Chapter 122: Don't Stir Up Public Anger
Henry genuinely didn't want people to think Isabelle married a divorced Bryan, especially her family, friends, and villagers. Isabelle wanted to marry into the Davis family to bring honor to her family. Marrying a divorced Bryan would diminish that. So he hoped Victoria would disappear from Bryan's life. Even if they had a certificate, without a wedding, it wouldn't be seen as a second marriage.
He did pity Victoria, especially seeing her willing to sell everything a woman could offer, even if it meant little to Henry. But he saw the struggles of a rural woman in the city, so he didn't force her to leave.
Not long after Victoria left, Sean arrived. Henry thought he came for Isabelle, but Sean handed him a gift box, saying, "Charles asked me to give this to you."
Henry took the heavy box, knowing what was inside. He found it interesting that Charles sent Sean with bullets.
"Thank you. Thank Charles for me," Henry said. "Tell Charles that because of this gift, I retract my statement about making everyone who attacked me in the private room leave Harbor Springs."
Sean nodded, "I'll pass it on."
Henry asked, "What about you?"
"What?"
"You know Charles agreed to take everyone to the county. Now they don't have to leave. Do you want to return to the bar?"
Henry guessed Charles sent Sean because Sean hadn't participated in the attack. He also knew Henry had a soft spot for Sean because of Isabelle. And Henry needed people to manage the bar and deal with Samuel. Sean's presence was a reminder to use him.
Charles had two purposes: help Henry against Samuel, balancing the power and making the outcome more disastrous for Charles's benefit. If Henry lost, Sean would help Charles take over. If Henry won, Sean would be a mole. Either way, if Sean stayed at the bar, Charles had a chance to come back.
Even knowing Charles's intentions, Henry would use Sean if he wanted to stay. He was experienced, and Henry needed people. Knowing Charles's plan, Henry had ways to deal with both Charles and Sean.
Sean didn't answer immediately but asked, "I heard you met Bryan and crippled Nathan. What about Isabelle?"
Henry explained his meeting with Bryan, concluding, "I oppose Isabelle marrying Bryan. If Bryan marries Victoria, it's clear he's divorced. No matter how excellent he is, people will see Isabelle marrying him as flawed. But I understand Isabelle's feelings, so I won't interfere."
"Thank you!" Sean said. "I thought you'd pursue Isabelle no matter what. Understanding her and letting go shows your character. If you need me, I'm willing to stay."
Sean had some emotional intelligence. He was clearly under Charles's orders but used Isabelle to show he was moved by Henry's character.
Henry smiled, "Not following me, but if you want to help, we'll call it cooperation."
Sean smiled, "I don't have the qualifications to cooperate with you, Henry."
"Alright," Henry said. "If you want to help, you'll manage the bar as before, with the same conditions. But you won't report directly to me. You'll follow Brandon's lead."
Sean said, "No problem!"
"And remember, besides Brandon, Jonathan and Daniel are my best brothers. If you stay, I'll trust and use you, but you must follow their lead."
Sean said, "Understood. I'll follow their orders."
Henry smiled, "Then welcome."
Sean was about to speak when they heard a woman's footsteps. It wasn't a nurse or doctor, as their steps weren't so crisp.
Henry and Sean looked towards the door and saw Ella!
Sean quickly left, and Henry nodded to him.
After he left, Henry asked, "Ella, how did you know I was here?"
Ella glared, "Can't you see my uniform? Is it hard to find you?"
Henry smiled, "Right, right. Please sit. Is there something urgent?"
Ella asked, "Did you shoot someone again?"
Henry thought she came about Bryan and Victoria but was surprised by her question.
Henry asked, "Why ask me instead of the injured?"
Ella stared at him, "Whether they say it or not, I know it's you! Don't think you're safe without complaints. Do you know what public anger is? If you cause too much trouble, no one can save you!"
Henry smiled, "It wasn't me. After you took me to school, I saw my brother and sister-in-law, then returned for my IV."
He looked at her innocently, wondering: If she's a police officer and sees me as an enemy, why warn me? Does she not know I might be her abandoned brother? Is she warning me out of duty, hoping I'll stop and maybe turn myself in? Or does she like me? This misunderstanding would be worse, as Ella might be his sister!
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