Chapter 554

Victoria was momentarily speechless. She had anticipated resistance from Harrison, prepared for arguments and pleas—but the composed woman standing before her shattered all expectations.

"Very well. I trust you'll keep your word. The Lancaster-Falcon union must proceed." Victoria's voice softened slightly. "My husband has an illegitimate son, which is precisely why Nathaniel must marry Henry's daughter."

The existence of Nathaniel's half-brother had always been a carefully guarded secret—yet Victoria had just revealed it to Harrison.

Harrison inclined her head. "I understand. I'll take my leave now. Perhaps our paths will cross again."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her silhouette fading into the distance.

Beatrice stepped closer, murmuring, "Madam Victoria, I never imagined this conversation would go so smoothly. Ms. Harrison is... unlike what I expected. When I fetched her from The Regal Residences, she carried herself with such grace. She has a presence that commands attention."

Beatrice had served Victoria since childhood, her loyalty unwavering.

Victoria stared at the empty space where Harrison had stood, lost in thought. "No, she isn't what I expected either."

Just then, the door opened. A tall, imposing figure emerged from the adjoining room.

Victoria turned to see Henry Lancaster stepping forward.

He had arrived earlier and overheard every word exchanged between the two women.

Henry's gaze followed the path Harrison had taken. "She's gone?"

Victoria nodded. "Yes. She left without protest."

"Remarkable," Henry mused. "She’s no ordinary woman. Nathaniel has excellent taste."

"Some things simply aren’t meant to be," Victoria murmured.

Henry remained silent.

Harrison descended the grand staircase.

At that moment, a sleek black Shadow pulled up abruptly, its door swinging open to reveal Nathaniel’s striking figure. He had come for her.

He rushed forward, concern etched across his features. "What are you doing here? Did my mother pressure you? Did she say anything to hurt you?"

Harrison shook her head. "No. She was only protecting you. She offered me a check to walk away. I refused."

Nathaniel's eyes brightened, his hand settling on her shoulder. "That’s wonderful! I knew you wouldn’t leave me. Let’s—"

"Mr. Falcon, you misunderstand," Harrison interjected coolly. "I didn’t take the check because there was nothing to walk away from. I have no claim to it."

Nathaniel froze.

Harrison removed his hand from her shoulder with deliberate calm. "Tomorrow, Oliver and I are leaving Willowbrook. I won’t be returning."

"What?" Nathaniel’s voice was raw with disbelief. "You’re leaving tomorrow?"

Harrison nodded. "Yes. The pregnancy is advancing, and I need to focus on bringing this child into the world. Don’t follow me. I just want peace—for Oliver, the baby, and myself."

She turned to leave, but Nathaniel caught her from behind, pulling her into a crushing embrace.

His face buried in her hair, his voice rough with emotion. "I don’t believe you. Please... don’t go."

He held her as if trying to fuse her into his very being.

"After everything we’ve just discovered about each other—how can we part now? Don’t you remember? We promised always."