Chapter 238
Out of sympathy, he was reluctant to say more, but Henry insisted, “Keep talking! I need to hear this!*
After a moment’s hesitation, James continued. ‘When you first returned to work after your recovery, Mrs. Harding would message me daily asking about your health–what you ate, what you drank. She gave me specific instructions about foods you should have more of and others you needed to avoid.”
“At first, I thought she was overreacting, being too cautious, until I witnessed you eating venison. You probably don’t remember this, but I do clearly. After eating the venison, your heart rate accelerated, you experienced severe palpitations, clutched your chest against the seat, and your breathing became rapid
“Seeing your condition worsen, I immediately informed Mrs. Harding. She was still breastfeeding at the time, but hearing you were unwell, she rushed through pouring rain with Billy in her arms, taking a taxi to the hotel. She knew you disliked her, that you didn’t want to see her, so she was afraid you wouldn’t take the medicine. After handing me the medication, she immediately turned and disappeared into the downpour, terrified you might spot her. I called out, offering to drive her home, but she just smiled and said your health was the priority, then left.”
“Sir, to be completely honest, I’ve never seen any woman love you like that–not even Miss Scott. While everyone else was captivated by your brilliance, only Mrs. Harding truly cared about your health, quietly contributing without ever asking for anything in return.”
James gathered his courage to add, “Please forgive my presumption, but losing a woman as wonderful as Mrs. Harding means you’ll never find true happiness again.”
As an outsider, James had summoned tremendous courage to say all this: “Mr. Harding. Eyen if your heart were thousand–year–old ice, it should have melted long ago facing a woman who loves you so sincerely. Yet you remained fixated on Miss Scott, truly breaking Mrs. Harding’s heart. If you don’t love her, sign the divorce papers and let her go.”
Henry’s fists clenched tightly. Though James spoke matter–of–factly, Henry could hear the disapproval directed at him.
What had he done all those years ago? Henry began to regret his past actions, even hating his former self.
His mind drifted back six years.
When Sophia wanted to marry him, Henry’s heart was failing; he was one step away from death. Not wanting to burden anyone, he had rejected Sophia’s advances, preferring to lie alone in the hospital, waiting quietly for death.
Later, just when he thought he was about to die, doctors rushed him into surgery for an organ transplant.
Upon his discharge, his grandfather pointed to Sophia and told him: “This is your wife, whether you agree or not! Tomorrow, I’ll have Mark take you to register the marriage.”
Henry resented having his marriage arranged, but unable to direct Kis dissatisfaction toward his grandfather or father, he took it out on Sophia instead. No matter what she did, he responded with coldness, wounding her with the harshest, most venomous words.
Looking back now, he realized what a complete bastard he had been. How could he have hurt a woman who loved him so genuinely?
Sitting in the passenger seat, James felt apprehensive about what he had done.
He had spoken far too frankly to the CEO. Would Henry explode with anger? The CEO berating him was one thing, but please don’t let him insult Mrs. Harding!
“What does my wife like best?” Henry suddenly asked.
James was both surprised and delighted: his boss was finally having a change of heart. After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Mrs. Harding loves Billy the most, of course. She also enjoys cooking and fine food.”
Hearing this answer, Henry’s expression immediately darkened. “How is that any different from saying nothing at all?”
He grabbed his phone, found Sophia’s post tagging him, and replied: “You think $10 million is enough to buy me off?”
