Chapter 62: Lost in Oneself
Emily continued, "You know Henry's temper and how formidable he is. Last night, he wouldn't have suffered such a loss if his brother and I hadn't been taken hostage. We think he should learn from this experience, especially since the people involved are gangsters. We can't afford to provoke them.
Moreover, the vice-principal and his wife came today. With their mediation, the other side should stop bothering Henry. But Henry probably won't see it that way. I'm worried that the first thing he'll do after leaving the hospital is to seek revenge."
"Of course," Isabelle blurted out. "Henry isn't the type to swallow his pride. But sister-in-law, you might have misunderstood me. I'm not a 'rebel girl.' Those people last night were just a friend from my village and his little brothers. They're nothing in Harbor Springs. If you expect me to ask them for help, it's not going to happen. Also, even though Bryan is my boyfriend and his family is wealthy, he wouldn't intervene in Henry's matters. He'd be suspicious if I asked him to help Henry."
Emily laughed. "You misunderstand. I'm not asking you to get people to fight. You know, Henry's brother and I are educated people. We believe in reasoning, not fighting."
"Then how can I help?"
Emily looked a bit embarrassed. "Isabelle, don't get me wrong. You have a boyfriend, and I have no other intentions. I just feel that you and Henry are quite fated—of course, as friends. I'm sure you've noticed that Henry's attitude towards you has changed dramatically since yesterday. Even the vice-principal's wife thought you were Henry's girlfriend. We don't want this matter to escalate, but Henry's brother and I probably can't persuade him. You two are of similar age and might have a common language. If you could help talk to him, you might save a life. If Henry gets really angry, those small-time thugs are no match for him. But if he loses, he could die. If he wins, he might end up taking a life and having to pay with his own."
Isabelle finally understood Emily's intention. "Sister-in-law, you're right. We're ordinary people without money or power. If a life is lost, it's a lose-lose situation."
"That's why I beg you to help stop Henry from seeking revenge."
Isabelle scratched her head. "I can try to persuade him, but I can't guarantee he'll listen."
Emily smiled. "As long as you genuinely try, I believe he'll listen."
Isabelle's pretty face blushed, understanding Emily's womanly smile. It was something only women could understand.
"I'll do my best."
"Also," Emily added, "The Davis Family Group is indeed wealthy. But as parents, they probably hope their son's girlfriend has a job, at least proving she's not lazy. I think you should work instead of staying home all day. The vice-principal and his wife came to see Henry. Henry's brother mentioned you weren't working, and the vice-principal offered to help you get a job in the school office. Working in a university office might impress your boyfriend's parents."
If Emily had mentioned this earlier, Isabelle might have thought it was a ploy and felt resistant. But now, after agreeing to persuade Henry, it seemed like genuine concern.
Isabelle smiled and asked, "If I'm not mistaken, this was the vice-principal's idea, right?"
Emily was taken aback.
Isabelle continued, "I've seen many middle-aged men like your vice-principal, whether officials or businessmen. They always have a mysterious confidence around young women. Don't think he's trying to help your brother-in-law or Andrew's brother. He's setting a trap for me!"
Emily laughed. "No way. His wife is stunning—great figure, beautiful, and elegant."
Isabelle said, "No woman ever thinks she has too many clothes or shoes, and no man ever thinks he has too many women. It has nothing to do with how beautiful his wife is. Anyway, thank you for your concern."
With that, Isabelle turned and walked back to the ward. Emily shook her head, thinking Isabelle was too full of herself. Jason's kindness was taken as a slap in the face.
Back in the ward, after cleaning up, Emily reminded Henry of a few things and smiled at Isabelle before leaving. Henry, curious, asked Isabelle what Emily had said.
Isabelle stared at Henry for a while before saying, "Nothing much."
She was sure she couldn't persuade Henry. He had already arranged a fight with Charles. Unless she used her feminine charm as Emily hinted, she couldn't change his mind.
Isabelle felt conflicted. She liked Henry—not just his demeanor but also his scent. But she hadn't considered marrying him. After leaving the county for college, she understood that for a woman to succeed, background mattered more than effort. Marrying well was more important than working hard. Henry had neither money nor power.
Although Bryan had left her, she wasn't ready to be with Henry. Yesterday, she was impulsive from drinking and her period. Otherwise, she might have already been Henry's woman. Now she was sober and calm. She enjoyed Henry's touch as a form of revenge against Bryan, but becoming his girlfriend was another matter.
What should she do?
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