Chapter 536

Without a moment's hesitation, Isabella rushed forward and threw her arms around Henry. "Father! Where have you been all these years? Why did it take you so long to find me?"

Henry enveloped her in a crushing embrace, his voice thick with emotion. "Forgive me, my darling. I've scoured every continent, searched every major city—I never stopped looking for you."

A radiant smile lit up Isabella's face as she buried her head against his shoulder. "None of that matters now. Promise me we'll never be separated again."

Henry tenderly stroked her hair, his eyes glistening. "You have my word. I'll move heaven and earth to protect you."

As the poignant reunion unfolded, Harrison's brow furrowed. This revelation about Isabella's true parentage had come at the worst possible moment.

The spoiled socialite was actually the long-lost heiress to the Lancaster fortune—the wealthiest family in Metropolia!

Just as Henry began leading Isabella away, Harrison's crisp voice cut through the air. "Wait!"

Henry turned slowly, his piercing gaze landing on Harrison. For a fleeting moment, something about the young woman's delicate features struck a chord in his memory, though he couldn't place why.

Isabella smirked, tightening her grip on Henry's arm. "Harrison, meet my father—the most powerful man in the world. Aren't you happy for me?"

She nearly laughed aloud at the thought. With Henry Lancaster as her protector, no one—not Harrison, not Nathaniel—could touch her now.

Harrison's steady gaze never wavered from Henry's face.

"Mr. Lancaster, your daughter and I have unfinished business. She's not leaving until we settle this."

Instantly, Isabella's expression crumpled. "Father, this is Harrison Whitmore. She's been tormenting me for months!" She pointed dramatically to her bruised cheek. "Look what she did to me! She's vicious!"

Henry's eyes turned glacial as he examined the marks on Isabella's face. When his gaze returned to Harrison, it could have frozen molten lava.

"You dare lay hands on my daughter? And now you have the audacity to confront me directly?"

His lips curled into a dangerous smile.

"Nobody harms a Lancaster and lives to boast about it."

Harrison moved to step forward, but Nathaniel's imposing frame materialized between them like a human shield.

"Uncle Henry," Nathaniel greeted with respectful nod.

Henry's expression softened slightly. "Nathaniel. Your father mentioned you'd be returning to Metropolia soon."

The Lancaster and Hawk families had been allies for generations, both pillars of Metropolia's elite society.

"Not immediately," Nathaniel replied evenly.

Henry nodded thoughtfully. "Your father also reminded me of our families' longstanding arrangement."

"Arrangement?" Rosalind echoed, confused.

Henry's attention returned to Nathaniel. "The marriage pact between our houses. With Isabella finally found, it's time we honored our agreement."

The Hawks and Lancasters had sealed this alliance decades ago—their firstborn son and daughter destined to unite the two dynasties. As the Lancaster heiress and Hawk heir, Isabella and Nathaniel were bound by this ironclad contract.