Chapter 647

Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto Harrison. "Is Charlotte the daughter you had with Oliver?"

Harrison recoiled as if struck. The question hung heavily between them. Before she could respond, Oliver's familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Hello there."

Nathaniel turned to see Oliver leaning casually against the doorframe.

Charlotte beamed, her tiny voice ringing with affection. "Papa Oliver!"

She called him Papa.

Nathaniel's chest tightened. A bitter laugh threatened to escape him. Why had he even asked?

He already knew the answer. Three years ago, Harrison had been carrying Oliver's child. Charlotte was undeniably theirs. Yet, some foolish part of him had hoped—

For what?

Oliver stepped forward, arms outstretched. "Come here, sweetheart. Let me carry you so Mommy can relax."

"Okay!"

Charlotte eagerly went to him, and Oliver lifted her effortlessly before turning his attention back to Nathaniel. "Mr. Falcon, it's been a while."

Nathaniel forced a tight smile. "Indeed it has."

"What a coincidence," Oliver mused, glancing between Harrison and Charlotte. "First Harrison, now Charlotte—both running into you like this."

Nathaniel's fingers curled into fists at his sides. The sight of them—so effortlessly whole—burned like acid.

"Since we've crossed paths," Oliver continued smoothly, "why not join us for dinner tonight?"

Nathaniel shook his head. "Another time. I have business to attend to."

"Next time, then. Charlotte, say goodbye to Mr. Handsome."

Charlotte waved enthusiastically. "Bye-bye, Mr. Handsome!"

Nathaniel turned on his heel and walked away without another word.

Once he was gone, Harrison exhaled. "Let's go inside."

Oliver set Charlotte down once they entered the room. Harrison studied him, a silent question in her eyes.

"Was that intentional?"

Oliver feigned innocence. "What do you mean?"

"You were provoking Nathaniel," Harrison stated.

Oliver smirked. "Does it bother you?"

Harrison shook her head. "No."

"Good," Oliver said, chuckling. "Because he deserves it. Three years ago, he threw you and Charlotte away. Now he's still tangled up with Isabella. A little torment is the least he's earned."

Harrison's lips curved slightly. She remembered the raw pain in Nathaniel's expression—the self-loathing, the regret.

Good.

Charlotte suddenly tugged at Harrison's sleeve. "Mommy, I like Mr. Handsome! Can he be my new daddy?"

Harrison's smile softened. The innocence of children—so pure, so blind to the complexities of adult hearts.

"Are you hungry?" she deflected. "I had them make your favorite."

Charlotte's eyes lit up. "Yes! I'm so hungry!"

Nathaniel returned to the Falcon estate, his mood black. The moment he stepped into the grand foyer, he spotted Victoria waiting in her wheelchair.

"What happened at the Zenith Gala?" she demanded. "Isabella called me in hysterics. She said Harrison showed up—that you were entranced by her and abandoned Isabella."

Of course Isabella had run to tattle. She'd made a habit of it these past three years.

"Yes," Nathaniel admitted coolly. "I saw Harrison there."

"Why is she in Metropolia?" Victoria's voice sharpened. "She must be here for you. You cannot let this continue."