Chapter 745

Isabella cast a sideways glance at Henry. "Why is Gabrielle so obstinate? It's painfully obvious Nathaniel doesn't return her feelings. You can't force love like some cheap soap opera."

Henry understood Gabrielle all too well. In all of Metropolia, no man could rival Nathaniel's power and influence. Gabrielle had set her sights on marrying the most formidable man in the city, and surrender wasn't in her vocabulary.

Initially, as Gabrielle's father, Henry had hoped Nathaniel would choose her. But three years had slipped by, and Nathaniel's heart remained steadfastly devoted to Harrison.

Henry exhaled heavily. "I'll speak with her when the time is right."

Isabella gave a curt nod. "Very well. Let's retire to our chambers. That back of yours needs tending."

After supper, Harrison and Charlotte retreated to their suite. Harrison ran a warm bath for the giggling child.

Charlotte splashed playfully. "Mommy, Mr. Dashing left this morning and never returned. Is he truly that occupied?"

Harrison wasn't certain of Nathaniel's whereabouts. "Falcon Enterprises demands much of his attention. The weight of such an empire is considerable."

Charlotte's lower lip protruded. "Then he must be exhausted."

Harrison tapped the child's nose affectionately. "Do you only fret over Mr. Dashing? What about me? I'm beginning to feel slighted."

"You're my absolute favorite..." Charlotte planted a sloppy kiss on Harrison's cheek.

Wrapping the freshly bathed girl in a plush towel, Harrison settled her onto the bed. "Read your storybook while I bathe."

Charlotte nodded obediently.

The moment the bathroom door clicked shut, the bedroom door creaked open. Nathaniel's imposing silhouette filled the doorway. Charlotte's face lit up. "Mr. Dashing! You're home!"

The room basked in golden lamplight. Charlotte, scrubbed pink and swathed in lemon-yellow pajamas, resembled a tiny sunbeam. That radiant smile dissolved Nathaniel's weariness instantly.

His daughter.

No wonder he'd been enchanted at first sight.

This precious child was Harrison's gift to him.

Nathaniel swept Charlotte into his arms. "And what are we reading tonight?"

"Mommy just bathed me. I'm reading about princesses."

The shower's steady patter continued behind the bathroom door. Nathaniel's lips curved. "Fancy an adventure?"

"But shouldn't we tell Mommy? She'll panic if I disappear."

"Our little secret. If she grows concerned, she'll call me immediately."

"Okay!"

Nathaniel spirited Charlotte away.

Harrison emerged from the steamy bathroom to an empty bed. "Charlotte? Sweetheart?"

Her well-mannered daughter never wandered off. Where could she—

Dropping the damp towel, Harrison dashed into the hallway. "Charlotte! Answer me! You're frightening me! Charlotte!"

A maid materialized. "Ms. Whitmore, Mr. Hawk took Miss Charlotte out moments ago."

What?

Nathaniel had returned?

And taken Charlotte without a word?

Unease prickled Harrison's spine. Nathaniel's behavior today had been erratic—vanishing abruptly, then reappearing to abscond with their daughter.

With trembling fingers, Harrison dialed Nathaniel's number.

The line connected instantly. That familiar baritone vibrated through the receiver.

"Darling."