Chapter 58
The most important thing, Willam continued, oblivious to my Inner turmoil, is to ensure your economie Independence. A woman who contauks resources has a voice.”
He pulled out an official looking envelope from beneath his pillow. “I’ve had my lawyers draft this. If Henry loses his way, he’ll turfelt the right to labert al property under my name. You’ll be the only qualified person.”
I stared at the envelope in shock. “Grandpa, I can’t accept this.”
“Of course you can,” he insisted, pressing it into my hands.
The envelope felt impossibly heavy in my hands. This wasn’t what I wanted. I’d never been interested in the Harding money–I just wanted my freedom, my dignity, and my son.
William misinterpreted my silence as gratitude. “You don’t need to thank me, child. Just promise me you’ll try with Henry. Real marriages take work. especially in our circles. Don’t give up on him
I couldn’t meet his eyes, couldn’t bear to see the
hope there. How could I explain that Henry and I were far beyond “working things out“?
That he’d betrayed me, humiliated me,
threate
me? That he’d used our son as a weapon against me?
“Grandpa, 1-
“And now,” William interrupted, a mischievous gleam in his eye, “I’ve made sure Isabella has been transferred to another hospital. The less you see of that woman, the better for everyone’s blood pressure–especially mine!*
He laughed at his own joke, then broke into a coughing fit that had me instantly reaching for the water glass beside his bed. As he drank, I discreetly tucked the envelope back under his pillow. I couldn’t take his money–my gratitude for his kindness couldn’t be repaid with cash.
“You’re a good girl, Sophia,” William said, patting my hand. “Probably too good for this family. But we need you. Henry needs you. Remember that.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. After promising to bring Billy for a visit soon, I left the room with my heart heavier than when I’d arrived.
In the corridor, I blinked back tears. The hospital lights suddenly seemed harsh.
How could I break William’s heart by pursuing divorce while he was still recovering? But how could I keep living in that toxic marriage, especially with Henry’s ‘surprises threatening me?
As I rounded the corner, a tall figure appeared in my path–Henry/ His expensive custom suit looked immaculate as always, his hair perfectly styled, his posture radiating that easy confidence that came from a lifetime of privilege.
“Well, well, he drawled, his voice carrying that familiar mocking edge. “I see you’ve been currying favor with Grandfather again.”
I lifted my chin, refusing to be intimidated.
Henry’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You’ve certainly charmed him, haven’t you? To please you, he’s even had Isabella transferred to another hospital.”
“That was his decision, not mine.”
“Of course.” His tone dripped sarcasm. “Just like the divorce was your idea, not Thomas’s? Just like leaving the estate was for Billy’s sake, not for your own freedom?”
I felt my temper rising. After everything he’d put me through, he still had the audacity to act like the injured party.
“You should thank your grandfather,” I shot back. “He seems to think we’re having some minor spat instead of a complete marriage breakdown. He believes you’re worth saving.”
Something flickered across Henry’s face was it shame? Or just annoyance?
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Chapter 58
I held un the envelope.
He gave me a will, I continued, unable to stop myself. Said if you ever betrayed your vows, he’d leave his personal fortune to tv brattad at võt bitterly: “I should pray for his long life, so I won’t need to deal with you or Isabella myself. This will would take care of everything.
Henry’s expression darkened. He suddenly lunged forward, trying to snatch the envelope.
I didn’t dodge, Heary opened it to find nothing inside.
“Money isn’t my goal, Henry. Just sign the papers,” I said quietly.
Henry snarled viciously: “Wishful thinking!”
What kind of woman did he see in me? Greedy, foolish, insubordinate? But I was just a mother trying to protect her child; a woman yearning for freedom. That will I never took, lying under William’s hospital pillow, would prove it all.
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