Chapter 183
William and the Reynolds family patriarch had been war buddies with a bond forged in blood. Years ago, the two old men had even planned to connect their families through marriage, hoping to arrange a match between their children.
Unfortunately, both families had sons, thwarting their initial plan.
Later, they contemplated matching their grandchildren, but fate played the same trick–both had grandsons.
Richard’s second wife did give birth to a daughter for the Harding family, but William never particularly cared for his spoiled granddaughter Grace. Fearing she might bring harm to the Reynolds family, he completely abandoned the idea. Thus, Alexander narrowly escaped that arrangement.
Alexander was actually grateful that William hadn’t pushed Grace as his bride. When the old man needed his help, he readily extended a hand.
If William hadn’t specifically asked, Alexander wouldn’t have agreed to meet with Sophia.
Though Alexander had a good impression of Sophia, his opinion of Henry wasn’t favorable at all.
*Mr. Reynolds, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your distance from my wife,” Henry warned with barely concealed hostility. “She’s married to me, not available for you to fantasize about!”
Alexander responded with a casual shrug, methodically picking up his coat from the sofa and putting it on. While buttoning it up; he addressed Henry: “Whether she’s still your wife remains to be seen! I heard from Grandpa William that she doesn’t love you at all and is determined to divorce you.”
Henry didn’t waste time arguing with Alexander. After tossing a few more warning words, he turned and followed Sophia as she left.
Once Henry departed, Alexander returned to his seat, gently stirring his coffee as the smile gradually faded from his face.
‘Are you two really so happily married?” he murmured to himself. “Then why is Sophia so determined to divorce you?”
He took a sip of his coffee, a knowing glint in his eye. “Henry Harding, you’ve already lost.”
My previously pleasant mood evaporated instantly.
I never imagined Henry would show up in Aspen. The moment that bastard appeared, my enjoyable vacation turned sour, leaving me with nothing but anger and a desperate need to escape. Henry caught up quickly, grabbing my arm from behind and forcefully pulling me toward him.
“Sophia!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the quiet street. “I’m still alive, you know! Are you already so eager to find my replacement?”
Just moments ago, seeing me laughing and talking with Alexander had obviously triggered something in him. I could tell by the way his jaw clenched–he was furious. Yet my face showed nothing but impatience and disgust.
“If you were dead,” I replied coolly, “it would be nothing but beneficial for me. Being a widow would be much more convenient than dealing with divorce paperwork. Not only that, all your assets would automatically become mine, and Isabella wouldn’t get a penny.”
The detachment and unfamiliarity in my eyes seemed to unsettle him.
A sharp, suffocating pain flashed across his face, as if something was stabbing at his heart. He tightened his grip on my hand, his thin lips barely moving a. he spoke.
“Don’t worry,” he said through gritted teeth, ‘someone like me–even the Grim Reaper wouldn’t take me.” He paused, his eyes boring into mine. “You should be thinking about how to get back into my good graces and return home with me to live properly, not entertaining these ridiculous ideas!” His voice grew harder. “And I’m warning you–if you continue associating with Alexander, you’ll regret it!”
I stared at the man before me, convinced he’d lost his mind.
“Back in the city, I already made my position crystal clear. The moment I posted those divorce papers online, our marriage was effectively over. As a former husband, a decent ex should be like the dead–not constantly appearing in front of me!” My voice grew sharper. “Your behavior only makes me think you can’t let go!” I looked him straight in the eyes.
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Chapter 183
“Henry Harding, have you fallen in love with me?”
