Chapter 557

The morning sun cast golden rays over Willowbrook International Airport, painting the terminal in warm light. Harrison and Oliver stood near the departure gates, their luggage waiting beside them. Gabrielle and Rosalind had come to bid their farewells.

Gabrielle's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she clutched Harrison's hands. "Do you really have to go?"

Harrison offered a soft smile. "It's only temporary. I'll be back before you know it."

Her fingers brushed lightly over Harrison's still-flat stomach. "Take care of yourself—and the little one. I'm holding you to that godmother promise."

Rosalind pulled Harrison into a fierce embrace. "You're really leaving like this? Nathaniel doesn't even know. He doesn’t know about the baby. Shouldn’t we at least—"

Despite her loyalty to Harrison, Rosalind couldn't shake the guilt. Nathaniel was still family. This ending felt wrong.

Harrison exhaled slowly. "Some things just aren't meant to be. Love can't be forced."

Rosalind tightened her grip before releasing her. "Then be safe."

Watching the emotional farewell, Oliver chuckled. "Come on, it's not like we're sailing across the ocean. A few hours on a plane, and you’ll see each other again. Harrison, we should head to the gate."

Harrison gave Gabrielle and Rosalind one last look. "I’ll call when I land."

"Bye, Harrison." Their voices wavered as they waved.

Oliver took the suitcase, guiding Harrison forward.

Though Willowbrook had been the stage for her deepest heartbreaks, leaving now felt like tearing away a piece of herself.

This city held the best years of her life—every memory with Nathaniel lived here.

Then, her phone buzzed.

She pulled it from her bag.

Nathaniel—his name flashed across the screen.

Harrison stared at it, her breath catching.

"You can answer if you want," Oliver murmured.

She shook her head. "There’s nothing left to say."

With that, she silenced the call and followed Oliver toward security.

Suddenly, a group of black-suited bodyguards materialized, blocking their path.

Oliver immediately stepped in front of Harrison, shielding her.

A familiar figure approached—Henry Lancaster’s butler.

He stopped before Harrison. "Ms. Harrison, I regret to inform you that you cannot leave Willowbrook."

Henry had sent men to stop her?

Harrison frowned. "What do you mean? I have every right to leave."

The butler remained composed. "After Ms. Isabella encountered you at the boutique, she fell gravely ill. She’s been unconscious since. The doctors suspect poisoning."

Harrison’s lips parted in shock. Poisoned?

A bitter laugh escaped her. "And Henry Lancaster thinks I did it?"

The butler didn’t flinch. "Mr. Lancaster requests your presence at the Whitmore estate to assist in her recovery. You may only depart once she is well."

Harrison had never imagined Henry and Isabella would go this far.

Was this some cruel twist of fate?

Oliver stepped forward, his smile icy. "Your employer is quite bold. What if Harrison refuses?"

The butler’s lips curved slightly. "Mr. Lancaster has ensured Ms. Harrison cannot board any flight. Unless, of course, she plans to grow wings and fly herself."