Chapter 526

Gabrielle's lips curled into a frosty smile. "How ironic. Nathaniel couldn't be bothered before. Now he's practically breaking down the door to see her."

Yet she maintained utmost respect for Harrison.

"Harrison, this is your choice. Do you wish to see him?"

Harrison rested her palm lightly on her rounded belly, her eyes clouded with memories. "We've settled everything from the past. There's nothing left between us. I won't see him. Send him away."

Rosalind gave a firm nod. "Understood."

She strode to the entrance and swung the door open again. Meeting Nathaniel's desperate gaze, she stated coolly, "You need to leave. Harrison refuses to see you."

Nathaniel's voice cracked with emotion. "Did you tell her I have something important to say?"

"Every word," Rosalind confirmed. "She said your history is resolved and there's nothing more to discuss. It's finished."

Finished?

Nathaniel's hands clenched into fists. "It's not finished between us! Let me speak to her directly!"

"She's carrying your child and needs rest. Respect her wishes."

The door clicked shut with finality.

Rosalind returned to the sitting room. "I've relayed your message to Mr. Hawk."

Harrison gave a quiet nod. "Thank you."

At that moment, Harrison's phone chimed with Eleanor's distinctive video call ringtone. Having always regarded Eleanor as family, Harrison immediately answered.

Eleanor's warm, wrinkled face filled the screen. "Harrison darling! How are you feeling today? Is my great-grandchild treating you well?"

A soft smile touched Harrison's lips. "Perfectly. Though still tiny, this little one behaves wonderfully."

"Marvelous! Now look what I've gathered!" The camera panned to reveal piles of miniature garments - delicate booties, tiny onesies, and impossibly small socks.

Eleanor had transformed into a whirlwind of grandmotherly preparation since returning home, scouring every boutique for baby essentials.

"And since we don't know the gender yet," Eleanor continued excitedly, "I bought everything in every color - rose, lemon, sky blue. I simply couldn't resist! Boy or girl, this child will want for nothing."

"I've commissioned a sterling silver rattle and golden christening spoon. Oh! And I'm having the east garden redesigned as a playground for when they're older."

Eleanor's enthusiasm knew no bounds, her love overflowing in every carefully selected gift.

Harrison's heart swelled. Eleanor had always been the grandmother she never had, embracing both her and the unborn child unconditionally.

But with Nathaniel...

"Grandmother, it's still early days. Please don't overtire yourself with preparations."

Eleanor chuckled warmly. "Nonsense! Now, I know you haven't forgiven Nathaniel yet, and that's perfectly alright. Though I'm his grandmother, you needn't worry - toss him out if you must. Just keep me in your life. That's all I ask."

Harrison couldn't help but laugh. Eleanor understood her completely, never pressuring her about the fractured relationship.

What a blessing Eleanor was.

Harrison made a silent vow. Whatever transpired between her and Nathaniel, it wouldn't affect the bond between her child and this remarkable woman.

Her smile softened. "I know, Grandmother. Please rest now, and don't fret over me. I'll take excellent care of myself and your great-grandchild."

Eleanor nodded approvingly. "Very well."

As the call ended, Harrison's phone immediately chimed again.

A familiar melody filled the room.

Her breath caught.

The screen displayed a name that sent her pulse racing - Nathaniel.

Nathaniel was calling.