Chapter 6

Sebastian's jaw dropped. "Sixteen?"

The reason people in Sebastian's circle admired Isabella wasn't just her beauty. It was her academic brilliance. A top student at Westfield University, she outshone even Willowbrook's elite.

She belonged with Nathaniel.

Beauty alone was worthless. Beauty paired with education? That was power. The higher the social ladder, the more they valued a woman's intellect.

Sebastian's admiration for Harrison evaporated. His voice turned condescending. "Harrison, you actually quit school at sixteen?"

Harrison glanced at Isabella, standing there like a peacock, and smiled faintly. "Yes, I stopped at sixteen."

Sebastian scoffed. "Funny. Nathaniel also left school at sixteen. But he's a genius—dual master's degrees from Westfield by that age, making history. And you? A high school dropout with nothing!"

His mocking laughter echoed.

Isabella stood taller, looking down her nose at Harrison.

Nathaniel remained silent under the corridor lights. His chiseled face betrayed nothing as his gaze settled on Harrison.

For three years, Harrison had been just a housewife orbiting his world. No surprise she lacked education.

Yet Harrison showed no shame. Her clear, luminous eyes met his directly. Then she smiled, graceful as ever. "Yes, what a coincidence."

'Indeed, what a coincidence.'

Nathaniel felt an inexplicable pang.

Suddenly, he noticed how striking Harrison's eyes were—alive with unspoken stories.

"Harrison!" Gabrielle rushed over, glaring at Isabella. "Isabella, bullying her again?"

Isabella lifted her chin. "We were discussing finding her employment. Given her... limitations."

Gabrielle blinked. "You're getting Harrison a job?"

Isabella's smile dripped false sweetness. "Even with her... background, we'll secure something suitable."

Gabrielle burst out laughing. "Do you even know who—" Harrison gripped her arm. "Gabrielle, let's go."

Gabrielle bit her tongue but shot Isabella a scathing look. "You'll eat those words."

She whisked Harrison away.

Sebastian fumed. "Who does she think she is? A dropout acting superior! I'd die of shame."

Isabella wasn't bothered. Harrison wasn't competition. Getting angry would demean her.

She patted Sebastian's arm. "Let it go. Some people live in ignorance."

Sebastian turned to Nathaniel. "Divorce her. She's beneath you."

Nathaniel's expression stayed neutral as he watched Harrison disappear.

"Let's go," he told Isabella.

She nodded. "Of course."

They left with Sebastian.

Outside The Velvet Lounge...

"Mr. Falcon?" a voice called.

Nathaniel turned. Julian Suarez, Westfield's president, stood there.

Nathaniel approached. "Julian, what brings you to Willowbrook?"

Isabella greeted him respectfully. Despite her academic success, she'd never cracked Westfield's elite circle.

Julian smiled. "Here for a conference. Funny—your junior's in Willowbrook too."

Nathaniel paused. "Junior?"

Julian nodded. "Westfield has two legends. You, and her. Dual master's at sixteen. A genius. Sadly, your paths never crossed."

Sebastian leaned in. "Who's better?"

Julian chuckled. "Equally matched."

Nathaniel's eyebrow lifted. A woman his equal? Unheard of.

Isabella's calm shattered. Jealousy clawed at her.

"Who is she?" she forced out.

Julian pulled out his phone. "Sent her WhatsApp. She's here—look out for your junior."

Nathaniel nodded. "Will do."

As Julian left, Sebastian buzzed. "Add her! I need to see this legend."

Nathaniel checked his phone. The contact showed simply 'H'—blank profile.

"What's 'H' stand for?" Sebastian pressed.

Nathaniel didn't know. He sent a request: "Nathaniel."

Pending approval.

Sebastian vibrated with excitement. "Introduce us! I'm already obsessed."

Isabella's smile turned brittle.

A Rolls-Royce glided up. Dominic, Nathaniel's secretary, had arrived.

Isabella seized the moment. "Nathaniel, the car's here."

"See you," Sebastian waved.

Inside the Rolls-Royce, city lights danced across Nathaniel's sharp features.

Dominic glanced back. "Sir, destination?"

"The office," Nathaniel clipped.

Isabella studied him, love burning in her gaze. She broke the silence. "That moment with Harrison... You're not actually interested now she's pretty?"

Nathaniel turned, eyes glinting. "She's my wife. Wouldn't that be natural? You're the one who handed her to me."

She knew he still blamed her—for abandoning him in a coma to marry Harrison.

"Nathaniel, she insisted—I had no choice—"

His gaze pierced her. "Believable?"

She faltered.

Biting her lip, she played her card. "Fine! I left you! If you can't forgive me, end it!" She turned to Dominic. "Stop the car!"

She moved to exit, but Nathaniel's hand shot out, yanking her against his chest.

She froze.

Above her, his voice softened to velvet. "Isabella... You're only this bold because I let you be."