Chapter 121: Don’t Underestimate Me
Victoria's little trick was half-successful! For Henry, the moment she exposed what shouldn't be exposed, his gaze was immediately drawn to her. Although Henry had touched Isabelle all over, he hadn't touched that part because of her period. Seeing Victoria expose that area, his gaze was instinctive and natural.
However, Victoria misunderstood Henry's reason for calling her. Even if she didn't do this, Henry wouldn't have troubled her and had planned to help her escape her predicament. After a glance, Henry first thought of Emily, not Isabelle. In prison, he had heard that despite women's varied appearances, they were all the same in the dark. Henry wondered: Is Emily the same down there?
"Victoria," Henry asked calmly, "What's the situation with you and Erick? I just called him to leave Harbor Springs. Are you planning to go with him?"
Victoria forced a smile, tentatively asking, "Didn't Bryan talk to you? What did he mean?"
Henry replied, "Why do you still have illusions? Do you think Bryan would spend his life with a woman his father supported? Although I didn't talk deeply with him, I know why he did what he did. It's to get back at his father, and he admitted it. He met me today mainly because of Isabelle. He's worried she'll end up with me. So he repeatedly stated that Isabelle is his woman!"
Victoria remained silent. She wasn't desperate because of this; she just found Henry's words untrustworthy or not entirely believable.
Henry continued, "No matter what you've done in Harbor Springs, in your hometown, among your family and friends, you're still a girl waiting to be married. If you get divorced right after getting married, I know how rural people view such women. Marrying Erick was partly to punish him but also for your own good. If you insist on marrying Bryan, he will have a reason not to fulfill his promise to me. After you divorce Bryan, do you think Erick will accept you?"
Victoria thought for a moment, then looked up at Henry, "I'm sorry for hitting your sister-in-law. I was wrong. I'll pay any price you ask. I only ask you not to drive me away, okay?"
Henry smiled, "I'm not driving you away. I'm suggesting you take this chance to cling to Erick. If you miss this opportunity, you won't find a better one."
Victoria scoffed, "I never saw Erick as an opportunity!"
Henry nodded, "He is indeed a scumbag, but the money he has is real. Marrying him means living a wealthy life. Even if you divorce, you'll get half his assets. Remember, he sees you as trash because he made you this way. You disdain him, and he disdains you even more. Think about it: if even he looks down on you, how could Bryan ever accept you? Isabelle told me about your past, and seeing your marriage certificate, I thought Bryan was weak. But after meeting him, I must admit he's the most handsome man I've ever seen. A man so handsome and rich, why would he want to marry you? Do you think he doesn't know his father supported you? Do you think he doesn't know about you and Erick, Charles? You've seen many men, how could you misjudge Bryan?"
Victoria smiled bitterly, not answering Henry's questions but asking, "You don't hold me accountable for hitting your sister-in-law, and I'm grateful. But I can't figure out why you'd help me."
Henry shook his head, "I'm not helping you; I'm helping Isabelle. I don't want her family and friends to think she married a divorced man. As for you, honestly, I pity you. We both come from rural areas. Seeing you fall to this, being played by men without realizing it, thinking you've landed a diamond bachelor, I feel anger at your lack of ambition and pity for your misfortune."
Victoria nodded self-deprecatingly, "I'm not that foolish. I never thought I'd grow old with Bryan. You probably don't know, he often hugs other girls in front of me and never touched me. I agreed to marry him for the same reason you wanted me to marry Erick. Marrying Erick and divorcing means getting half his assets. Marrying Bryan and divorcing, even getting a fraction of his wealth, is more than from Erick."
Henry nodded, "If it's just about money, marrying Bryan is fine. He plans to use money to send you away. But remember, he never touched you, so he won't treat you like a real wife in a divorce. Expect compensation, but don't expect too much."
Victoria asked, "So, you're not insisting I leave with Erick?"
Henry nodded, "If you think it's the best choice, do it. But remember, don't see Isabelle as your rival. When you leave Bryan, you can negotiate, but I won't allow you to harm Isabelle or Bryan."
Victoria glanced sideways, "I understand Isabelle, but why protect Bryan? Is your orientation different from other men?"
Henry smiled, "You're overthinking. I just don't want Isabelle to live in misery."
Victoria nodded, "Can I have your number?"
Henry gave her his number.
Victoria noted it down, "Thank you. For the harm to your sister-in-law and your concern, I'll find a way to repay you. You can look down on me, but don't underestimate me."
With that, Victoria put on her coat, smiled confidently at Henry, and left.
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