Chapter 121
William had regained consciousness, and everyone had gathered in the hospital room. William specifically asked to speak with Sophia. “I need to speak with Sophia. Alone,” he said, his cloudy eyes fixing on me with surprising clarity. Henry, Take Billy back to the estate.”
Henry looked ready to protest, but a warning glance from his father silenced him. He nodded stiffly before turning to Billy. “Come on, kid. Time to go home.”
Billy hesitated, his small hand clutching mine tightly. “But Mom I want to stay with you and Great–Grandpa.”
I knelt to his level, brushing his hair from his forehead. “It’s just for a little while, sweetheart. Great–Grandpa and I need to talk about some grown–up things. I’ll come get you soon, okay?
He reluctantly nodded, allowing Henry to guide him from the room. As they disappeared down the corridor, I turned back to William, whose expression had softened considerably. “You wanted to speak with me, Grandpa?”
He nodded, gesturing weakly for me to come closer.
At Maple Grove, after Henry brought Billy home, ‘the boy sat across from his tutor in the sunlit library, his small fingers hovering over chess pieces as he contemplated his next move. The boy’s face was scrunched in concentration, remarkably similar to Henry’s focused expression.
Henry stood in the hallway, watching this scene with an odd feeling of pride. The boy might be stubborn and occasionally disrespectful, but he was undeniably bright.
His thoughts were interrupted by hushed voices drifting up from the servants‘ corridor below. -I swear, the resemblance is uncanny! Have you seen how the young master purses his lips when he’s thinking? Exactly like Mr. Henry.”
“Hush! Someone might hear you.”
“It’s just strange how Miss Grace keeps insisting the boy isn’t Mr. Henry’s blood. She’s his own aunt, for heaven’s sake! Wh would she say such cruel things?”
Henry froze on the stairs, the servants‘ words echoing in his mind. Before he could process what he’d heard, the women noticed his presence. Their faces drained of color as they scattered like startled birds.
Left alone, Henry remained motionless on the stairs, his mind suddenly flooded with memories he’d long suppressed.
Six years ago. The night before Isabella was scheduled to leave forever. She had promised him one final, perfect evening together.
He remembered taking medication before their meeting, worried his heart condition might flare up during their intimate goodbye. When he arrived at the room number Isabella had texted, he found the door locked with no answer to his knocks
He waited in the corridor for over an hour, eventually giving up and turning to leave. That’s when he felt slender arms wrap around his waist from behind, a woman’s body pressing against his back.
Henry’s recollection was sharply interrupted by his phone ringing. Sophia’s name flashed on the screen. “I’m coming to pick up Billy,” she said without preamble.
Henry’s earlier vulnerability hardened into cold determination. “If you want him, come get him yourself. No one will
1/
Chapter 121
deliver him to your doorstep,”
He ended the call abruptly, a satisfied smile spreading across h face. The boy was Sophla’s weakness–her Achilles heel. For Billy, she would swallow fer pride and come crawling back,
What Henry wanted most was to see Sophia bow her proud head before him.
Back at the hospital, as I left William’s room, Mark approached me, his weathered face etched with concern, “Mrs. Harding, a word?” he asked, guiding me to a quiet corner.
“The young master does care for you,” he said softly, his eyes sincere. “But you mustn’t push him too hard. His pride won’t allow him to yield in a confrontation.”
I shook my head, tired of these games. “I’m done playing by his rules, Mark. I’m going to pick up my son and leave. For good this time.”
Mark sighed but didn’t argue further. He watched my retreating figure with resignation before returning to William’s room. “She’s determined to leave,” he reported.
William chuckled weakly. “Very well. It’s time those two stopped dancing around each other.” He gestured for Mark to come closer. “Now, go handle that other matter we discussed.
On my way to Maple Grove, I tried calling Billy’s smartwatch repeatedly. Each attempt went unanswered, increasing my anxiety with every ring. I could imagine him absorbed in some activity, oblivious to my calls.
Meanwhile, Henry sat by a second–floor window, watching the main gate with predatory patience. When my taxi finally pulled up, he felt a surge of triumph as I approached the ornate iron gates alone.
I pressed the intercom buzzer, waiting for a response. None came. I pressed again, longer this time. After ten minutes of continuous buzzing, my frustration boiled over into rage.
Looking up toward the main house, I spotted Henry standing on the balcony, watching me with undisguised satisfaction. shouted up at him, my voice carrying across the manicured gardens, but he remained impassive, as if I were nothing more than a bothersome insect he couldn’t be bothered to swat away
Across town, Isabella reclined in her hospital bed, scrolling through her phone when a sharp knock interrupted her solitude. The door opened to reveal Mark.
“Miss Scott,” he greeted formally.
Isabella’s expression hardened with recognition. Six years ago, this same man had delivered William’s ultimatum and the money that had sent her away from Henry.
“What does the old man want now?” she asked coldly.
Mark–cleared his throat. “I’m here on William Harding’s behalf. He assumes you’re aware of his… feelings regarding your relationship with his grandson.”
Isabella’s lips curled into a sneer.
“Mr. William wishes to clarify your intentions,” Mark continued evenly. “Is it money you’re after, or something else? The five million dollars you received six years ago bought your swift departure. That money wasn’t given without conditions.”
2/3
Chapter 121
Isabella paled slightly. What are you implying?”
“Mr. William has video recordings of your agreement. If you prefer these recordings remain private, you would be wise to recognize when to advance and when to retreat.”
The butler reached into his jacket, producing an envelope. “If you cease contact with Mr. Henry, Mr. William is prepared to offer you another settlement. Consider it carefully.”
After Isabella’s door closed behind him, Mark returned to William’s room, reporting on his mission. “Don’t worry, sir. Money makes the world go round. I believe she’ll accept your terms.”
i
William shook his head slowly. “We shall see. I suspect this young woman won’t surrender so easily.”
His eyes grew distant with calculation. “Have the check prepared. If she leaves quietly, all the better. But if she refuses…” His voice hardened with resolve. “Then we can’t afford to show mercy.”
Chapter Comments
