Chapter 97

Harrison's eyes sparkled beneath the blanket's dim glow before she suddenly burst into laughter.

Nathaniel's voice came out rough. "What's so amusing?"

She met his gaze with a teasing smirk. "Should I say I'm exhausted... or not exhausted at all?"

The charged atmosphere between them crackled with unspoken desire.

Nathaniel chuckled darkly, his lips curving into a predatory grin as he leaned down to claim her mouth again.

The following morning at the Whitmore estate...

Victoria lay curled against Theodore in their bedroom, her arms draped around his neck as she playfully scolded, "You were absolutely savage earlier. You hurt me."

Theodore's thumb traced her jawline possessively. "But were you satisfied, darling?"

"Stop that..."

After Isabella's call had summoned him home, Theodore had made sure to thoroughly attend to Victoria's prolonged loneliness.

As they lay entwined, he murmured, "Did Vincent really take Harrison away?"

"Yes," Victoria purred. "That irritating obstacle is finally removed. Soon Isabella will be Mrs. Falcon, and you'll be father-in-law to Willowbrook's wealthiest man."

Theodore's booming laughter filled the room. "Brilliant work, my love."

Victoria basked in her triumph. With dawn breaking, Harrison was undoubtedly Vincent's plaything now. Nothing would disrupt her happiness ever again.

Watching Theodore's delighted expression, Victoria smirked inwardly. He'd never discover Harrison's true parentage.

When they entered the living room, they found Isabella fidgeting with her phone, anxiety written across her features.

"Isabella, what's troubling you?" Theodore inquired.

"Father, Nathaniel isn't answering my calls. He's never ignored me like this before." Isabella's sharp intuition screamed that something was wrong.

Victoria waved dismissively. "Mr. Falcon is an important man, darling. You mustn't cling so desperately. Vincent has taken Harrison away - why are you still worrying?"

At the reminder, Isabella's mood instantly brightened. She linked arms with Victoria, gushing, "Harrison's finally gone! You're amazing, Mother."

Turning to Theodore, she demanded, "Father, fire that secretary immediately. From now on, you'll only be good to Mother."

Theodore sat beside his beaming daughter, eyes full of adoration. "Anything you wish, princess." Isabella's satisfied smile radiated spoiled privilege.

Suddenly, the butler rushed in. "Madam Whitmore, you have a visitor."

Victoria arched an eyebrow. "Who is it?"

"Madam Whitmore, help!"

Vincent's agonized voice preceded his stumbling entrance. Pale and battered, he collapsed onto the Persian rug.

The trio jumped to their feet, staring in shock at Vincent's broken form. What had happened?

"Vincent! Didn't you leave with Harrison last night?" Victoria demanded.

Theodore's voice turned sharp. "Explain yourself."

Vincent gasped for breath. "Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore... I took Harrison... but Mr. Falcon locked down all of Willowbrook... He took her from me!"

What?

Nathaniel?

Isabella's face drained of color. "You're saying Nathaniel rescued Harrison?"

Their meticulously crafted plan had been perfect - until Nathaniel intervened.

Nathaniel had saved Harrison!

Their earlier elation evaporated instantly. Isabella suddenly understood why Nathaniel hadn't answered her calls last night - he'd been with Harrison the entire time.