Chapter 82: The Reason
As Henry poured more wine, he wondered: What's wrong with me today? I've met beautiful women like Emily and Avery. I've even spent a night in the same bed with the youthful Isabelle. Victoria's seduction and Ella's bravery didn't faze me. Why is this older woman affecting me so much?
Pouring the wine, Henry asked, "Ma'am, what's your surname? We don't know each other. Why did you help me get out of prison early?"
Ruby smiled, nodding. She knew her gaze had stirred Henry. This young man, who had been in prison since eighteen and had little experience with women, had quickly regained his composure, showing remarkable self-control.
That's the kind of person I need!
Ruby said, "I'm Erick's aunt. You want to know my name? I'm Ruby, 40 years old, and a college classmate of your brother Andrew's vice principal, Jason. I work in the Federation's organizational department. My husband, Kevin, is a deputy leader in the Federation, over twenty years older than me, and retiring soon. We have an 18-year-old son, Julian, studying in Slavogradia, and he just got into an Ivy League school. Erick is a distant relative, and his grandfather helped us when we were poor. I repaid the favor by supporting Erick's career, nothing more."
Henry was taken aback: I just asked casually, and she gave such a detailed answer. She must want something big from me.
Ruby continued, "Before I explain why I helped you, I shared my family details to build mutual trust."
Henry, still expressionless, said, "You helped a convict get out early, and with your status, you want my trust? What do you need from me?"
Ruby smiled, "I like smart people, especially young ones like you. My husband is over twenty years older than me, and I'm sixteen years older than you. Isn't that a kind of fate?"
Henry was startled: Could she be interested in me? With her status, finding a lover should be easy. Why choose a convict and tarnish her reputation?
Ruby saw through Henry's thoughts. "Don't overthink it," she laughed. "You're handsome, young, and strong, but there are many young men better than you, eager for opportunities. I could give them a chance, and they'd do anything."
Henry laughed awkwardly, "I guess I overthought. What do you want from me?"
Ruby raised her glass, clinking it with Henry's, and they drank. "You're smart. My husband is over twenty years older, and I'm his second wife. His first wife passed away before he married me. He's my only man."
This revelation made Henry uneasy. Ruby continued, "He has two children from his first marriage, a son older than me and a daughter my age. They run multinational companies. Our son is still young, studying abroad. My husband will retire soon and might live with his daughter abroad. I don't worry about myself, but what about our son?"
Henry finally smiled, "With your family's wealth, your son won't lack anything."
Ruby said, "We're not an ordinary family. My son's half-siblings are wealthy. He might not care now, but he'll blame me for not securing his future."
Henry asked, "Won't his siblings help him?"
Ruby laughed, "Andrew is your brother, though you're half-siblings. Has he helped you? He only took you in because I pressured the school to make it a condition for his promotion. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done it."
So that's why.
Henry had been surprised when Andrew picked him up from prison. He thought Andrew had a change of heart, but it was Ruby's doing. Despite this, Henry didn't want to stay with Andrew, knowing he'd eventually confront Jia Datiger. If not for Emily's persuasion and her allure, he might still be in Summit Ridge Village.
Henry asked, "How did you know about me?"
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