Chapter 416 She Has Already Divorced Me
Raymond couldn't muster any anger when facing Margaret anymore.
Maybe he was falling deeper in love with her.
Or maybe he knew his days were numbered and wanted to spend them in peace.
He wasn't sure of the exact reason himself.
All he knew was that Margaret had worn down his temper completely.
She refused to eat, and that couldn't go on.
She didn't care about her own health, but he did.
Raymond walked into the living room, picked up a pack of cigarettes from the coffee table, shook one out, and put it in his mouth. He lit it with a lighter, then pulled out his phone and called Alvin. "Get Mary over here to take care of Margaret."
"Sure thing, Mr. Howard. You have a meeting this afternoon, sir—"
"I'll be there soon." Raymond took a drag from his cigarette, phone in hand, and headed downstairs.
With little time left, he wanted to close as many deals as possible and save up money for Margaret.
Only then could he die in peace.
The meeting lasted a full five hours.
When Raymond immersed himself in work, he forgot all his worries.
Before he knew it, night had fallen outside the office windows.
Dressed in a black suit, Raymond stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking and watching the endless stream of cars on the road below.
It had been a long, long time since he had taken a moment to seriously look at the night view from The Hughes Group building.
When he first joined The Hughes Group, he was busy trying to establish himself and earn Marlon's trust.
He was so busy that he couldn't afford to stop and take in the view.
Back then, he had secretly vowed to make a name for himself and then take a moment to appreciate the night view from The Hughes Group.
His hard work paid off. He married Margaret and took over The Hughes Group, but Marlon's dementia led to his retirement, and the company was plagued by internal strife.
Raymond was busy eliminating rivals and consolidating power.
He led The Hughes Group to new heights, expanding its scale threefold and diversifying into real estate, entertainment, finance, fashion, and influencer management.
Raymond had left his mark on every industry he touched, and he did it well.
Then Marlon had a car accident, and Raymond was busy seeking revenge and tormenting Margaret.
He still didn't have time to stop.
Only now did he feel he could finally take a break.
Holding a glass of strong liquor, he took a sip as Alvin approached. "Mr. Howard, it's late. Aren't you going home?"
What was the point of going home?
Alvin had a family, a wife, and kids.
Raymond had nothing.
Only Margaret and a cold, empty house.
And Margaret's cold, distant gaze.
Raymond took another sip of his drink. "If anything happens to The Hughes Group in the future, your loyalty must be to Margaret."
"Mr. Howard—"
"If Margaret and Daniel end up together, you mustn't interfere. In fact, you should help them if you can." The alcohol was cold and bitter.
As he said this, his heart was far from calm and magnanimous.
No one willingly gives up the woman they love.
But he had to plan for her future.
Daniel was a reliable man. If she liked Daniel, she could live the rest of her life without worry.
Alvin's face tightened, thinking Raymond and Margaret had fought. He quickly tried to comfort him. "Mr. Howard, you can't say stuff like that. Mrs. Howard only has eyes for you. Remember when you were in the ICU? She was a wreck. Seeing her like that, I couldn't stand it."
"She prayed for your recovery, even though she was barely holding on after her own surgery. I don't believe her feelings for you are fake."
Raymond smiled bitterly at these words.
He used to think the same.
But not anymore.
Margaret's love for him was conditional—she could never regain her memory.
Now, when Margaret looked at him, it was as if she saw an enemy.
She probably wished he would die sooner.
If she knew he was terminally ill, she might even celebrate with fireworks. How could she possibly pray for him?
But he didn't blame her. He had made her this way.
If only he had known how much he loved her, if only he had realized it sooner, what good would holding onto hatred have done?
Why did he have to get involved in the grudges of the previous generation?
But now it was too late.
There was no chance left.
"Mr. Howard, women need to be coaxed. You could try speaking gently to Mrs. Howard. If she's happy, she might even remarry you."
Would gentle words work?
He had said plenty, almost begging her.
Even if he begged, she wouldn't look at him.
"Mr. Howard, should I explain things to Mrs. Howard?"
"No need. Just do what I asked. Remember, no matter what happens, if I'm not around, you must support Margaret."
"Mr. Howard, you're joking. You're fine. Why wouldn't you be around?"
"I'm just saying. You can go home now."
"Yes, Mr. Howard."
After Alvin left, Raymond looked at his phone.
A message from Daniel popped up: "Let's grab a drink."
"Where?"
"The Velvet Lounge, Room 233."
In the past, he wouldn't have wasted time at a bar.
But now, he needed to talk to Daniel.
He had no friends. It was sad—living over thirty years without a single good friend.
When he arrived at the lounge, Daniel was already drinking on the couch.
Raymond set down his coat and loosened his tie, which felt suffocating.
After catching up, Raymond took a sip of his drink and sighed. "Daniel, being friends with you is truly an honor."
"That message was a group text. You just happened to be free. Don't read too much into it," Daniel scoffed.
Raymond knew Daniel was all talk and no bite, so he didn't call him out. He smiled and looked at him. "Daniel, I need you to answer a question honestly."
Daniel stared at the swirling liquid in his glass.
He didn't respond.
Raymond squinted at him. "Do you still have feelings for Margaret?"
Daniel finally looked at him and suddenly smiled. "What if I do? What if I don't?"
"Do you dare answer? Do you dare tell the truth?" Raymond sneered.
Daniel took a sip of his drink. "I don't like married women."
"She's divorced."
Daniel looked at him again, amusement in his eyes.
Raymond pressed on. "She's not married anymore. Do you still have feelings for her?"
"Raymond, if Margaret chooses me, I won't hesitate," Daniel said seriously, then shifted the topic. "But I want her to be happy. You better not give me a chance to swoop in."
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