Chapter 655

After Rosalind had departed, Harrison took Charlotte's small hand in hers. "Let's return to Silver Pines Hotel."

Charlotte nodded obediently. "Alright, Mommy."

"We're flying back to Florentia tomorrow. Is there anything you'd like to do in Metropolia before we go?"

"So soon?"

"Yes, darling."

"But I want to play with Mr. Charming again."

Harrison's delicate lashes fluttered in surprise. She hadn't anticipated Charlotte still clinging to Nathaniel, still yearning for his company.

"Mr. Charming has important matters to attend to right now. How about Mommy spends time with you instead?"

Before Charlotte could respond, Isabella's sharp voice sliced through the air.

"Harrison! What an unexpected encounter!"

Harrison lifted her gaze to see Isabella approaching with calculated grace.

Isabella's lips curved into a saccharine smile. "Dining with your daughter? What a coincidence—Nathaniel and I have reservations here too. Mrs. Victoria will be joining us shortly to finalize our wedding arrangements. You do know Nathaniel and I are engaged, don't you?"

Harrison studied Isabella's carefully composed expression. A faint smile touched her lips. "I wasn't aware before, but I am now. Was there a particular point you wished to make?"

Isabella's tone turned razor-sharp. "Simply that Nathaniel is my fiancé. Surely you wouldn't dream of poaching another woman's intended?"

A deep, resonant voice interrupted.

"What's this discussion about?"

Harrison looked up to find Nathaniel's imposing figure standing mere feet away.

Isabella instantly latched onto his arm. "Nathaniel, darling!"

Nathaniel's gaze flickered toward Harrison.

Harrison maintained her composure, offering a polite nod. "Good evening, Mr. Falcon."

Nathaniel disentangled himself from Isabella's grasp and focused on Charlotte. "Hello, Charlotte."

The little girl's face illuminated with joy as she dashed forward. "Mr. Charming, pick me up!"

Harrison moved to intercept her daughter. "Charlotte, no. Don't trouble him."

"Quite right," Isabella interjected with false sweetness. "Where's your father, Charlotte? Shouldn't he be the one holding you?" She shot Nathaniel a meaningful glance. "She has a father, after all."

Nathaniel's chest constricted painfully. Oliver was Charlotte's father—what claim did he have to hold her?

Yet Charlotte's hopeful eyes remained fixed on him, tiny arms outstretched. "Please, Mr. Charming?"

Against his better judgment, Nathaniel's lips quirked into a reluctant smile as he lifted the child into his arms. Regardless of paternity, he couldn't resist this adorable girl.

Isabella's expression darkened, though she masked it quickly. "If you're so fond of children, we can have our own after we're married. As many as you'd like."

Nathaniel remained silent.

Harrison stepped forward. "Alright, Charlotte. You've had your moment. Let's not keep Mr. Falcon from his evening."

Nathaniel recognized Harrison's discomfort—she clearly disapproved of his interaction with her daughter. Did she fear he might harm the child?

Charlotte peered up at Nathaniel. "Mommy says we're leaving tomorrow."

Isabella's eyes gleamed with triumph.

Nathaniel stiffened, his gaze snapping to Harrison. "You're departing tomorrow?"

Harrison nodded. "Our business here is concluded. There's no reason to linger."

Nathaniel studied her. She'd only just arrived in Metropolia, and now she was fleeing again. Yet what right did he have to stop her? She had Charlotte and Oliver now—how could he disrupt their happiness?

Isabella beamed, tugging at Nathaniel's sleeve. "Your mother will be here shortly. Shall we proceed to our private dining room?"