Chapter 629

Three years had passed in Florentia...

Inside a sprawling, sunlit villa, Harrison rested peacefully on her bed. Her dark lashes brushed against porcelain cheeks, the morning light casting a rosy glow across her delicate features. She looked like a sleeping angel—so ethereal one might hesitate to disturb her.

Cream-colored drapes cascaded to the marble floor. Sunbeams streamed through the arched windows, painting the room in liquid gold.

Then—the door swung open with a soft click.

A tiny whirlwind of energy bounded inside. A little girl clambered onto the bed and pressed her plump cheeks against Harrison's face, smacking a loud kiss onto her cheek.

"Wakey-wakey, sleepyhead!" Charlotte Lancaster chirped, her voice bright as wind chimes. "Mommy, time to rise and shine!"

Charlotte was now three years old. Harrison had returned to Florentia years ago and brought her daughter into the world.

Dressed in a lavender tutu dress, she looked like a storybook princess. Her wide, sparkling eyes held galaxies of curiosity, her button nose and rosebud lips the perfect blend of her parents' finest traits.

Harrison stirred, blinking awake. For three years, motherhood had been her world. And nothing compared to mornings like this—greeted by Charlotte's sunshine smile.

She pulled her daughter close, breathing in the sweet scent of baby shampoo. "I had a late surgery last night," she murmured. "Forgive me for sleeping in."

Charlotte nodded sagely. "I played quietly so you could rest! But..." She leaned in conspiratorially. "Uncle Oliver's here. He wants to see you."

Harrison's heart swelled. Her little girl was pure magic.

Oliver visiting? That meant business.

She sat up. "Let's not keep him waiting." Hand in hand, they left the bedroom.

In the grand sitting room, Oliver stood by the fireplace. "Did I disturb you?"

Harrison offered a small smile. "What brings you here?"

His expression turned serious. "I just returned from Metropolia. Aren't you curious about what's happened there these past three years?"

Harrison glanced down at Charlotte, who peered up with wide, inquisitive eyes.

She smoothed her daughter's silken curls. "Sweetheart, go play in the garden for a bit, okay?"

"Okay!" Charlotte skipped away, her laughter trailing behind her.

Harrison turned back to Oliver. "I don't need updates."

For three years, she'd poured everything into Charlotte and her work. Life had been... peaceful.

Oliver arched a brow. "Really? Three years ago, Isabella left with Mr. Lancaster. No interest in her fate? And Nathaniel returned to Metropolia too. The Falcon and Lancaster families have that marriage pact. Don't you wonder what became of him and Isabella?"

Harrison kept her face neutral. "What's your point?"

"Rumor says they're marrying soon."

At the mention of those names, her lashes flickered—just once.

Harrison had believed time healed all wounds. That she'd moved on.

But Nathaniel's name still sent a tremor through her.

Three years since they'd parted.

And now... he was marrying Isabella?

It made sense. The Falcon and Lancaster dynasties had been intertwined for generations. Isabella was the heiress to the Lancaster fortune. Of course they'd unite.

If anything, she was surprised it had taken this long.

"So?" Oliver pressed. "When are you going to Metropolia? Don't say you're not."

Harrison smirked. "Why wouldn't I? Of course I'm going."

Isabella was there.

And Harrison had unfinished business with her.

"Good." Oliver crossed his arms. "So when do we leave?"