Chapter 377
News of Henry’s emergency hospitalization spread like wildfire through New York’s business circles.
Even Oliver, confined to his hospital bed, couldn’t sit still when he heard.
“Quickly! Buy as much Harding stock as possible! The more, the better!” he barked into his phone.
Mia sat beside his hospital bed, cutting an apple and bringing a slice to his lips. “Why are you in such a rush? Who knows if Henry is actually sick?” She fed him another slice. “We should send someone to find out first. If it’s a trick, we can make other plans. I know two people among the Harding security staff–let’s have them investigate.”
When Catherine stabbed Oliver, he nearly died–the knife had missed his heart by less than an inch.
He now harbored an intense hatred for Catherine, sending people to track her down with orders to kill her on sight.
After considering Mia’s suggestion, Oliver nodded. “You’re right. Send your people.” He took another bite of apple. “Also, Henry seems deeply attached to Sophia. Send more people to investigate her. If he truly cares for her, we’ll capture her and her son. I want to see how Henry will handle having his weakness in my hands!”
Mia fed him another piece of apple, her smile perfectly pleasant. “I think we should wait on that. Even if you capture them, Henry’s unconscious in a hospital bed–it won’t do any good.”
She wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin. “We should have them followed for now, then grab them when the time is right to pressure Henry. Besides, I’ve heard the boy might not be Henry’s. Taking him might not give us the leverage you want.”
Oliver swallowed thoughtfully, eyes narrowing. “You make a good point. Have them watched closely, especially the woman–don’t let her escape. And Catherine? Any news about her whereabouts?”
He was genuinely afraid!
When Catherine had stabbed him, her eyes had burned with hatred–a look he would remember for the rest of his life. In the middle of the night, he often woke in a cold sweat, haunted by those eyes.
Mia pouted. “Not yet! She knows you too well and has gone into hiding.” She sighed dramatically. “Besides, when you slapped her ti….y–some times, didn’t that end whatever was between you? If you treated her so cruelly, don’t be surprised when she retaliates. She’s a woman who loved you for years and gave you a daughter. If you had treated me that way, I’d fight back too.”
Though Mia and Catherine had been rivals, as women, she sympathized with Catherine’s situation.
For years, Catherine had helped Oliver, allowing him to use her love to access the Harding family’s resources and build his success.
Throughout it all, Oliver had pursued other women, and Catherine could say nothing–because she was a married woman, the matriarch of the Harding family.
Despite Mia’s pleasant expression, she was secretly calculating how to extract herself from Oliver’s clutches..
A man of such poor character couldn’t be trusted to love her for long.
Catherine was proof enough of that.
Oliver’s face darkened instantly at Mia’s words. “Are you defending that bitch?” His voice dropped dangerously.
“Mia, don’t forget–you’re my woman. You’ve enjoyed the good life with me for years. Even a dog would be loyal after being fed that long!”
With no one else in the room, he felt no need to maintain appearances.
His hand flew up, striking Mia across the face with a resounding slap.
‘Defend her again, and I’ll throw you to my men,” he threatened. “You know how creative they can be–they’ll destroy you.”
After hitting her, he shook out his hand casually, then grabbed her chin, examining the reddening mark on her face. “As long as you behave, I won’t give you to them.”
Mia didn’t dare show pain. She quickly forced a smile.
You’re right, Oliver. Catherine is worthless. I shouldn’t have upset you by saying those things.” She lowered her eyes submissively. “You hit me for my own good.”
“Fine, I won’t hold it against you. Tell the men outside to find Catherine quickly–that bitch can’t be allowed to hurt me again.” He straightened in his bed. “And don’t ease up on Sophia. If necessary, grab her first and ask questions later.”
Mia nodded obediently and walked out of the hospital room with practiced composure.
Only when she turned away did her eyes reveal the terror she truly felt.
