Chapter 109: A Drastic Change
Ella said sternly, "Stop joking around! I saw a sense of righteousness in you, so I hoped to guide you away from a life of crime."
Henry continued to play dumb, "Ella, I can tell that despite your uniform and cold demeanor, you're kind-hearted and a good person. But I really don't have a gun."
"Stop flattering me," Ella rolled her eyes. "Aren't you being honest? I just spoke to Erick. He said you took three guns from Charles and his gang. He heard from Victoria that you came to the café to find Bryan, so I rushed over. But when I got to the café, a colleague told me a thug named Nathan was shot, just like Charles, and neither admitted to fighting, claiming they were accidentally shot on the street. I know Bryan is acquainted with Nathan. Be honest, did you shoot Nathan?"
Henry shook his head, "By your logic, if Nathan is with your brother, why would I injure him while your brother remains unscathed?"
"Because my brother knows how to fight!"
Henry hadn't considered that, though he did sense Bryan was different from typical rich kids.
Henry continued, "In that case, I should be the one injured. Do I look injured to you?"
Ella was puzzled. In the café, she observed that neither Henry nor Bryan was hurt, which didn't match the information she had.
"Erick told me Charles and his gang had a Desert Eagle and two other guns, all of which you took. Otherwise, how could you, alone, make them compromise and hand over the bar's shares?"
Henry said, "That's easy. Just ask Charles!"
Ella retorted, "You think I won't? My colleagues are contacting them now. Henry, if you have the guns, I hope you turn them in. If Charles admits it and we find them with you, it will be a different matter altogether!"
At that moment, Matthew called, informing Ella that Charles and his gang didn't admit to having those guns, so there was no issue of Henry taking them.
Henry knew they wouldn't admit it, as it would implicate them in numerous past crimes in Harbor Springs.
However, this also showed that Ella was diligent and principled.
Despite her liking for Henry, she didn't storm into the café with a team after hearing from Erick. Instead, she called Matthew to verify with Charles and came alone to the café.
Even after seeing that neither Bryan nor Henry was hurt, she remained cautious, essentially keeping Henry in check.
If Matthew had confirmed the information, Ella could have arrested Henry on the spot or driven him directly to the station.
After hanging up, Ella said, "See, I wasn't lying."
Ella stared at Henry for a moment and said, "I know a bit about your situation. Your parents passed away, and you live with your brother and sister-in-law. You just got out of prison and should be living a good life, but you've caused quite a stir in Harbor Springs. While I have no evidence that you were behind the recent shootings, it's suspicious that a newly released ex-convict could take over Violet Bar's shares without any trouble. I want to remind you that many who think they can get away with crime, whether they're high-ranking officials or wealthy, ultimately face justice."
Henry smiled, "Ella, you're so beautiful. I thought you were different, but it seems you judge people by their appearances. Do you think all crimes are committed by ex-convicts?"
Ella said, "I'm not arguing with you. Henry, when I first saw you, I thought you were a retired soldier. Your actions against criminals showed you're a good person. I hope you stay on the right path and don't do anything illegal."
Henry smiled, "Do you still see me as a criminal? If my mother is being bullied, shouldn't I help her? I studied law in prison and plan to appeal my case once my life stabilizes."
Ella smiled, "I hope you succeed. But your current situation is more dangerous than before. First, Violet Bar was a dirty place, and taking it over has already tainted you. Second, your shares are questionable. Erick may not have reported you, but he told me you took them by force. And Charles' shares—if his injured men weren't hurt by you, how did you get them? You don't need to explain to me. Think carefully. I hope we can be friends, not that I'll spend my time gathering evidence to send you back to prison."
Henry sincerely said, "I won't, Ella. I took over Violet Bar to clean it up, make it a place for ordinary people to enjoy, even families. As for the shares, they owed me. If I had taken them by force, why didn't they report me? You mentioned Erick's powerful relatives. If I had used improper means, wouldn't they crush me like an ant? And what about Erick? He falsely claims you're his fiancée and keeps your photo on his desk. Do you believe him?"
Ella found it odd. Erick and Henry's stories both seemed unreliable. But she noticed a drastic change in Henry's attitude towards her, from flirtatious to almost familial.
Could my intuition be wrong?
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