Chapter 86

"Enough with the threats! You bring me 100 million tonight or your scandalous photos will be plastered across every tabloid in Willowbrook by morning. I'll be waiting!" Vincent Blackwood snarled before slamming the phone down.

Harrison's fingers turned white around her device. Just then, Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the tension. "Was that Vincent?"

She spun around to find him standing in the doorway.

His piercing gaze locked onto the box in her trembling hands. Towering over her, his broad frame blocked the fading sunlight. "Grandmother mentioned he sent you something. What exactly did he send?"

Her throat tightened. Should she confess everything about Vincent? How would Nathaniel react?

"It's just a..."

Her phone buzzed again. Alexander's name flashed on the screen.

She answered to his excited voice. "Harrison! Get outside right now. I've got something special for you!"

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Alexander, this really isn't a good time..."

"I'm parked outside Falcon Estate's gates. Either you come out or I'm coming in," he insisted.

"Don't you dare. I'll be right there," she snapped.

Nathaniel's eyes darkened. "That was Alexander?"

She nodded. "I need to step out briefly. We'll discuss the photo when I return."

Outside, Alexander's cherry-red Lamborghini gleamed in the driveway. He emerged holding an embossed gift bag, his cocky grin firmly in place.

"Harrison, this is for you." He thrust the bag toward her.

She crossed her arms. "Alexander, what is this?"

He produced a quilted Chanel purse from the bag. "Limited edition. Just released last week. Do you like it?"

Her eyes flickered over the designer item. "It's generous, but I don't want it."

Alexander blinked. "But Nathaniel said you loved handbags."

Her breath hitched. "He told you that?"

"Absolutely. When I asked him how to win you over today, he specifically mentioned your fondness for Chanel."

The memory struck her like a physical blow - Nathaniel's study, her birthday, that identical purse she'd mistaken as his gift. She'd gushed about its beauty before discovering it was meant for Isabella.

How ironic that Nathaniel remembered her admiration but not the crushing humiliation that followed.

Alexander continued obliviously. "If bags aren't your thing, just tell me what you prefer. Jewelry? Designer clothes? Private jets?"

Her chest constricted. Nathaniel was coaching Alexander on how to pursue her?

"Listen carefully," she said through clenched teeth. "I don't need your gifts or your attention. Stop wasting both our time."

She turned on her heel and marched back inside.

Nathaniel stood silhouetted against the twilight on their balcony. He turned slowly as she entered.

"So Alexander's gift didn't meet your standards?"