Chapter 681

Harrison stirred beneath the silk sheets, attempting to slip away unnoticed.

The moment she shifted, Nathaniel's arms tightened around her waist. His deep voice rumbled against her ear, thick with sleep. "Awake already, darling?"

She pressed her face into his bare chest without responding.

Nathaniel's usual sharp features were softened by drowsiness, his piercing gaze now hooded with lazy satisfaction. His fingers traced the curve of her cheekbone. "That silent treatment won't work on me, sweetheart. Tell me what's bothering you."

Anger simmered in Harrison's veins. Last night's memories flooded back - how he'd taken what she wasn't willing to give. She wasn't ready to forgive him yet.

A low chuckle vibrated through his chest as he pressed his lips to her forehead. "Even when you're furious, you're breathtaking."

Her fingers found the hard planes of his abdomen and pinched sharply.

In one fluid motion, Nathaniel flipped her beneath him, his body caging hers. "If last night wasn't enough, we can certainly continue now."

A shiver ran down her spine. He'd already drained her completely - how could he want more?

"Absolutely not!" She pushed against his shoulders. "It's broad daylight. There's still no word from Isabella about Charlotte and Mrs. Victoria. I need to focus on that."

Understanding softened Nathaniel's expression. He brushed a stray lock from her face. "No news might be the best scenario right now. Isabella's probably scrambling for solutions."

Harrison nodded. "We should get up."

"Very well."

As they dressed, Dominic entered with files in hand. "Mr. Falcon."

The secretary had arrived for their morning briefing.

Harrison exchanged a glance with Nathaniel before quietly slipping out of the CEO's office.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Rosalind: [Just heard Mr. Lancaster returned to the country this morning.]

Henry Lancaster had been abroad for weeks, but today he'd finally come back.

Harrison's pulse quickened. [Is he at the airport now?]

Rosalind replied instantly: [His plane just landed. If you hurry, you can intercept him.]

Perfect timing.

Without hesitation, Harrison headed straight for her car and sped toward the airport.

This time, she came alone - deliberately leaving Nathaniel behind. Isabella remained his fiancée, and the intricate alliance between the Falcon and Lancaster families carried too much political weight.

Charlotte couldn't become collateral damage in their family feud, and she refused to put Nathaniel in that impossible position either.

Right now, all that mattered was seeing Henry.

The airport's grand hall buzzed with activity when Harrison arrived. Her eyes immediately locked onto the commanding figure cutting through the crowd.

Three years hadn't diminished Henry's presence. Dressed in a tailored black overcoat, his aristocratic features stood out starkly against the terminal's fluorescent lights. An invisible forcefield of authority surrounded him, causing people to instinctively step aside while stealing awed glances.

This was the aura of a man who ruled empires.

His butler and personal aide trailed closely as he strode forward with purpose.

Harrison stepped directly into his path. "Mr. Lancaster. It's been too long."

Henry halted. His assistant immediately moved to intercept. "Madam, you'll need to schedule an appointment through proper channels—"

Henry raised a single gloved hand. The aide fell silent instantly.

Those piercing eyes studied Harrison's face. Of course he remembered her. Those keen, intelligent eyes hadn't changed in three years - impossible to forget.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Ms. Whitmore. Three years is indeed a significant passage of time."

Harrison arched an elegant brow. "I'm flattered you recall."

Henry inclined his head. "I've followed your recent endeavors. Attending the Metropolia Summit as Jolin, wasn't it?"