Chapter 151
The room fell silent as everyone awaited my answer to Richard’s direct question about the divorce papers. My eyes darted to William, whose face reptined impassive, though his eyes held an intensity I couldn’t quite read.
Though William rarely engaged with social media, butler Mark was exceptionally well–informed. The moment Grace’s videos began circulating, Mark had immediately informed William of the situation.
“It’s true,” I finally admitted, nodding slowly. “I signed the divorce papers the day Isabella returned.”
I avoided William’s gaze, afraid to see disappointment in his eyes. “I wanted to give them a chance to be together… since that’s clearly what Henry wants.
The tension in the room was palpable. Every Harding family member seemed to lean forward slightly, eager
I couldn’t bear to let Billy witness this painful moment. I forced myself to smile, kneeling down to his level.
10
witness the drama unfold.
“Sweetheart, why don’t you go with Uncle Richard to see your birthday cake? I need to talk with Great–Grandpa for a minute.
Billy looked between us, sensing something was wrong, but Richard quickly intervened.
“Come on, champ,” he said cheerfully, taking Billy’s hand. “Let’s check if the kitchen got your favorite flavor right.
The moment Billy disappeared around the corner, I immediately knelt before William, not caring about the expensive gown or the shocked gasps from the onlooking relatives.
“Grandpa,” I began, my voice breaking. “I know I’ve disappointed you, but I just can’t continue like this anymore.” Tears welled in my eyes as the words poured out. “Every day is just endless waiting, watching him run to another woman, seeing no hope for change. I’ve reached my limit.”
I looked up at him, pleading. “Please understand. Please.”
I knew William was the biggest obstacle to my divorce. Five years ago, he had personally arranged my marriage to Henry. From the beginning, William had treated me like his own granddaughter, showing me more genuine affection than I’d ever received from my own family. I couldn’t simply disregard his feelings.
To my surprise, William quickly reached forward and pulled me to my feet.
“What are you doing, child?” he asked, his voice gruff but gentle. “Is this really necessary? We can talk properly without all this kneeling business.” He shook his head. “It’s just a divorce! Is that little thing worth getting on your knees? I already told you before – if you can’t bear it anymore, then leave. I have no objections!”
He paused, his eyes twinkling with mischief despite the serious conversation.
“But there’s one condition,” he added firmly. “If you’re leaving, you have to take me with you. Wherever you go, I go too!”
I stared at him, stunned by his words.
“The truth is,” William continued, lowering his voice, “I’ve been considering this ever since Isabella returned. When Henry showed up at the airport with all those bodyguards to greet her…”
He shook his head in disgust. “That was nothing but a slap in our faces – mine and Richard’s. He was clearly telling us, ‘I’m powerful enough now that I don’t need your approval anymore.”
William’s expression softened. “That’s when I started planning your escape route, my dear.”
He squeezed my hand reassuringly. “I just didn’t expect you to be the one filing for divorce first.”
Tears streamed down my face as I processed his words. “You’re not angry with me?”
“Angry?” William scoffed. “Why would I be angry? You’ve put up with more than enough. Now, do we have a deal? You take me with you, or no divorce.
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Chapter 151
I looked at this stubborn old man, feeling a complex mixture of emotions – gratitude, relief, and affection. This was the closest thing to a real father I’d ever known.
‘Deal, I agreed, wiping away tears. “Wherever I go, you come too. I’ll take care of you forever.”
William nodded, satisfied with my answer. Then he glanced at his watch, his expression darkening “What time is it now? Where the hell is that grandson of mine? His wife is leaving him, and he can’t even show up on time for his son’s birthday? That ungrateful dog really doesn’t want to live anymore!
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