Chapter 538

The tension in the air was palpable.

Harrison's grip on Theodore's arm tightened as she pulled him back.

Nathaniel stepped forward, his voice a low, commanding growl. "Mr. Lancaster, Isabella has been separated from you for years. This isn't the time."

Henry Lancaster's expression softened as his gaze settled on Isabella. "Let's go home."

Isabella smiled, her tone light and carefree. "Of course."

With that, Henry led her away.

Harrison lunged forward. "You can't just—"

But Nathaniel's fingers closed around her wrist, firm yet gentle, stopping her in her tracks. His eyes warned her silently.

Oliver moved closer, his voice urgent. "Harrison, I know you're furious, but Isabella is the daughter of the wealthiest man alive. You can't act recklessly."

Gabrielle and Rosalind both stepped forward, frustration burning in their eyes. "Damn it! She slipped away again!"

Ahead, Isabella reached the sleek black limousine. The butler bowed deeply as he opened the door. "Welcome home, Ms. Lancaster."

The bodyguards, standing in the misty rain, echoed in unison. "Welcome back, Ms. Lancaster!"

The sheer authority in the moment was undeniable.

Isabella smirked, casting one last glance over her shoulder—a taunting, victorious smile directed straight at Harrison.

It was a challenge.

A dare.

After everything Harrison had done, Isabella was still untouchable.

And she wanted Harrison to know it.

Harrison's blood ran cold, her fingers curling into fists. She wanted to charge forward, to—

But Nathaniel's grip tightened. "Harrison!"

She was forced to stay put.

Isabella slid into the car, followed by Margaret and the others. The limousine pulled away smoothly.

As it disappeared down the road, Margaret rolled down the window, her eyes locking onto Harrison's. Theodore, Victoria, Penelope, Frederick, and Cassandra all wore identical smirks—triumphant, mocking—before the car vanished from sight.

Harrison's vision blurred with rage.

Rosalind snarled. "Unbelievable! The Whitmores escaped again! How dare they act so smug after everything they've done!"

Gabrielle clenched her fists. "I can't stand this! They have no shame!"

Harrison's fury burned like wildfire, but the bitter truth remained—Isabella was untouchable.

She yanked her arm free from Nathaniel and turned back to Benjamin's grave.

His photo stared back at her, his gentle smile frozen in time. Her fist trembled. "Dad... I'm sorry. I failed you. But I swear, no matter who Isabella's father is, no matter what she does—I will make her pay."

Benjamin's kind eyes offered no reply.

Nathaniel moved beside her. "Let's go."

Suddenly, Harrison's vision darkened. Her knees buckled.

Nathaniel's face paled. "Harrison!"

He caught her before she hit the ground, pulling her into his arms.

Oliver, Rosalind, and Gabrielle rushed forward. "Harrison! Are you okay?"

Without hesitation, Nathaniel lifted her. "We're leaving. Now."

When Harrison opened her eyes again, she was back in her apartment, lying in the soft embrace of her bed.

"You're awake."

She turned her head to see Nathaniel, who had been sitting vigil beside her.

His fingers wrapped around hers, warm and steady. His voice was rough with worry. "Don't ever scare me like that again."