Chapter 59
Henry’s burning gaze followed me continuously. The empty envelope—my small act of defiance seemed to ignite something dangerous in him. Even na la turned the corner, I could still feel his eyes boring into my back.
I hurried toward the exit, eager to put as much distance between us as possible. Just as I reached the hospital doors, a firm hand gripped my e
Mrs. Harding, James’s voice sounded in my ear. “Mr. Harding requests you wait a moment.”
I turned to face James, my patience wearing thin. “I have nothing more to say to him.”
James still maintained his restrained expression. “This concerns young Master Billy’s safety,”
The mention of my son instantly captured my attention. “What about Billy?”
“Perhaps it would be better if Mr. Harding explained himself.” James gestured toward the approaching figure.
Henry strode toward us.
“We need to talk,” he said without preamble.
“So talk, I crossed my arms defensively.
Henry glanced meaningfully at our surroundings–the busy hospital lobby wasn’t exactly private. “Not here.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“This is about the attempt on Billy’s life.” His voice dropped lower. “Unless you’re no longer interested in finding out who tried to kill our son?”
The terrible memory flashed through my mind–screeching tires, Billy’s scream, I didn’t want to remember anymore.
“Fine,” I conceded. “Five minutes.”
We moved to a quieter corner of the lobby, with James maintaining a respectful distance while ensuring our privacy.
*Before Isabella returned,” Henry suddenly began, “you were completely different from now.”
I blinked at the unexpected opening. “What do you mean?”
‘You were… softer. More accommodating.” His jaw tightened. “Now you fight me at every turn.”
I couldn’t help the incredulous laugh that escaped me. ‘Are you seriously blaming me for changing? You parade your mistress around town, neglect your son, and I’m supposed to stay ‘accommodating“?”
“I haven’t, you have many misunderstandings about me!” Henry countered, his voice hardening. “I never treated you the way you’re painting it now. Not until you started behaving like-
‘Like what?” I challenged. Like someone with self–respect?”
James cleared his throat discreetly, reminding us both of his presence. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.
“You mentioned Billy’s safety,” I said, steering the conversation back to what mattered. “What about it?”
Henry’s expression shifted, becoming more businesslike. “James has been investigating the black sedan incident.”
“What incident?” I played dumb, just to irritate him.
Henry’s left eye twitched slightly–a tell that let me know I’d succeeded. “The attempted vehicular homicide of you and our son, Sophia. Don’t be deliberately
obtuse.”
1/2
Chapter 59
Attempted vehicular homicide? I repeated, mockingly placing a hand over my heart. “My, what big words for a man who emildn’t even he teat We were okay afterward.
As Henry’s eyes narrowed dangerously, James shifted uncomfortably beside us.
“Mr. Harding, James interrupted, clearly trying to defuse the situation, perhaps I should explain the findings directly?”
“Please do,” I said sweetly. At least someone in this conversation can be professional.”
Heary’s jaw clenched so tight I could practically hear his teeth creaking under the pressure.
James spoke smoothly.
The police have identified a suspect from security footage. They’ve requested that Mrs. Harding come to the station to identify him.
I considered this information, surprised that the investigation had progressed at all.
After hesitating a moment, I said, “I’ll go to the police station because I want to know who tried to hurt my son. Not because Henry commands it.
A dangerous light flashed in Henry’s eyes.
Let me guess his thoughts–he wanted to silence me with a kiss, to dominate me just as he dominated everyone else in his life.
“I can see what you’re thinking,” I said, my voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re like a dog in heat, unable to control yourself even in public. Pathetic.
Henry’s face first drained of color, then flushed with anger. “Be careful, Sophia,” he warned, his voice deadly quiet. “You know what happens when you push me too far.”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
