Chapter 55

Alexander didn't just accept Harrison's confession - he declared his feelings for her right in Nathaniel's face.

Isabella and Penelope stood frozen in shock. "Alexander!"

Had he gone completely mad? Was he seriously considering taking his best friend's discarded wife?

Nathaniel's gaze dropped to their intertwined hands. The air around him turned glacial as his eyes darkened. His lips parted to address Alexander.

"By all means. Do whatever you want with her."

With that, Nathaniel turned on his heel and strode away.

Isabella scrambled after him.

Harrison watched his retreating figure, a hollow chill settling in her chest. Nathaniel truly had no heart. He'd given Alexander permission to pursue her - even encouraged him to take whatever liberties he desired.

"Harrison, I've known Nathaniel for years. He and Isabella will never separate," Alexander murmured quietly.

She yanked her hand from his grasp. "I know."

Suddenly, Alexander closed the distance, pinning her against the wall. A devilish grin played on his lips. "Then why not become my girlfriend? I'll pamper you just like Nathaniel spoils Isabella."

Harrison trembled slightly, unwilling to entangle herself with another heir from the Graves family.

"Alexander, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not worthy. Just a country girl with no education, no career... Someone like you deserves better."

As she spoke, she shoved him away and fled. "Goodbye, Alexander."

He watched her retreat, an authentic smile spreading across his face.

This woman was truly something special. Exactly his type.

Nathaniel emerged from The Velvet Lounge where a sleek Bentley awaited at the curb. Dominic respectfully opened the rear door.

Just then, Isabella came running out and threw herself at Nathaniel from behind. "Nathaniel! What's wrong? Why are you being so distant?"

Her heart pounded. She couldn't fathom his sudden coldness.

Nathaniel peeled her arms away, his expression unreadable. "I have business at Falcon Enterprises. You should go home."

He slid into the backseat. Dominic took the wheel and pulled away.

Isabella stomped her foot in frustration. "Nathaniel!"

Inside the car, Dominic ventured cautiously, "Mr. Falcon, it appears Mr. Graves is quite serious about Mrs. Falcon..."

Nathaniel loosened his tie with one hand, revealing a glimpse of his sculpted collarbone as if struggling to breathe.

Alexander had surprised him today. Nathaniel knew how selective his friend was, yet he'd pursued Harrison regardless.

Nathaniel's voice turned arctic. "She certainly knows how to ensnare men."

He remembered how Harrison had blushed when Alexander kissed her - that shy, hesitant expression. What man could resist that?

He hadn't been able to resist either. His body had betrayed him more than once.

When she failed to trap him, she'd set her sights on Alexander.

"Mr. Falcon, shall we return to Rosewood Manor?"

"No. To the office. I'll be staying there for the foreseeable future."

He couldn't bear to see Harrison right now.

Nathaniel rolled down the window, letting the cold air slap his face. Even now, he still felt a dull ache between his legs. Was she trying to destroy his manhood?

That slap, that kick to his groin - only she would dare.

"Nathaniel, I don't love you anymore."

Her words echoed in his skull.

If she didn't love him, so what? Who needed her affection?

The whole situation was absurd.

He couldn't believe he'd asked for the massage oil and gotten punished in the game's first round because of her.