Chapter 165
Isabella’s face crumpled instantly at Henry’s confusion. She let out a dramatic wail, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clutched the sheets tighter around her body.
“Henry, don’t you remember?” she sobbed, her voice breaking pitifully. ‘Last night you were so sick, and I took care of you all night long!
She inched closer to him, her eyes filled with sadness.
You kept calling my name, holding me close, even tugging at my clothes.” She pulled the blanket higher, as if trying to hide her modesty. “How could you forget last night?”
Richard’s face darkened with each word that left Isabella’s mouth. Without warning, he grabbed a broom from the corner of the room and lunged toward his
son.
“Adultery!” he roared, swinging the broom wildly. “I’ll teach you about fidelity!”
Richard’s voice echoed through the hallways of Maple Grove.
*For generations, the Harding family has maintained its honor! We’ve never stooped to such disgraceful behavior! Are you determined to destroy all the goodwill our ancestors worked to build?”
The commotion drew the attention of the household staff, who gathered outside the bedroom door, watching in stunned silence as father and son engaged in a bizarre chase around the master bedroom–Richard wielding the broom like a weapon, Henry desperately trying to avoid its blows.
Though Henry was younger and faster, the confined space of the bedroom limited his escape routes.
After several minutes of this undignified pursuit; Richard stopped, gasping for breath, his face flushed red with exertion.
“Henry Harding!” he wheezed, leaning heavily on the broom. “If you run from me one more time, I swear I’ll disown you! Get over here this instant!”
Henry stopped at a safe distance, his expression indignant. “You didn’t even ask for my side of the story before chasing me around with a broom! What was I supposed to do–stand still and let you hit me?”
He straightened his rumpled shirt, frustration evident in his voice. “You’ve always been like this–jumping to conclusions and blaming me without evidence. You did it when I was a child, and you’re still doing it now!”
Henry’s face hardened as he continued. “I had a heart attack last night! I completely lost consciousness. How could I possibly have slept with Isabella in that condition?”
His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Why don’t you try having sex during a cardiac episode and see how well that works out for you?”
Richard paused, his son’s words finally penetrating his anger. He lowered the broom and truly looked at Henry for the first time since entering the room.
Henry was still wearing his pants from the previous night, perfectly fastened. His shirt was partially unbuttoned but still on his body. Given his son’s well- known obsession with cleanliness, Richard knew Henry would never sleep in the same clothes unless something was seriously wrong.
The fact was obvious: Henry had indeed collapsed into bed immediately upon returning home last night.
Henry, noticing his father’s scrutiny, shot a meaningful glance toward Isabella, who remained huddled beneath the covers.
‘Dad, I swear I didn’t touch her,” he said firmly. “As for why she’s in my bed, I have absolutely no idea.”
Richard had formed a rough judgment in his mind. He summoned the estate’s security team with a sharp wave of his hand.
“When did our security standards become so lax?” he demanded. “Since when do we allow strangers to wander freely through our home?”
The head of security rushed into the bedroom, visibly nervous. Richard cast a sidelong glance at Isabella, who still refused to emerge from beneath the blankets. His lips curved into a cold smile.
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Chapter 165
Is Harding Manor open to the public now?” he asked sarcastically. “Are we ninning a hotel where just anyone can walk in? What that the at paying
for?
The security chief shifted uncomfortably. “Sit, we… we were following orders, he stammered. “Mrs. Harding specifically inerriered us that if thầy bánt. arrived, we should allow her in without question.”
Richard’s eyebrows shot up, his voice dropping dangerously. Really? And tell me, who exactly runs this household?–
Six years ago, when Henry lay near death needing a heart transplant, Richard had seen Isabella’s true nature. While compatible donors couldn’t be found and Henry’s condition deteriorated daily, Isabella hadn’t stood by his side. Instead, she’d negotiated a substantial settlement with the Harding family before disappearing with the money.
Old Mr. William had softened with age, reasoning that the girl had been Henry’s childhood sweetheart and deserved some compensation.
But Richard had never forgotten how quickly Isabella had abandoned his son in his darkest hour.
Meanwhile, Sophia had stayed by Henry’s side, caring for him with unwavering dedication, becoming their obvious choice for a daughter–in–law.
Richard summoned the entire household staff, determined to address the situati
In his experience, the best way to dispel rumors was through open discussion, oper
publicly.
confrontation, and open clarification.
While waiting for everyone to gather, the security chief frantically called Catherine.
“Mrs. Harding, please come home immediately,” he pleaded. “Mr. Harding is furious. We need
you here.”
Catherine’s voice sounded strange on the other end–breathless and unsteady. For a moment, she didn’t respond at all.
“Mrs. Harding?” the security chief asked with concern. “Are you alright? You sound… unwell.”
Catherine finally made a small sound of acknowledgment. “Which Mr. Harding?” she asked. “The elder or younger? And why is he so angry?”
Last night, she had watched Henry’s car return to Maple Grove and immediately messaged Isabella, telling her to come quickly. Everything had been proceeding according to plan.
“It’s Richard Harding, ma’am,” the security chief responded urgently. “Someone entered the home without authorization. He’s demanding your presence.*
At the mention of Richard, Catherine froze. Before she could respond further, a warm body pressed against her back.
“Where do you think you’re going?” a deep voice murmured against her ear. “You promised to spend the day with me.”
Catherine pushed him away. “I can’t! Richard is back, and there’s trouble at home. I have to go.”
The man was persistent, removing the underwear she’d just put on and tossing it aside. “Is that old fossil better than me?” he challenged, his hands roaming possessively over her body. “Without me, would you ever experience such pleasure?”
His voice dropped to a threatening whisper. “If you leave now, don’t bother calling me again.”
Catherine sighed heavily, turning to embrace him from behind, pressing her soft body against his. “Must you be difficult at a time like this?”
She stroked his face tenderly. “After all these years, don’t you understand how I feel about you? Richard and I may be married, but my heart belongs only to you. If it weren’t for the Harding fortune, I wouldn’t waste a second on that old man.”
Her voice turned calculating. “Besides, you’ve enjoyed plenty of that money yourself. Would you rather go back to being penniless?*
Satisfied with her coaxing, he grabbed her smooth, fair chin and bit her jaw firmly, “Fine! I’ll do as you say and let you go first, but next time I’ll make you pay for this.”
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