Chapter 656

Harrison cradled Charlotte in her arms. "Time to leave, sweetheart."

The little girl waved enthusiastically at Nathaniel. "Bye-bye, Mr. Prince Charming!"

Nathaniel's lips curved slightly. "Take care, princess."

As Harrison walked away with their daughter, Nathaniel remained motionless, his gaze fixed on their retreating figures until they vanished around the corner.

Victoria's wheelchair rolled up abruptly. "Why are you both just standing here like statues?"

Isabella gracefully stepped forward, taking the wheelchair handles from the attendant with practiced ease. "We were keeping your seat warm, Mrs. Victoria."

"Let's move to the private lounge," Victoria declared. Once settled, she turned to Isabella. "When does your father return from his trip?"

"He'll be back by Thursday. He specifically mentioned hoping Nathaniel and I could set a wedding date soon," Isabella replied sweetly.

Victoria nodded approvingly. "I've preselected several auspicious dates. Nathaniel, review them and choose one for your wedding with Isabella."

An attendant placed an embossed folder beside Nathaniel's untouched champagne flute. The gold-lettered dates shimmered under the chandelier lights.

Nathaniel didn't bother opening it. "I won't be marrying Isabella. My stance hasn't changed."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly. Both women stiffened.

Isabella's lower lip trembled dramatically. "Mrs. Victoria, you see how he treats me after everything? Three years of unwavering devotion, and he still rejects me like this. The humiliation..."

She dabbed at nonexistent tears, knowing full well Victoria was her strongest ally - Nathaniel's legendary filial piety being her trump card.

Victoria immediately patted Isabella's hand. "Don't distress yourself, dear. In our circles, parents arrange these matters. Nathaniel, you will select a date this instant!"

Her tone brooked no argument.

Nathaniel's expression remained glacial. "I'm not getting married. If someone's so eager, they're welcome to walk down the aisle themselves."

"How dare you!" Victoria's cane slammed against the marble floor. "After decades of obedience, you choose now to rebel? The Lancaster-Whitmore alliance is nonnegotiable!"

"I'll concede anything else. Not this."

"Final warning - will you comply?"

Nathaniel met her glare unflinchingly. "No."

A crystal vase shattered against his temple before anyone could react. Crimson trails snaked down his sharp cheekbones.

Isabella shrieked. "You're bleeding! Someone fetch the medical kit immediately!"

She rushed forward with a monogrammed handkerchief, only to have her wrist caught mid-air. Nathaniel's grip was like iron. "Don't touch me."

Isabella recoiled as if burned. "I can't even tend to your wounds now?"

Victoria watched the exchange, her voice shaking with fury. "Look how she cares for you! Why must you spurn such devotion?"

"If she chooses to love me, that's her concern," Nathaniel said icily, releasing Isabella's wrist. "Should I wed every woman who claims affection, you'd need a separate mansion just for daughters-in-law."

The brutal retort left both women speechless.