Chapter 8

Nathaniel's brilliant junior had flat-out declined his friend request!

Dominic entered with a steaming cup of coffee just as Nathaniel's phone screen caught his eye. His eyebrows shot up. "Someone actually rejected the CEO's request?"

This was unprecedented.

"Sir, your junior is...unique," Dominic remarked.

Nathaniel smirked. Unique was an understatement.

She was the first person to ever turn him down. If she didn't want to connect, fine by him.

He took a sip of the coffee and grimaced.

"Too bitter, sir? I'll brew another," Dominic offered.

Nathaniel's mind flashed to Harrison's coffee—always perfectly balanced to his taste.

Without expression, he ordered, "Prepare an eight-figure check. That's Harrison's divorce settlement."

She claimed she wanted nothing, but he knew better. A country girl who dropped out at sixteen? She was playing games, angling for more.

This sum would cover their three years. After this, they'd be square.

Dominic nodded. "Right away, sir."

Just then, Dominic's phone rang. His face lit up. "Sir! Dr. Sinclair has agreed to operate on Miss Isabella!"

Dr. Sinclair was a medical legend, her skills unmatched. Even billionaires waited months for her consultations.

Yet three years ago, she'd vanished without a trace.

Now she was back.

Isabella had battled heart disease since childhood, with no treatment proving effective.

Nathaniel had pulled every string to secure Dr. Sinclair's expertise.

The tension in Nathaniel's shoulders eased. Isabella would be saved.

The next day, Harrison arrived at the naturopathy center.

Suddenly, a squad of black-suited guards stormed in, clearing a path. Harrison and others were shoved aside.

Two women nearby whispered excitedly.

"What's happening?"

"That's Willowbrook's Jewel—Isabella! She collapsed during rehearsal. Mr. Falcon brought her here."

"With Mr. Falcon involved, no wonder it's a spectacle."

Harrison's breath hitched. Of all days to run into Nathaniel and Isabella.

"Look! There they are!"

Her gaze lifted to Nathaniel's commanding figure—tall, immaculate in a tailored black suit, radiating power.

He carried Isabella in his arms.

The medical staff swarmed around them like moths to a flame.

"Mr. Falcon, this way!"

Nathaniel strode forward.

One woman sighed dreamily. "He's so handsome! Textbook CEO material."

"And Isabella's stunning—that porcelain skin, that ballerina grace. They're perfect together!"

"A powerful CEO and his delicate dancer—it's like a fairy tale!"

Few knew of Harrison and Nathaniel's marriage. To the world, Nathaniel and Isabella were endgame.

Harrison watched them disappear. Nathaniel hadn't even glanced her way—his attention solely on Isabella. She was merely an extra in their love story.

Steeling herself, Harrison located Ward 109.

Inside, she found Nathaniel, Isabella, Theodore, and Victoria.

Isabella sat regally on the bed, flanked by her doting parents—still their cherished princess.

"Isabella, this is wonderful!" Theodore beamed. "Mr. Falcon secured Dr. Sinclair for you!"

Victoria wept joyfully. "You've suffered so much, darling! Soon you'll be healthy, ready to marry Mr. Falcon."

Isabella gifted Nathaniel a radiant smile.

He stood protectively beside her, gently stroking her hair.

The scene was picture-perfect.

Harrison froze in the doorway. The universe had a cruel sense of humor—Oliver had assigned her this case, and the patient was Isabella.

The cozy tableau burned her eyes.

Then Nathaniel turned.

His piercing gaze locked onto hers.

Caught off guard, Harrison met his stare.

His expression darkened as he advanced. "Harrison. Why are you here?"

"I—"

His voice turned glacial. "Are you following me?"

"N-no," she stammered.

Theodore and Victoria noticed her.

"Harrison! We arranged for Dr. Sinclair to save your sister!" Victoria screeched. "How dare you disrupt this?"

Theodore glowered. "Leave immediately!"

Isabella remained silent, her triumphant gaze slicing through Harrison.

Nathaniel loomed over her, gripping her wrist.

His words were razor-sharp. "Still playing games, Harrison? Had enough yet? Stalking me now? Don't waste my time. Get out."