Chapter 159
In the car, Henry leaned back against the leather seat, exhaustion evident on his face.
“Where is she?” he asked his driver.
“We’ve already taken Mrs. Harding back to Maple Grove, sit.”
Satisfied with this answer, Henry nodded and closed his eyes, attempting to rest. But his mind kept replaying Sophia’s determined expression as she demanded a divorce.
This memory hit his heart like tiny hammers, persistent and painful.
He loosened his tie, feeling constricted. Reaching for the medical kit kept in the back seat, he retrieved a prescription bottle and shook two pills into his palm.
Without water, he tossed them into his mouth and swallowed.
His heart condition was severe–terminal, in fact. Only a heart transplant could save him. Despite the Harding family’s wealth and power, they’d been unable to find a suitable match. There had been a time when he’d lain in the ICU, dependent on a ventilator, certain death was imminent. Then, unexpectedly, he’d been rushed into surgery. The procedure had been successful.
Sophia had cared for him devotedly, from the moment he entered surgery until his complete recovery. During these six years, her attentive care had kept his heart functioning perfectly, without pain or complications.
She’d prepared countless medicinal broths and tonics, dedicated to maintaining his health. Her exceptional care had allowed him to present himself to the world as a completely healthy man.
No one knew how close he’d come to death six years ago. But now, for the first time in years, his heart ached again–as if its original owner was punishing him through physical pain for his transgressions.
Henry leaned back, one hand pressed against his chest, the other massaging his temple as his thoughts raced.
In truth, divorce had never crossed his mind.
Sophia’s gentleness and attentiveness had created a warm harbor, giving him a sense of home he’d never experienced before. Silently, he admitted to himself: If Sophia would just yield, stop mentioning divorce, I could forgive everything.
The car soon arrived at Maple Grove. Henry stepped out unsteadily, one hand still pressed against his aching chest as he made his way toward the second floor.
He couldn’t face Sophia now. He needed to wait until her stubborn resistance broke, until she surrendered completely. Only then would he see her.
In the basement, Sophia looked nothing like the elegant woman from the banquet hall.
Her hair was disheveled, her makeup smeared with tears, eyeshadow spreading across her skin. One false eyelash hung partially attached while the other dangled on her cheek. Mascara circles surrounded her eyes.
Her purple evening gown was wrinkled and dirty, making her look like she’d crawled out of hell itself–utterly disheveled.
After the security guards had thrown her into the basement, they’d locked the door from outside. No matter how she shouted or cursed, no one came to open it.
The old Sophia had been reasonable and considerate, never using her authority as Mrs. Harding to order the staff around. Partly because Catherine and Grace had instructed the servants how to treat her, and partly because she naturally disliked inconveniencing others.
But now, having completely severed ties with Henry, why not exercise the powers of Mrs. Harding while she still could?
“I’m hungry! Bring me something to eat!“/Sophia pounded on the door when they ignored her.
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Chapter 159
Henry only ordered you to lock me up, not starve me. If anything happens to me, he’ll hold you responsible!” She paused for effect. Don’t forget–I’m nun Mrs. Harding!”
The security team hesitated, and Sophia seized the opportunity, rattling off a list of extremely expensive dishes.
Damn it, she thought. After enduring this for so many years, I won’t take it anymore.
If Henry refused to let her leave, she’d order lavish meals every day, eating away at that bastard’s entire fortune one exorbitant dish at a time.
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