Chapter 634

Nathaniel's finger hovered over the screen before accepting the call. "Victoria, Mother."

The familiar voice carried warmth through the speaker. "You've returned to Metropolia, haven't you? Come to Falcon Manor for dinner tonight. I'd like to see you."

Refusal wasn't an option. "Of course."

Within the hour, his sleek Bentley glided to a stop on the manicured lawns of the Falcon estate. Nathaniel stepped out, his polished Oxfords crunching on the gravel as he entered the grand foyer.

Victoria sat regally in her wheelchair by the fireplace, an unexpected guest beside her—Isabella.

Three years had only heightened Isabella's striking beauty. As the Lancaster heiress, her life remained gilded with privilege and success.

Victoria's face lit up. "Nathaniel, darling!"

Isabella sprang to her feet, her designer dress swishing as she rushed forward. "Nathaniel! I've missed you."

His jaw tightened at her presence. Cold detachment settled over his features. "Why are you here?"

"Isabella knew you'd return today. She's been waiting hours," Victoria interjected with a pleased smile. "Such devotion from your fiancée! I've already selected wedding dates. Would you like to review them?"

"No." The single word sliced through the room. "I won't be marrying Isabella."

Silence descended like a guillotine.

Nathaniel turned his glacial gaze on Isabella. "Know your place. My feelings haven't changed—I don't love you. This desperate pursuit only deepens my contempt."

He turned toward the staircase.

Isabella's porcelain skin paled. The Lancaster name had always commanded reverence, yet Nathaniel remained impervious.

Her voice trembled. "Is Harrison why you refuse me?"

Nathaniel froze mid-step at the name.

"You went searching for her again, didn't you?" Isabella pressed, nails digging into her palms. "This trip—it was to find her."

Without turning, his voice remained steady. "Yes."

Isabella's hands clenched into fists.

Three years. She'd thought victory was hers when Harrison vanished without trace. Yet Nathaniel's obsession never wavered.

Harrison wasn't even present, yet she remained the insurmountable wall between them.

The bitterness choked her. How could she keep losing to a ghost?

Victoria's wheelchair creaked as she leaned forward. "You're being absurd! Harrison left with another man, yet you pine like some lovesick fool. Open your eyes—Isabella is everything you need."

Nathaniel didn't turn. After a weighted pause, his voice rang clear.

"Harrison is the only woman I've ever loved. That hasn't changed. It never will."

His broad shoulders disappeared up the staircase, the study door closing firmly behind him.

Victoria exhaled sharply. "Stubborn boy! What magic did that woman weave?"

She grasped Isabella's shaking hands. "Don't fret, darling. Harrison won't return. Nathaniel will see reason. You're the only daughter-in-law I'll accept."