Chapter 628

"I've suffered from a congenital heart condition since childhood," Isabella wept, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "I've always felt... broken. When I finally found you, Father, I thought everything would change. But you don't love me. I had to resort to such shameful tactics just to earn your affection."

Tears cascaded down her porcelain cheeks, each droplet reflecting the dim harbor lights like liquid diamonds.

Henry Lancaster studied his daughter with conflicted eyes. "You shouldn't have needed to. This is entirely my failing. I've been blind to your pain..."

"Twenty-six years apart," Isabella whispered hoarsely. "When we were reunited, I dreamed you'd cherish me, spoil me, love me without conditions... How foolish I was. Mother's gone forever now. Perhaps I should join her. At least I could tell her how her beloved husband abandoned their daughter."

The mention of Isabella struck Henry like a physical blow. His stern features softened visibly, the hard lines around his mouth relaxing. He moved closer, his voice thick with remorse.

"My darling girl, forgive me. Just one more chance - I'll take you back to Metropolia immediately. Anything you desire, it's yours."

Isabella's body swayed precariously over the railing. "Swear it! If you're lying, I'll let go right now!"

Henry's breath caught in his throat. "I vow it on your mother's memory! From this moment, I'll keep my distance from Harrison. No more contact. Now please, come back to safety."

After a tense hesitation, Isabella finally nodded and climbed down. Henry crushed her in a desperate embrace. "Never frighten me like that again." She buried her face in his tailored suit. "If you truly mean what you say, I won't need to."

"I'll arrange a gala to formally welcome you into Lancaster society," Henry promised, stroking her hair.

Just then, headlights cut through the harbor mist as Harrison and Nathaniel arrived. Harrison stepped from the car and froze at the sight of Henry cradling Isabella like precious porcelain.

Isabella turned her head just enough to lock eyes with Harrison. Her lips curved in a slow, victorious smile - the smirk of a chess player declaring checkmate.

Harrison stood paralyzed.

Nathaniel grasped Harrison's icy fingers. "She's his flesh and blood after all. He's searched decades for her, so..."

Harrison gave a barely perceptible nod. "I should go."

"Let me drive you," Nathaniel insisted.

Harrison shook her head. "I prefer to walk."

When Nathaniel's phone rang with Victoria's caller ID, Harrison offered a brittle smile. "Your mother awaits. Goodnight, Nathaniel."

A silver Bentley suddenly pulled up, and Oliver emerged. "Harrison?"

Without another word, Harrison slid into the passenger seat. As the car disappeared into the foggy night, Nathaniel stood staring at the empty road, the phone still ringing in his hand.

"Son? We're returning to Metropolia at once. Mr. Lancaster is taking Isabella back as well," Victoria declared when he finally answered.

"I'm staying. My place is with Harrison."

"With Harrison? She just drove off with another man!"

Nathaniel's blood ran cold. He whirled around, but the mist had swallowed every trace of Harrison's departure.

In that moment, he understood with terrible clarity - Harrison's quiet farewell had been permanent. While he'd been distracted, she'd slipped through his fingers like moonlight on water.

And now she was gone.