Chapter 239
After posting his provocative reply, Henry set his phone aside and turned his full attention to the business at hand. Today’s signing ceremony with Reynolds Apparel was too important to be derailed by personal matters, regardless of how much Sophia’s challenge had unsettled him.
The negotiations had proceeded smoothly.
Henry and Alexander were exceptional businessmen–not only strikingly handsome but possessing that unmistakable air of privilege that came from generations of wealth.
When they stood side by side for photographs, the contrast between them was subtle but evident: Henry with his cold, commanding presence and Alexander with his sophisticated charm.
After signing the final documents, the two men exchanged a brief glance. Though their expressions remained composed, the mutual hostility in their eyes was unmistakable.
Neither spoke of it, instead smoothly transitioning to the press conference portion of the event.
When reporters began questioning Alexander, they kept strictly to business matters–expansion plans, market forecasts, and supply chain innovations.
Alexander answered each question with polished responses that revealed precisely nothing of substance.
However, when the microphones turned to Henry, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The first question veered sharply into his personal life.
“Mr. Harding,” a young reporter called out boldly, ‘your wife, Sophia Wilson, is very publicly pursuing a divorce from you. She’s even issued a ten–million- dollar check just to be rid of you. What are your thoughts on this situation?”
By all normal standards, the reporter should have been immediately escorted out.
In corporate events, especially for someone of Henry’s stature, questions about personal matters were strictly off–limits.
James immediately signaled for security, his face flushing with anger.
“No need!” Henry held up his hand, stopping the approaching security guards. “Let him stay.”
A stunned silence fell over the room.
Henry Harding–notoriously intolerant of personal questions–was allowing this?
Every journalist in the room leaned forward, sensing a rare opportunity.
Henry adjusted his microphone, the corner of his mouth lifting into a slight smile. His almond–shaped eyes narrowed slightly as he looked directly at the reporter who had asked the question.
That’s an excellent question,” he said, surprising everyone with his candor. “I’d like to share some thoughts on this matter. From my perspective, these are simply minor disagreements between my wife and myself.”
Emboldened by Henry’s unexpected openness, another reporter quickly rose to her feet.
“Mr. Harding, regarding Mrs. Wilson’s claim that your son Billy isn’t your biological child–how do you respond to that?”
This particular rumor had dominated social media for days.
At the mention of it, both Alexander and James/tensed visibly. Alexander’s expression darkened, while James leaned forward to whisper urgently in Henry’s
ear.
“Sir, you don’t need to answer such personal questions.”
Henry’s smile never faltered. “The boy has called me ‘Daddy‘ for six years,” he replied evenly. “That makes me his father. There’s nothing to debate here.* He paused, then added with surprising humility, “Women sometimes say things they don’t mean when they’re upset. I failed to provide my wife with the
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emotional support she needed, which led to her disappointment in me. That’s why she said such confused things. There’s no need for anyone to lixate van de
The reporters frantically recorded every word, astonished by this unprecedented glimpse into Henry’s personal life.
The man who never smiled at media was not only smiling but answering their most intrusive questions with remarkable patience.
At this point, a third reporter stood up.
Mr. Harding, Mrs. Wilson has already signed the divorce papers and made her intentions known throughout Manhattan. Clearly, she’s serious about divorcing you. Aren’t you concerned that refusing to sign will only anger her further?”
Henry leaned slightly toward the microphone. I’ve already made my wife angry, haven’t I?” His tone was light, almost self–deprecating, “Women need to be properly wooed, and that’s an area where I clearly need improvement.” He straightened his tie before continuing, “So I’m making an offer: anyone who can provide effective suggestions for making my wife happy will receive compensation–up to ten thousand dollars per idea.”
With that bombshell delivered, Henry set down the microphone and rose from his seat.
He strode confidently from the room, leaving the press conference in complete chaos. Only after he had disappeared did the journalists erupt into excited chatter, scrambling to file their stories.
Within minutes, Henry’s unprecedented comments spread across social media platforms. Internet users exploded with excitement, eagerly offering suggestions in hopes of claiming the promised reward.
“Oh my God! Did I just hear that right? Mr. Harding said such things just to make his wife smile!”
“Stop wasting time and think of ways to cheer up Mrs. Harding! Mr. Harding just said there’s a $10,000 reward for anyone who can make her happy!*
“Damn, is Mr. Harding using the media as a place to show his affection? That’s outrageous! But I love it, so sweet!”
Once safely inside his car, Henry immediately turned to James. “Did you contact the school?”
James nodded quickly. “I’ll call the principal right away, sir.”
Henry had told Sophia about a parent–child activity scheduled for the weekend–one that required both parents to attend. Of course, no such event existed yet, but Henry intended to make it happen.
He needed a legitimate reason to spend time with Sophia, and this was the perfect opportunity.
As Henry’s black Rolls–Royce disappeared down the street, Alexander finally climbed into his own vehicle. He stared at Sophia’s number on his phone, his expression hardening.
So Henry has no intention of divorcing, Alexander thought grimly. But I’m not giving up on Sophia either. I wonder who she’ll ultimately choose?
After a moment of hesitation, he dialed her number.
Sophia? Are you working? Am I catching you at a busy time?”
He could hear the smile in her voice. “It’s nothing important,” he said gently. “I was just wondering if you might have some time to accompany me to the Medical University’s exhibition hall?”
The Reynolds Group had significant investments in pharmaceuticals.
While his primary purpose in Manhattan had been finalizing the apparel contract with Harding Investment, he also planned to explore potential investments in the university’s hematology department.
Sophia worked as a cardiovascular nurse and would understand these matters far better than he did.
More importantly, spending time with her would allow him to deepen their connection–something he desperately wanted.
At the mention of the Medical University’s exhibition hall, Sophia’s entire demeanor changed. Her voice rose with excitement. “What did you say? You have
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tickets to the Medical University exhibition?”
She continued, barely containing her enthusiasm. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get in there? I’ve tried before but couldn’t secure admission)
Seeing her reaction, Alexander’s smile widened. “Yes, Miss Wilson, I have two tickets to the exhibition. Would you like to join me?
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