the doorway, his piercing gaze locked onto Harrison. Every muscle in his body was taut, as if fighting the urge to cross the threshold.

Harrison couldn't bear the intensity of his stare. She turned her face away abruptly, breaking their connection.

Nathaniel didn't move.

The tense silence was shattered by Victoria's shrill voice echoing down the hall. "Mr. Falcon! Isabella's having another heart episode! She's asking for you—hurry!"

Victoria had come to fetch Nathaniel yet again with news of Isabella's latest medical crisis.

Eleanor and Rosalind exchanged glances. Eleanor scoffed. "There she goes again. Why don't you run along to your precious Isabella?"

Rosalind muttered under her breath, "That heart condition's been acting up for years, yet she's still breathing just fine. Some miracle."

Nathaniel remained motionless, his eyes never leaving Harrison's profile.

Harrison kept her gaze lowered as Rosalind handed her a glass of warm water. She took slow, deliberate sips, her delicate features illuminated by the soft lamplight. The golden glow made her appear almost translucent.

Victoria's voice grew more insistent. "Mr. Falcon! Are you listening? Isabella needs you now!"

With one last lingering look at Harrison, Nathaniel turned on his heel and left.

He was really going to her.

Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line. "He actually went. Good riddance!"

Harrison reached for Eleanor's hand, her touch gentle. "It's alright. Don't upset yourself. Your health comes first."

Eleanor sighed deeply. "I should have sent that girl abroad when I had the chance. None of this would be happening if not for her."

A faint, bittersweet smile touched Harrison's lips. "It's not that simple, Eleanor. Love isn't something you can control. Nathaniel's heart belongs to Isabella. Even if you'd sent her away, he would have followed."

"But how could he possibly love someone like her?" Eleanor wondered aloud.

Rosalind suddenly spoke up. "Harrison, did you know Isabella once saved Nathaniel's life?"

"What?" Eleanor looked stunned. "That scheming girl? Impossible!"

Harrison shook her head slowly. "No... I didn't know that."

Rosalind settled on the edge of the bed. "He told me today, right outside this door. He said the only reason he tolerates Isabella is because she rescued him years ago. He feels indebted to her."

Harrison's brow furrowed. Isabella saved Nathaniel?

She had always believed she was the one who'd saved him. Had Isabella done the same?

Just how many times had Nathaniel nearly died?

Her mind raced. "When did this happen? Where?"

"Years ago, apparently. He was badly wounded and stumbled into some woods. Isabella found him there, took him to a cave, and nursed him back to health. He promised her that day he'd take her home and never abandon her."

As Rosalind finished speaking, Harrison's eyes widened in shock. Isabella had saved Nathaniel in a cave?

That couldn't be.

That was her story—her memory. Not Isabella's!

"Harrison? Are you alright?" Eleanor asked, concern lacing her voice.

Harrison blinked, coming back to herself. "Rosalind... he really said that?"

Rosalind nodded firmly. "Word for word, right outside this room. He said his relationship with Isabella wasn't just about love. That she was his responsibility—that he couldn't walk away."

Suddenly, Harrison let out a soft, broken laugh. Even as the sound escaped her lips, her clear eyes filled with tears. Within moments, they spilled over, tracing silent paths down her pale cheeks.