Chapter 556

Nathaniel's chiseled jawline was half-hidden in the dim office lighting, his expression unreadable.

The butler cleared his throat gently. "Sir, Ms. Isabella has spent years among ordinary people. It's possible she's developed some...unrefined habits. But once she returns to Metropolia, I'm certain she'll flourish under your guidance."

Since reuniting with Isabella, Nathaniel had ordered a thorough investigation into her past. Every detail, every misstep—he knew them all.

Yet she remained his blood, his flesh and bone.

His gaze flickered toward the door where Harrison had exited. "Let's go."

Nathaniel returned to his office but didn't touch his paperwork. Instead, he uncorked a bottle of aged whiskey and poured himself a glass. Then another.

The alcohol's burn was the only thing dulling the ache in his chest.

Dominic hovered nearby. "Mr. Falcon, perhaps you should slow down. This isn't good for you."

Nathaniel swirled the amber liquid, his smile bitter.

"After I woke from the coma, Harrison monitored everything—no cigarettes, no alcohol. She'd text reminders daily. Office meetings, business trips, it didn't matter. Those messages became part of my routine...and I never replied to a single one."

His grip tightened around the glass.

"Then she left. Vanished. Suddenly I was checking my phone constantly, waiting for those messages that never came. That's when I realized—I thought I held all the power, but she was the one giving everything. And when she walked away, she took half my soul with her."

Dominic's throat tightened. He'd always admired how perfectly Harrison complemented Nathaniel.

"Sir, it's not over. Ms. Harrison is hurt, but given time—"

"She's not coming back." Nathaniel drained his glass. "She has Oliver now. A family. What could I possibly offer her?"

"Mr. Falcon—"

"Leave me, Dominic." His voice cracked. "Just...leave."

Once alone, the silence pressed in. Without Harrison, the penthouse wasn't a home—just empty rooms filled with ghosts.

"Harrison...don't go..." The words slurred as he collapsed onto the desk.

Morning light revealed Nathaniel still slumped over, the air thick with liquor.

Dominic rushed forward. "Sir? You need to wake up."

Nathaniel lifted his head slowly, his eyes bloodshot. "What?"

Dominic hesitated. "We just received word. Ms. Harrison is leaving Willowbrook today."

Nathaniel froze.

Already? She couldn't be leaving already!

"She's en route to the airport with Mr. Oliver as we speak."

Harrison was leaving. With Oliver.

Nathaniel's chair clattered to the ground as he bolted upright. In seconds, he was sprinting for the door.

He couldn't let her go. Not like this.