Chapter 630

"I'm still considering my options," Harrison murmured, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup.

Oliver reached into his tailored suit jacket and produced a shimmering platinum-edged invitation. "The time for hesitation is over. You must depart tomorrow. Metropolia is hosting the Celestial Summit, and they've exclusively invited the crème de la crème of global elites—the top 100 from Forbes' list. Every attendee wields unimaginable influence. This," he tapped the embossed card, "is your golden ticket."

Harrison accepted the luxurious invitation, its weight substantial in her palm. Flipping it open, the name "Seraphina" gleamed back at her in elegant calligraphy.

"Seraphina Montgomery, CEO of Vitalis Health—the world's leading pharmaceutical empire—has confirmed attendance. The media is already buzzing. Your presence will be the crown jewel of the event. There's no better moment to make your move to Metropolia."

Seraphina was Harrison's carefully crafted alter ego, the enigmatic powerhouse behind Vitalis Health.

She didn't refuse, but her gaze drifted to Charlotte, who sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, utterly absorbed in coloring a picture of unicorns. "But Charlotte... She's never been away from me for more than a night. You know how she gets."

The worry in Harrison's voice was palpable.

Oliver arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Why not take her with you?"

Harrison shook her head decisively. "Out of the question."

"Ah." Understanding dawned in Oliver's eyes. "You're worried about Nathaniel being there."

Harrison's jaw tightened as she stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the city skyline. "That chapter is closed. He's marrying the Lancaster heiress now. I won't have Charlotte exposed to that world—not yet. I know it's selfish, denying her the truth about her father...but I refuse to let her become a pawn in the Falcon-Lancaster power games. All I want is for her to grow up safe and happy."

Oliver nodded solemnly. He'd witnessed firsthand the battles Harrison had fought to protect her daughter. "Go to Metropolia. Charlotte stays with me."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course." He feigned offense, pressing a hand to his chest. "Don't tell me you doubt me?" With a whistle, he called, "Charlie! Come here, princess!"

Charlotte came barreling across the room like a tiny hurricane, launching herself into Oliver's waiting arms. "Uncle Ollie! Did you call me?"

He peppered her cheeks with kisses. "Your mommy has an important trip. Want to have a superhero sleepover with me while she's gone?"

Charlotte's big eyes turned to Harrison. "Mommy, are you going far?"

Harrison crouched to her level. "Very far, sweetheart."

"Can't I come? I'll be super good!" Charlotte's lower lip trembled.

Harrison smoothed her daughter's golden curls. "Mommy has boring grown-up meetings. But I'll call you every night, and be back before you can finish all Uncle Ollie's ice cream stash. Deal?"

Charlotte nodded solemnly. "Okay...but hurry back."

"That's my brave girl."

The next morning, Harrison zipped up her designer luggage. Oliver and Charlotte accompanied her to the private airfield.

"Everything's handled here," Oliver assured her, adjusting his Patek Philippe. "Focus on your mission."

Charlotte waved frantically. "Bye-bye, Mommy! Bring me a present!"

Harrison kissed her daughter's forehead before ascending the Gulfstream's stairs.

Oliver hoisted Charlotte onto his shoulders. "Let's get you those chocolate-dipped strawberries you love, yes?"

Charlotte's eyes lit up. "With sprinkles?"

"With extra sprinkles." He set her down on a plush terminal bench. "Stay right here. Daddy's going to work his magic."

As Oliver strode toward the gourmet kiosk, Charlotte swung her legs, humming to herself.

Then—

A familiar towering figure materialized across the bustling terminal.

Nathaniel Hawk.

His piercing gaze locked onto Charlotte with startling intensity.