Chapter 505

"Isabella stole the crystal pendant?"

"That conniving little snake! She has no shame!"

Eleanor and Rosalind seethed, their tones laced with venom.

Harrison allowed a cold smirk to play on her lips. "Does she truly believe that trinket will protect her? The truth has a way of surfacing, no matter how deep you bury it. Let's return to the hospital."

"Agreed."

In the sterile hospital room, Isabella clung to Victoria's hand with desperate intensity. "Mother, you did send for Nathaniel, didn't you?"

Victoria patted her daughter's wrist reassuringly. "Of course, darling. He's speaking with Dominic in the hallway. He'll be here momentarily."

Isabella exhaled sharply. "Good. As long as he still believes I'm his savior, he'll never leave me."

Her gaze turned sharp as she studied Victoria. "And the kidnappers? The doctor?"

A self-satisfied smile curled Victoria's lips. "Handled. They were sedated before the operation even began. Even if apprehended, they'll never speak. No traces lead back to us this time."

After past failures, Victoria had invested heavily in ensuring this operation was airtight. Yet Isabella still fidgeted anxiously. "Everything went perfectly, yet Harrison escaped unharmed—with the child still intact. And with Eleanor here... What if Nathaniel discovers the baby is his?"

Victoria's expression hardened. "Compose yourself, Isabella. Maintain control. His heart belongs to you—that's all that matters."

Isabella gave a tight nod just as the door swung open.

Nathaniel entered, his chiseled features unreadable.

Instantly, Isabella transformed—her posture wilting, her voice trembling. "Where were you? Did you go see her?"

Nathaniel sat stiffly on the bed's edge, his silence louder than words.

Isabella's lower lip quivered dramatically. "My chest hurts terribly. Promise you won't leave me again. I can't bear to be—"

She abruptly threw herself against him, her arms locking around his torso like steel bands.

Nathaniel stiffened, his mind flooded with unbidden images—Harrison's luminous eyes, her fragile strength when she'd faced him earlier.

He'd pledged his loyalty to Isabella, yet his traitorous heart refused to obey.

Gently, he tried to disentangle himself. "You should rest if you're unwell."

"I need you to hold me," Isabella whined, clinging tighter.

A sharp gasp sliced through the moment. Victoria's voice dripped false concern. "Harrison? What are you doing here?"

Nathaniel's head snapped toward the doorway. His breath caught.

Harrison stood framed in the threshold, her presence like a lightning strike.

Rosalind's icy voice cut through the tension. "Spare us the theatrics. Harrison wants nothing from your pitiful displays!"

Victoria's eyes flashed with barely contained rage. "Mind your tongue!"

How she loathed this meddling girl. If not for Rosalind's interference, Harrison would still be trapped.

Forcing a saccharine smile, Victoria purred, "Harrison dear, are you here to check on Isabella? As you can see, Mr. Falcon is... otherwise occupied."

Harrison's piercing gaze locked onto Nathaniel, who remained frozen on the bed with Isabella's arms possessively wrapped around him. The air thickened with unspoken accusations.