Chapter 85

Eleanor didn't manage to see the photograph because Harrison swiftly returned it to the box. "Grandmother, this is just an old childhood picture. It's terribly embarrassing. I can't possibly show you."

Eleanor chuckled and withdrew her hand. "My dear, I'm certain you were never anything less than adorable."

Reginald nodded in agreement. "Absolutely."

Hearing their kind words, Harrison lowered her gaze and took a sip of the herbal soup.

The moment was interrupted by the maid's announcement. "Mr. Falcon."

Harrison looked up to see Nathaniel entering.

Eleanor beamed. "Nathaniel, you're home early!"

Nathaniel handed his coat to the maid before striding into the parlor.

Harrison frowned at her bowl. The soup had an unusual aftertaste. "Grandmother, did you add something special to this? It tastes... different."

Eleanor's eyes twinkled. "Clever girl! I had them include some fertility herbs."

Fertility?

Harrison's grip tightened around the bowl. No amount of herbs could help when she and Nathaniel hadn't even shared a bed.

"Grandmother!" she protested.

Eleanor clasped Harrison's hand earnestly. "Darling, it's time you and Nathaniel started a family. At my age, holding a great-grandchild is my greatest wish."

Harrison's heart sank at the hopeful look in Eleanor's eyes.

Nathaniel settled beside her, his arm protectively around her shoulders. "Grandmother, Harrison is still young. There's no need to rush."

Harrison glanced at Nathaniel's chiseled profile. Was he shifting the burden onto her?

"Actually, I do want children," Harrison declared.

Nathaniel stiffened in surprise. His gaze dropped to hers. Harrison fluttered her lashes mischievously. "But Nathaniel's been so exhausted from work lately. By bedtime, he's simply... incapable."

Incapable?

Nathaniel's face darkened instantly.

"Nathaniel! At your age?" Eleanor scrutinized him. "No wonder there's no progress. The problem lies with you, doesn't it?"

"It's not what you think, Grandmother—"

"Tomorrow I'll have the cook prepare special tonics," Eleanor declared. "We'll restore your vitality until you give this family an heir!" Nathaniel looked utterly defeated.

Harrison bit back a laugh, her lips curling triumphantly.

Nathaniel shot her a warning glare.

Back in her chambers, Harrison reopened the box and studied the photograph. It showed her younger self in a moment of heartbreaking vulnerability.

Her phone chimed with an incoming call.

She answered to hear Vincent's mocking laughter. "Enjoying my little gift, Harrison?"

Her expression turned icy. "What do you want?"

"Money, of course," Vincent sneered. "Mr. Falcon gave me a million before, but you took it back. Now, unless you pay up, this photo goes to Nathaniel. To Eleanor. To everyone. Imagine what they'll think of you then."

"How much?" Harrison kept her voice steady.

"One hundred million!"

Harrison's lips curved into a cold smile. "One hundred million? You've got nerve."