Chapter 81: The Lady
After a while, the bathroom door opened, and Henry turned expectantly, only to see Ruby emerge in a bathrobe, drying her hair with a towel.
Despite the loose robe, it couldn't hide her graceful figure. Ruby knew the difference in her aura when wearing slippers versus high heels. So, she didn't greet Henry immediately but put on high heels, which made her slender figure even more striking. Then she glanced at Henry.
"Henry? Come, have a seat!"
She walked to the animal-shaped sofa and sat down. Henry silently sat across from her.
Ruby wrapped her hair in a towel and asked, "Tea or coffee?"
Henry replied, "I'm not thirsty."
Ruby smiled slightly, "Who said you only drink tea or coffee when you're thirsty? Often, drinking tea or coffee is about the ambiance. At your age, tea might seem too old-fashioned, and coffee might feel pretentious. Since you're not particular about drinks, let's have some wine."
She stood, opened a cabinet, and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. Pouring a third of a glass for each, she said, "Even if you're a guest and it's our first meeting, when I take out the wine and glasses, you should get up to help. It's not about my status; it's about being a gentleman. Even if I'm younger, out of courtesy, you should do these things."
Henry was puzzled: Did she invite me here to teach me manners?
The doorbell rang. Ruby pressed a button on her phone, and Henry realized she had opened the door remotely earlier too.
In prison, Henry had learned about computers and became quite proficient. Seeing Ruby's action, he understood the room was fully automated, with the guest room system compatible with the guest's phone.
The bell rang again, and Ruby pressed her phone again. A young, attractive attendant entered. Ruby said, "The clothes are in the bathroom." The attendant bowed and went to collect Ruby's clothes for dry cleaning.
Ruby swirled her wine, sniffed it, and smiled at Henry, raising her glass. Henry, who had never drunk wine before, had to follow suit. Seeing Ruby down her glass, he did the same and refilled both glasses.
Ruby nodded, pleased with his initiative. "Do you know," she said, "I just returned from a meeting in Ninth City, came straight to Harbor Springs to see you, skipping a visit to the Federation. I planned to rest tonight and meet you through Jason tomorrow, but Erick called me, cornered by you. He doesn't know I'm here."
Henry remained expressionless.
Ruby frowned slightly, "Aren't you curious why?"
Henry replied calmly, "You invited me to tell me something. Whether I ask or not, you'll tell me, right?"
Ruby smiled, "You're interesting. You seem suited for business negotiations with your composure. But remember, you're dealing with a woman. Regardless of her age, status, or looks, if she's sitting with you, there's a connection. The best way to engage a woman, the most polite and intriguing way, is to ask obvious questions. Women tend to be self-assured and clever. Pretend to be clueless, even if you know it's a trap, and you'll win her heart."
Henry frowned, wondering: What does she want? Why invite me here at night to lecture me?
He scrutinized her, noting her flawless skin, even more radiant than in the video. Her neck and slender fingers looked like those of an eighteen-year-old girl. Though not as beautiful as Emily or Avery, she had a commanding presence that they lacked. Despite her bathrobe and gentle smile, her eyes exuded authority, marking her as a leader or a self-made businesswoman.
Her voice was sweet but not saccharine, like a refreshing spring, and her post-bath fragrance filled the room. Henry's tension eased, and his body reacted strongly.
He thought: You're teaching me manners, but aren't you afraid I'll get the wrong idea with you in a bathrobe?
Ruby's eyes seemed to have a second pair of eyes within. She picked up her glass, rubbing the rim against her lips, and asked, "What are you thinking?"
Though older, her gaze was intense, making Henry uncomfortable. He felt more pressure from her than from the toughest inmates in prison.
Feeling parched, he gulped and drank his wine, realizing he hadn't clinked glasses with Ruby, which might be rude.
Ruby smiled, her eyes filled with affection, and drank her wine, never taking her eyes off Henry.
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