Reborn.
Chapter 283
Catherine had put considerable effort into tonight’s dinner.
She had practically begged Richard to allow Isabella a seat at the holiday table–this kind of humbling act was quite unusual for her.
Catherine repeatedly instructed Isabella: “Keep your mouth shut and behave yourself. This is your chance to make a good impression on William. If you perform well, once Sophia and Henry divorce, William might actually consider you as a potential granddaughter–in–law.”
Though Richard had been visibly displeased when she’d made the request, Catherine had persisted with a forced smile until he finally relented.
His words still stung in her memory.
“You’re truly pathetic, Catherine,” he’d sneered. “Pushing that manipulative girl on our son… haven’t you caused enough trouble? Do you really think anyone in this family is blind to what you’re doing?”
Despite his cutting remarks, Catherine had maintained her smile.
Isabella desperately needed this opportunity.
The moment Grace heard that Isabella would be joining the dinner, her sullen expression brightened considerably. As she passed by me, she held her head high, rolled her eyes dramatically, and headed outside to welcome Isabella.
Honestly, I couldn’t care less about Grace’s childish behavior, but Henry immediately erupted beside me.
“Grace! What kind of attitude is that?” he shouted, causing several heads to turn our way. “Is that how you treat your
sister–in–law?”
His face flushed with anger.
“I will not tolerate anyone in this house disrespecting Sophia anymore!”
‘y swallowed her
Grace opened her mouth, undoubtedly ready to unleash a string of insults, when she caught Catherine’s warning glance. Remembering her recent confinement and the promise of returning there if she misbehaved, she reluc
words.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered, the apology clearly paining her. “My attitude was inappropriate.”
I waved dismissively. “Don’t bother.”
Throughout this exchange, I could feel Henry’s intense gaze fixed on me. His eyes hadn’t left me since I’d arrived, and it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
I desperately needed to escape.
“Billy, want to go upstairs and play in the children’s room?” I seized the opportunity to flee from Henry’s burning stare.
Billy nodded enthusiastically, and I quickly rose from my seat.
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Chapter 283
Just as I was leading Billy toward the stairs, Henry Immediately stood to follow us.
Good God, where had that cold, distant CEO disappeared to? The current Henry was impossible to shake off.
I was about to tell him to stop following us when he gestured to his right arm, which was in a cast and supported by a sling.
*I need to get some ointment from upstairs,” he said, pointing toward the second floor with his uninjured left hand.
His excuse was ironclad.
I couldn’t tell an injured man he wasn’t allowed to access his own medication. I sighed inwardly but said nothing as he
followed us up the stairs.
Sensing my discomfort, Henry kept a respectful distance, walking slowly behind us without saying a word. He was clearly trying not to irritate me further.
After we’d gone upstairs, William reached into his pocket and swallowed a pill. Mark, ever attentive, immediately handed him a glass of water.
“Sir, you’ve already taken this medication three times today,” he said with concern. “You really shouldn’t take any more.
William glared at him. “Mind your own business!”
Mark was about to protest further when Richard approached, prompting him to step back discreetly.
William’s gaze shifted between his son and Catherine, who was busy directing the household staff. His expression darkened considerably.
“Your wife seems to be forgetting who’s family and who isn’t,” he said coldly to Richard. “Aren’t you going to do something
about it?”
He had overheard Catherine instructing Grace to welcome Isabella.
Though he wanted to say more, he held back–Catherine was Richard’s wife, and it wasn’t his place to interfere directly.
g Henry’s Richard shook his head helplessly. “Isabella has been behaving decently lately. She’s been attentive recovery, and it’s the holidays after all. The poor girl is alone here with her parents abroad.” He sighed. “Catherine felt sorry for her. It’s just one dinner–let her have this.”
“I’ve made it clear to Catherine that Isabella leaves immediately after dinner, no matter who tries to convince her to stay,” Richard added. “She’ll be seated with the extended family, not with us.”
Their conversation was interrupted as other Harding relatives began arriving, greeting William and Richard in turn. With so many guests present, William decided to drop the subject. After all, it was just one dinner, and even Isabella wouldn’t dare cause trouble with so many witnesses.
As the house grew increasingly crowded and noisy, Grace led Isabella into the main hall. Several guests immediately noticed her arrival and rushed to her side.
“Isabella! It’s been ages–you look more beautiful than ever,” one young woman gushed, her voice dripping with false admiration.
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Isabella beamed at the compliment.
These people were simply trying to curry favor with and please the soon–to–be Mrs. Harding.
The second floor was a stark contrast to the festive chaos below–quiet, almost eerily so.
I sat with Billy in the children’s playroom, watching him arrange building blocks into increasingly precarious towers. Henry stood silently in the doorway, observing us with an expression I couldn’t quite read.
I knew he envied Billy–envied the unconditional love I showed our son. My love for Henry had been completely shattered.
Henry clearly regretted the mistakes he had made in the past.
But regret.couldn’t turn back time.
Billy was at that age where his imagination ran wild and he absorbed everything around him like a sponge. Recently, his good friend Emily had been bragging about her mother being pregnant, which made Billy somewhat jealous.
“Mommy,” he suddenly asked, his little face deadly serious, “can you make a baby sister for me?”
The question caught me completely off guard. “Why would you ask something like that, sweetheart?”
Billy propped his chin on his hands, considering the question seriously–he looked so adorable while thinking!
“Why not? Lots of kids in my class have mommies with babies in their tummies. Isn’t my mommy as good as theirs? You know, you can’t let other mommies win.”
I stifled a laugh, my little manipulator had already mastered the art of reverse psychology.
After careful thought, I replied, “Sweetie, Mommy loves you so much that she only needs one baby. If there was another baby, Mommy’s love would have to be shared. You wouldn’t want Mommy’s love to be cut in half, would you?”
I was acutely aware of Henry’s presence behind me, his gaze burning into my back. This made it almost impossible for me
to directly address Billy’s question.
However, Billy wasn’t buying my explanation.
“Emily says mommies completely love all their babies. She says it’s something called ‘unconditional. So you wouldn’t love me any less! And if you make me a sister, there’d be one more person to love you. Isn’t that better?”
I opened and closed my mouth, completely at a loss for words.
How could I possibly explain the complexities of my failed marriage to a five–year–old?
As I struggled to respond, Henry stepped forward, placing his good hand on Billy’s shoulder.
“Your mom can’t do it alone, my sweet child,” he said simply. “It takes two people to make a baby.”
My face instantly turned red!
Damn Henry, was this an appropriate topic to discuss with a child?
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