Chapter 764

"But..."

Henry and Isabella hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.

"I'm exhausted," Isabella interrupted sharply. "I'm retiring to my chambers. I need my beauty sleep for tomorrow's rendezvous with Nathaniel."

With a dramatic swirl of her designer gown, she swept out of the room.

Isabella's mother, Victoria, frowned deeply. "What game is Nathaniel playing? First, he breaks off the engagement, claiming his heart belongs to Harrison. Now he's entangled with Isabella again? This is unacceptable."

Henry's jaw tightened. "I'm calling him."

He snatched his phone and dialed Nathaniel's private line.

The line connected after three rings. "Mr. Lancaster," Nathaniel's velvety baritone resonated through the speaker.

Henry's voice was glacial. "Explain yourself, Nathaniel. What's this charade?"

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"Isabella just informed us you've arranged a dinner date tomorrow."

"Correct."

"You terminated your engagement, declaring your devotion to Harrison. We respected that decision. Now you're toying with Isabella's affections? This back-and-forth is disgraceful. Do you realize the damage you're causing?" Henry's knuckles whitened around his phone.

Victoria's voice cut in, laced with disapproval. "Harrison is an exceptional woman. If you truly care for her, commit fully. Stop dragging Isabella into this messy triangle. Your actions are hurting everyone involved."

A weighted silence followed before Nathaniel responded, "Mr. Lancaster, how well do you actually know Eleanor?"

Henry stiffened. "Why bring Eleanor into this?"

Nathaniel's tone remained infuriatingly calm. "Some truths require more than a phone call. Join us tomorrow. Everything will become clear."

The line went dead.

Victoria turned to Henry, bewildered. "What did he mean by that?"

Henry pocketed his phone grimly. "We'll find out tomorrow."

Isabella slept like royalty and awoke at dawn, buzzing with anticipation. It had been ages since she'd had a proper date with Nathaniel. Today, she'd outshine that plain Harrison once and for all.

She slipped into a couture crimson dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Twirling before her gilded mirror, she admired her reflection—flawless makeup, cascading curls, and diamonds glittering at her throat.

Satisfied, she grabbed her phone and dialed Nathaniel.

The line rang. And rang. And rang.

No answer.

Her manicured nails dug into her palms. Why wasn't he picking up? Had he changed his mind?

Panic slithered down her spine. She redialed frantically, each unanswered ring amplifying her dread.

Just as despair threatened to consume her, the call connected.

"Hello?" Nathaniel's casual greeting floated through.

Her breath hitched with relief. "I've been calling endlessly! Why didn't you answer? I thought you'd stood me up!"

A faint chuckle. "Now why would I do that?"

"We have plans today. Dinner. Remember?"

"Of course I remember."

"Then come collect me immediately. I'm ready."

"Ah, slight complication—I'm detained at the office. Why don't you head to The Grand View first? I'll join you shortly."

The line disconnected before she could protest.

Isabella stared at her reflection, her earlier radiance dimmed by uncertainty. Something felt... off. But she'd be damned if she let Harrison steal Nathaniel away.

Squaring her shoulders, she grabbed her clutch. The game was far from over.