Chapter 761

Charlotte nodded gently, her small fingers clutching the hospital blanket. "You must recover quickly, Daddy."

Isabella's face darkened as she watched the tender moment between father and daughter. This child—this living proof of Nathaniel's bond with Harrison—was becoming an insurmountable obstacle in her carefully laid plans.

But Isabella wasn't worried. Once she secured Nathaniel's devotion, she knew exactly how to remove this little inconvenience from their lives.

Victoria turned to Isabella with a measured gaze. "Since you're here, there's something you should know."

Isabella immediately linked arms with Victoria, her voice dripping with honeyed remorse. "I deeply regret my previous actions. My mother reprimanded me severely, and I've learned my lesson. I acted out of love for Nathaniel—nothing more. Our mothers have been friends for decades. Wouldn't our union bring both families even closer?"

Her words were calculated, designed to exploit Victoria's friendship with her mother.

Victoria withdrew her arm, creating deliberate distance. "The engagement between the Falcon and Lancaster families is terminated."

Isabella froze. "What—"

"Harrison is the mother of Nathaniel's child," Victoria continued firmly. "Nathaniel loves her. They were supposed to register their marriage today. In my eyes, Harrison is already my daughter-in-law."

She added, "As for your mother, I'll speak with her personally. I'm certain she wouldn't force a marriage without affection."

Isabella's jaw clenched until her teeth ached. Victoria had completely sided with Harrison.

Harrison had won them all over!

"But Mrs. Victoria," Isabella protested, "Nathaniel and Harrison didn't actually register today!"

Victoria's eyebrows shot up as she turned to her son. "Is this true? You didn't complete the registration?"

Nathaniel's lips pressed into a thin line. "I became unexpectedly ill before we could proceed."

"How remarkably convenient," Victoria remarked dryly.

Too convenient indeed.

A cold smirk played on Nathaniel's lips as he wondered the same thing.

Charlotte's small voice piped up. "It's alright, Daddy. Rest and get better first. Then you can marry Mommy properly."

Nathaniel kissed his daughter's forehead. "My thoughtful little angel."

"I'll stay to care for you," Victoria offered.

Nathaniel shook his head. "Take Charlotte home. My assistant is already en route."

Victoria nodded. "Very well."

Isabella seized the opportunity. "Then I'll stay with Nathaniel!"

"No," Victoria said firmly, gripping Isabella's wrist. "You're leaving with me."

Isabella stiffened. "Why? I want to stay!"

"If Harrison sees you here, she'll misunderstand. I won't have you causing her distress."

Isabella's rage simmered beneath her polished exterior. Since when had Victoria ever treated her this way? This was blatant favoritism!

She turned pleading eyes to Nathaniel. "You want me to stay, don't you?"

After a deliberate pause, Nathaniel said, "Mother, take Charlotte home. Let Isabella remain."

Victoria looked stunned. "Nathaniel—"

She wanted to argue, but Charlotte's wide, innocent eyes stopped her protest mid-thought.