Chapter 86 Henry's Business Tactics Against His Wife
Top floor of the Montague Group.
Celeste knocked lightly and entered. Henry, in a three-piece suit, was reviewing documents, looking cold and noble.
Henry looked up. "How did it go?"
Celeste shook her head. "Owen turned down your sponsorship, Mr. Montague. He said they'll figure something else out."
Henry leaned back, thinking. After a moment, he said softly, "Got it. You can go."
Sensing his bad mood, Celeste quickly left, closing the door behind her.
The office fell silent again. Henry pulled out a diamond ring, staring at it.
Grace had rejected his car, his investments, and showed no interest in Tranquil Heights. She seemed indifferent to his possible involvement with Elodie. She just wanted to leave. She said, "Stop trying to please me. We're going to separate."
But Henry couldn't imagine life without her. He cherished their bond and wanted her to stay. He believed they deserved a happier ending. He spent the day thinking of ways to bridge the gap.
Celeste came in to tidy up and heard Henry say softly, "A year and a half ago, Grace saw a psychologist. Find him and tell him I need his help."
Caught off guard, Celeste blurted out, "Mrs. Montague won't like this."
Henry looked at her. "Then don't let her know."
Celeste quickly left to handle it. Within an hour, in a small conference room, the expensive doctor and his team had assembled, presenting a PPT on Grace.
The blue light from the screen cast a gloomy shadow on Henry's face.
Celeste stood by, watching Grace's innocent image on the slide, her smile revealing a charming canine tooth. Henry casually discussed intimate details of their life, even her preferred bed positions, as if talking about the weather.
Celeste watched the psychologist dissect Grace's psyche, constantly tweaking the strategy. She ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving uncontrollably. It wasn't until she vomited bile that she stopped, sliding down to the floor. It was too disgusting!
The realization hit her hard. How could she have admired Henry? How could he use business tactics on his own wife? An $800,000 check had paved the way for Grace's scrutiny by over ten psychologists, analyzing how to manipulate her, when to appear supportive, what kind of sweet words she preferred, and even the best timing for intimacy.
Henry was ruthless, like an emotionless machine. It was too cruel; Celeste felt like she was going crazy!
Grace finished work at the studio and returned to her rented house. Despite its modest size, it felt warm and cozy.
After relaxing on the sofa, she decided to cook dinner. As she was in the kitchen, her phone rang. Juniper called, and they chatted while she cooked.
Then she heard a noise outside the door. A scratching sound.
Grace opened the door and saw a cute little dog with black eyes and short white fur, wagging its tail.
At first, she thought it belonged to a neighbor, but then she noticed something glinting on its neck. She picked it up and was stunned—it was her wedding ring!
She quickly glanced out the window and saw Henry's car parked below. He was leaning against it, smoking, looking casual. When Grace looked at him, he met her gaze, unwavering.
After a moment, he called her. Grace answered, "Henry, come and take the dog away."
He replied gently, "Its name is Sherry. Three months old. Grace, haven't you always wanted a puppy? It's very cute."
Grace wanted to respond, but Henry hung up. He put out his cigarette, looked up at her, smiled lightly, then got in his car and drove away.
She watched the taillights until they disappeared. When she looked down, the dog was staring at her with innocent eyes.
Grace wasn't keeping it. She changed clothes, took the dog, and hailed a cab to return it to Henry.
When she arrived at the villa, it was dusk. The servant was surprised to see her. "Mrs. Montague, you're back? Mr. Montague just returned! This puppy is so cute."
Despite her issues with Henry, Grace was always kind to the servants. She asked hoarsely, "Where is Mr. Montague?"
The servant replied eagerly, "He's upstairs! Dinner will be ready soon. The chef is preparing a few extra dishes tonight."
Grace nodded and took Sherry upstairs. The master bedroom light was on. She guessed Henry was inside and knocked. Henry's voice came from within. "Come in."
Grace entered and saw Henry on the sofa, flipping through a magazine. He was in a white bathrobe, his hair still wet from a shower.
Henry set the magazine aside and looked at her. "Don't like it?"
Grace did like the puppy, but she didn't want anything from Henry. She put the dog down and said softly, "Find it a new owner. I won't take it. And this."
She placed the wedding ring on the table. It sparkled under the crystal light.
Henry picked up the playful puppy, which barked and nibbled on his hand, probably hungry. Henry gently petted it, eliciting two more playful barks from it.
Grace watched but hardened her heart. "I'm leaving!"
As she turned to go, Henry grabbed her wrist and lightly pressed her down. He hovered over her.
Grace gritted her teeth. "Henry, let me go! We're separated."
"Separated, yet here you are, right by my side? Separated, and yet you're practically glued to me," Henry retorted with a mischievous glint.
Grace's eyes reddened, and she turned away, refusing to speak. Her whole body screamed rejection.
Henry lowered his head and gently licked away her tears. Horrified, she felt him place the puppy in her arms. "Be its mom, okay?" he said softly.
Grace panicked, shoving Henry away. He was taken aback but didn't stop her. The urgent footsteps echoing up the stairs prompted him to set the puppy down and pick up the wedding ring, gazing at it pensively.
The servant at the door looked helpless. "Mr. Montague, Mrs. Montague left!"
Henry remained stoic, his voice barely a whisper. "Have the driver take her back. It's not safe on the road."
Meanwhile, on the secluded driveway, Grace quickened her pace, Henry's tender plea, "Be its mom, okay?" echoing in her ears.
Memories of once enchanting scenes she had imagined played out like haunting specters, assaulting her consciousness.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
