Chapter 644

Nathaniel's lips twitched into a knowing smirk. Harrison didn't need any man's protection—she was power and wealth personified.

He reached out his hand. "Pleasure to finally meet you properly, Harrison."

She accepted his hand with effortless elegance. "The feeling's mutual."

Under the glittering chandeliers, their handshake lasted a heartbeat too long. Across the ballroom, Isabella watched with nails digging into her palms. Once again, Harrison had stolen the spotlight.

Three years as the Lancaster heiress, yet she remained perpetually in Harrison's shadow.

The bitterness tasted like poison on her tongue.

As the Zenith Gala wound down, Nathaniel turned to Harrison. "Where are you staying? Let me drive you back." His voice carried unspoken urgency.

Harrison shook her head, glancing pointedly at Isabella. "My driver's waiting. You should attend to your fiancée."

Nathaniel's brow furrowed. "That's not—"

A ringing phone cut through his words.

Harrison checked the screen—Oliver. "Excuse me." She stepped away, leaving Nathaniel staring at the caller ID with clenched jaw.

In a quiet alcove, Harrison answered. "Oliver?"

"Where are you?" His familiar warmth seeped through the line.

"The Zenith Gala. Why?"

"Charlotte and I are coming to see you."

Harrison's grip tightened. "You brought her to Metropolia?"

"She wouldn't stop asking for you." Oliver's chuckle sounded forced. "Surprise?"

Silence. Harrison knew this was no coincidence.

Then—"Mommy?" Charlotte's sweet voice melted her resolve.

Harrison's shoulders relaxed. "Hi, baby."

"Are you mad we came?"

"Never." Harrison's voice softened. "I've missed you terribly."

"Yay! Daddy Ollie says we're coming now!"

"Alright, darling. I'll be waiting."

After sending her suite details, Harrison instructed her assistant: "Charlotte's arriving soon. Escort them straight up."

Meanwhile, Nathaniel waited impatiently at the emptying gala. When Harrison didn't return, he stood abruptly—only for Isabella to block his path.

"Going after her?" Her voice dripped venom.

Nathaniel's patience snapped. "Move."

Isabella stood her ground. "She's trying to steal you! After everything—"

"Enough." Nathaniel's icy tone made her flinch. "There is no 'us.' There never was."

He strode past her, leaving Isabella trembling with rage.

The game had changed. And Harrison held all the cards.