Chapter 42 Their Marriage Turned into a Transaction
Grace hadn't even had a chance to respond when Henry pulled her onto his lap.
As she settled in, Henry let out a muffled groan, probably straining his injured ligaments.
Grace whispered, "I should get off!"
However,Henry held her tight, his masculine scent wrapping around her like a warm, enticing blanket.
He looked down at Grace, dressed in loose hospital clothes, perched on his lap, her slender legs against his dark suit pants. The moment felt surreal, almost like she was teasing him.
Henry's voice grew huskier. "Apply the medicine on my lap!"
Grace didn't resist anymore. She took the medical kit he handed over and silently began to apply the medicine.
The light was soft, and Henry watched her closely.
With her head bowed and obediently sitting on his lap, he thought he already knew Grace's choice—to sacrifice herself for Oliver.
Suddenly, a wave of discontent washed over him. Whenever he felt unhappy, he found solace in tormenting others. Almost instinctively, his hand slipped beneath her loose hospital attire. His demeanor appeared restless, his actions slightly forceful.
Grace was still helping apply the medicine. Her hand trembled, and she fell into his arms.
Henry pushed the medical kit aside, one hand gripping her waist while the other tormented her. Under the light, his well-defined handsome face showed a hint of restrained desire, very attractive.
Since he couldn't do much, he let her sit on his lap, tormenting her. When it got too intense, Grace lightly bit his shoulder.
But from start to finish, she remained compliant, not resisting him.
Henry knew very well that she didn't want this; she was only being so obedient for Oliver's sake, letting him do as he pleased.
He pressed his face against hers, uttering in a husky voice, "Being so obedient, does that mean you've made your choice and are willing to come back as Mrs. Montague?"
Grace remained silent for a long time, pondering, 'How could Henry not guess my thoughts?'
He gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
Their eyes met, both feeling unbearable because their desires were not satisfied.
Under her gaze, Henry continued to manipulate her body back and forth. Grace felt extremely humiliated, her delicate body starting to struggle and writhe on him. "No! Henry, I don't want this."
But she couldn't refuse!
Henry was terrifyingly domineering. He held her neck, pulling her closer. Their faces were tightly pressed together, forehead to forehead, nose to nose.
Grace's nostrils flared, her eyes moist.
Henry always enjoyed tormenting her body, as if seeing her break down gave him pleasure.
In the past, Grace would have shed tears, overwhelmed by the humiliation.
However, this time, Grace resisted the urge to cry. Enduring the awkward situation, she leaned against his shoulder, her breaths light as she softly uttered, "Henry, could you release me now?"
Henry gently touched her red lips. After a moment, he sneered, "What? Do you want to deny it as you have been satisfied? Just a touch, and your body was more honest than your mouth!"
Grace felt humiliated. She tried to avoid his fingers, but the next second, Henry gripped her chin. "Let's talk business, Mrs. Montague! Since you've decided to come back, I have two conditions."
He looked into her eyes, his voice slow. "From now on, you're not allowed to go to the Azure Palace Hotel, and you can't meet Lucas alone."
He finally revealed his dark thoughts. He didn't love her, but he wouldn't allow other men to touch her, so he kept her by his side.
Grace found the situation pathetic! While she had agreed to return with him, it didn't signify her willingness to be his captive. Once she had broken free and experienced the vast expanse of the sky, the outside world no longer seemed so intimidating.
Grace chose not to engage in an argument with him. Not only did she refrain from arguing, but she also compliantly rested her head on his shoulder and gently expressed, "Henry, please don't contemplate confining me. I desire to venture out and pursue my own endeavors. Even if it's not at the Azure Palace Hotel, I yearn to carve my own path. Additionally, I'm not inclined towards having children at this moment."
These were her terms, and she had to make them clear to Henry.
There was no love between them. It was better to be practical. He wanted her to be Mrs. Montague, and she wanted what she deserved.
How could someone as sharp as Henry not notice her change? Grace had transformed from a girl into a woman!
She had learned to endure and negotiate with Henry. She no longer craved his affection; she had become realistic.
Henry had always admired pragmatic individuals like Felix's sister, Esme. At one point, he envisioned his future wife to be as astute and competent as her. However, he ended up marrying Grace, who was perceived as delicate and vulnerable in comparison.
But now, as Grace became realistic, he seemed not to like it!
He felt uncomfortable, withdrawing his long fingers, sneering, "Mrs. Montague knows how to negotiate now!"
Grace continued in a soft tone, "I have one more request, Henry. I no longer wish to rely on your or Celeste's financial support. Instead, I would like to acquire a 2% stake in the Montague Group."
Henry appeared taken aback by her proposal. He arched an eyebrow and scoffed, "Do you realize the value of 2% of the Montague Group? It's roughly estimated at $800 million. Isn't Mrs. Montague aiming a bit too high?"
Grace lowered her eyes, smiling faintly.
After a moment, she looked up at him. "Henry, I said that even a fool would get smart after being with someone like you for a long time! Whether you love me or not, as Mrs. Montague, I have the right to enjoy your wealth. Besides, you won't divorce me because you're afraid I'll sleep with someone else, right? I think Mr. Montague's noble pride is worth that much. When Mr. Montague gets tired of this body and doesn't care anymore, wouldn't it be great if I took the shares and left? Besides, 2% of the shares won't cause any waves!"
Henry reclined on the sofa, fixing a cold gaze on her for an extended moment. Eventually, he retrieved a velvet box from his suit pocket.
Grace recognized it; it was her wedding ring.
Henry's long fingers played with the box, his handsome face showing a hint of amusement. "Mrs. Montague, you've actually convinced me! But I also have a condition. Those 2% shares cannot be sold."
Grace agreed since what she wanted was just the dividends.
Henry opened the velvet box, the diamond ring inside dazzling.
He looked into her eyes and said, "Besides the shares, I'll allocate $3 million a month to you, and those millions of dollars worth of jewelry at home will be handed over to you. From now on, they will be yours."
Grace's expression remained calm, refusing, "I don't want those!"
Henry's gaze was intense. "What if I insist on giving them to you?!"
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