Chapter 692

Charlotte's soft lips brushed against Harrison's cheek. "I'm alright, but there's just one tiny thing..."

Harrison's expression instantly darkened with worry. "What's wrong?"

A radiant smile spread across Charlotte's face. "I just missed you terribly... When I didn't see you before bedtime, I cried."

Harrison's lips curved into a tender smile. She pulled Charlotte into a fierce embrace. "I missed you too, my darling."

Victoria glanced up at Harrison, relief flooding her features. "You're here."

Harrison straightened, her voice steady. "Are you hurt?"

Victoria shook her head slowly. "No, I'm fine."

Then, Isabella's sharp voice sliced through the air. "How did you track us down? Did you follow me?"

Harrison's piercing gaze locked onto Isabella's face. "Congratulations. You guessed correctly—I did follow you. I knew if we let you stay, you'd find a way to slip out. I was simply waiting."

Isabella's fists clenched in frustration, her teeth grinding. She had been outmaneuvered. Defeated.

"Anything to say for yourself?" Harrison asked coolly.

Isabella hesitated. "I—"

Before she could speak, Nathaniel stepped forward, his eyes burning with fury. "I never imagined you could be this cruel—kidnapping Charlotte and my mother! If you're capable of abduction and murder today, what atrocities will you commit tomorrow?"

Isabella paled. She lunged forward, gripping Nathaniel's sleeve desperately. "Listen to me! I only meant to take Harrison's daughter. I never intended to harm your mother—"

Victoria cut her off with an icy glare. "Don't lie. You were ready to kill me to silence me. I haven't forgotten."

Isabella's voice trembled. "Nathaniel, I love you... I couldn't bear to lose you. That's why I did this."

Nathaniel shoved her away, his eyes filled with disgust. "Save your excuses for the courtroom."

Isabella gaped at him in shock. "You'd turn me in? I'm the Lancaster heiress—the daughter of the wealthiest man alive! You wouldn't dare!"

A deep, commanding voice interjected. "He wouldn't, but I would."

Isabella whirled around to see Henry Lancaster striding in, his long black coat billowing behind him. Her breath hitched. "Father? What are you doing here? Harrison, is this your doing?"

Harrison nodded. "Yes. I brought Mr. Lancaster here."

Isabella's voice shook. "Why? Why would you drag my father into this?"

Harrison met Henry's gaze squarely. "Mr. Lancaster, the truth is clear—your daughter kidnapped Charlotte and Mrs. Victoria and attempted to murder them. What do you intend to do about it?"

Isabella rushed to Henry, clutching his arm. "Father, I'm your daughter! You can't abandon me!"

SMACK!

Henry's palm struck Isabella's cheek with brutal force. Her head snapped to the side, the sting searing through her skin. Her mind went blank.

Slowly, she turned back to him, stunned.

"You... hit me?"

Henry's gaze was glacial. "Don't you deserve it?"