Chapter 199
“If one gift doesn’t work, you give two. If two don’t work, you give three. You keep giving until the girl isn’t mad anymore. Billy continued, woundin miniature relationship gur
1 stared at my son, not knowing whether to be impressed or concerned. Where had he learned this? His confident explanation about how to win over was both adorable and slightly alarming.
And where did you hear this wisdom, young man? I asked, trying to keep my voice casual while shooting a suspicious glance at Henry.
Billy grinned proudly. “Aunt Betty told me! She said that’s how all the boys get girls to like them.”
I ruffled Billy’s hair, unable to hide my smile. “Is that so? And what else did Aunt Betty teach you about girls?
“She said girls like surprises and pretty things,” Billy replied matter–of–factly. “And that you should never, ever forget birthdays or special days.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter. “Wow, you’re quite the little expert now, aren’t you?”
Billy’s face lit up with pure delight at my reaction. He darted over to me, wrapping his tiny arms around my waist. Don’t worry, Mom, I’m never going to make you mad. I promise!”
I bent down to his level, gently pinching his chubby cheek. “You, my little smarty–pants, are too clever for your own good!”
William watched our interaction with undisguised pleasure, clearly adoring his great–grandson more by the minute. “Come here, my treasure,” he called to Billy, who happily bounded over to him.
As Billy ran off to play, William’s expression soured when his gaze landed on Henry, who was awkwardly attempting to skewer meat onto metal rods for the barbecue.
“Are you dead inside?” William hissed at his grandson, his voice low enough that Billy couldn’t hear but loud enough to make Henry freeze mid–motion.
“You’ve got such a wonderful wife and you’re throwing it all away for that calculating woman!” William continued, his disappointment evident. ‘Even your five–year–old son understands what women want better than you do! Gifts! Didn’t you hear the boy? He spelled it out for you!”
Henry’s eyes widened with sudden comprehension. Without another word, he pulled out his phone and dialed.
“James,” he said urgently into the phone, “I need you here right now. Bring… options.”
Within what seemed like mere minutes, James pulled up to the villa in a sleek black SUV. He wasn’t alone. A parade of people followed him–fashion designers carrying mannequins dressed in evening gowns that sparkled in the sunlight, assistants with trays of designer accessories, and others holding luxury handbags.
The extravagant display was arranged before me like a private fashion show. Henry stood beside it all, his face wearing a smug expression.
“Go ahead, he encouraged, gesturing grandly at the collection. “Choose whatever you like.”
His voice was filled with self–satisfaction. If Isabella received these gifts, she would jump into his arms with joy. Clearly, he believed all women were the same–easily placated with expensive trinkets.
I deliberately ignored him, continuing to chop vegetables with methodical precision.
“You know what I really need right now?” I asked casually, not bothering to look up from my task.
Henry’s brow furrowed in confusion. “None of these suit your taste?”
Instead of answering, I called out, “Billy!”
My son came running immediately, holding a simple white apron with blue trim. He handed it to me with a giggle, then turned to his father with an exaggerated eye roll./
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Chapter 199
Dad, you’re so silly he laughed. “Mom needs an apron for cooking, not dresses!
Henry’s face fell. He completely failed to understand what I truly needed at that moment!
He shot James an accusatory glare before waving his hand dismissively, signaling for everything to be taken away.
Meanwhile, at the hospital across town, Isabella paced restlessly in her new room. She’d changed hospitals to escape William’s influence, but the accommodations were noticeably less luxurious. More importantly, she felt Henry slipping away.
The calls between them had changed dramatically. Henry’s once warm, attentive tone had been replaced with curt responses and long silences. Today was Saturday–he should have been visiting her, not ignoring her calls.
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