Chapter 540

Victoria's voice carried through the phone with calculated precision. "I heard Henry Lancaster finally located his missing daughter. Our families have that longstanding marriage alliance, Nathaniel. His daughter is your intended. Have you been introduced yet?"

Nathaniel stood motionless before the panoramic windows, his broad silhouette outlined against the twilight glow. "Mother, that arrangement was made between you and the Lancasters. I never consented to it."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. "Explain yourself," Victoria demanded, her tone turning glacial.

"I won't marry Henry Lancaster's daughter." Nathaniel's voice held finality.

A sharp intake of breath crackled through the speaker. "Are you suggesting we sever generations of alliance? The Lancaster and Hawk families have stood together for centuries! Marriage is the strongest bond between noble houses. As heir to Falcon Enterprises, surely you understand this!"

Nathaniel's chiseled profile remained impassive as marble.

Victoria's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Is there another woman?" The unspoken threat hung heavy between them. "Those... distractions you entertain, I've turned a blind eye. But remember your position. Temporary amusement, nothing more. Now that Henry has found his daughter, you'll end all other entanglements. The Lancaster heiress deserves your undivided attention."

She didn't wait for rebuttal.

"Cross this line, Nathaniel, and I'll intervene personally." The call terminated with surgical abruptness.

Dominic stepped forward from the shadows. "Sir, you know how Mrs. Victoria operates. If she discovers your connection with Ms. Harrison..."

Nathaniel's eyes darkened like storm-churned seas, his expression inscrutable. "Understood. Dismissed."

"Very good, Mr. Hawk."

Across the city, the Whitmore estate blazed with celebratory lights, welcoming their distinguished guest.

In the gilded parlor, Henry Lancaster reclined against plush velvet cushions while Margaret Whitmore personally served his tea. "Mr. Lancaster, your favorite blend."

Isabella clung to Henry's arm with possessive delight, marveling at her sudden fortune. Resentment simmered beneath her adoring gaze - why had Theodore and Victoria hidden her true heritage? She should have been raised in Metropolia's glittering circles, not this provincial estate.

Her eyes glittered as she gazed up at Henry. "Father, why did it take you so long to find me?"

Henry patted her hand absently. "I searched tirelessly, my dear."

"And my mother?" Isabella pressed. "Why didn't she come for me?"

Henry's smile faltered. Theodore interjected smoothly, "Your mother passed giving birth to you, Isabella."

Dead? Isabella barely concealed her indifference. What mattered was the living billionaire before her now.

She tightened her grip on Henry's sleeve. "Then you must love me twice as much to make up for it!"

Henry nodded indulgently. "Which is why I've come to bring you home to Metropolia."

Isabella's pulse quickened.

"A grand ball will announce your return," Henry continued. "All of high society will witness the Lancaster heiress reclaiming her rightful place." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "You'll want for nothing."