Chapter 12

As soon as Zoey heard that, she got super nervous. Was Henry really gonna use his position to hit on her?

Sure, he looked good and all, but using work as leverage? Total turn-off.

She quickly pulled herself together and eyed him suspiciously. "So, what counts as sincere enough?"

Henry caught on to her thoughts in a heartbeat, finding it funny. 

"Tonight at eight, there's gonna be the biggest fireworks show Maple City's seen in the last ten years. Come watch it with me," he said casually.

This fireworks show had been in the works for a year, and Chase Corporation was one of the planners. Normally, he wouldn't care about this stuff, but he figured Zoey might dig it.

Zoey blinked. "You? Watching a fireworks show?"

Was he really that romantic?

Henry raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

She shook her head. "No way, tonight's opening scene is crucial. I have to be there."

She was back to talking about work. The closeness from a moment ago felt like a mirage to him.

Henry pulled a note from his pocket. "Doesn't count anymore?"

It was a wish coupon Zoey had written herself.

Zoey was shocked. "You used the wish coupon just to watch fireworks with me?"

She thought he'd save it for something more serious.

Henry chuckled. "You'll have plenty of chances to write more wish coupons."

The hint was clear—she'd have lots of opportunities to ask him for favors.

Zoey sighed inwardly. Since she wrote the wish coupon, she had to honor it. She pulled out her phone. "I'll call the crew."

"No need, I'll have John handle it. Let's go."

Meanwhile, the crew members exchanged confused looks, wondering how they had upset the investor.

Natalie was bored, scrolling through her phone, when she stumbled upon a viral video. She sat up straight, eyes sparkling, and pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth. "Is that Ms. Cavendish?"

Everyone gathered around, their reactions mixed after watching it.

"Ms. Cavendish offending Mr. Windsor's secretary like that could hurt the crew's image," Natalie said, feigning concern.

The director's expression shifted, noticing some dissatisfaction among the crew.

Just as things were getting tense, the producer got a call. Whatever was said, he nodded repeatedly, looking very agreeable. After hanging up, he waved to the director. "Cut all the intimate scenes."

The director was baffled. "What? The intimate scenes are the highlight, why?"

James suddenly looked at Natalie and smiled. "Seems Mr. Windsor is mad about our intimate interactions. Better be careful."

Everyone in the industry got the hint.

Natalie was momentarily stunned, wondering when she had any dealings with Henry.

But she played along, making a shy face and pouting playfully, "James, stop talking nonsense. Let's focus on filming."

Wasn't that basically admitting James was right?

The crew quickly put two and two together. Given Henry's instruction and the video accident about Aurora, it seemed the intimate scenes and Aurora's attempt to seduce Henry had ticked him off. That implied Henry might have invested because of Natalie.

And Aurora's actions nearly jeopardized the investment!

The director quickly caught on, flattering Natalie. "It was a misunderstanding. Miss Davis, you should've told us earlier."

The others chimed in with their own flattery.

On the way to the fireworks show, Henry kept his eyes closed the whole time.

Zoey couldn't help but sneak glances at the noticeable bulge in his pants, still not seeing any sign of it going down.

'Was he really planning to watch the fireworks show like this? People would think he's a perv!'

Even with his eyes closed, Henry sensed her gaze and said in a low voice, "If you keep staring, I can't promise what'll happen."

Startled, Zoey quickly looked away.

The fireworks show was on a small island in the river. The riverside was packed, barely any room to stand.

John struggled to clear a path, while Henry wrapped his arms around Zoey, keeping her snug in his embrace.

In such a crowded place, she didn't feel anyone bumping into her.

Finally, they made it to the pavilion. A female voice whined, "Why'd you only get us a spot on the second floor? What can we even see from here? Can't you afford the best spot?"

The voice was familiar. Zoey turned and spotted Catherine in the crowd.

She and Alexander were struggling to get through, looking pretty disheveled.

Alexander was annoyed by her nagging but didn't want to snap at her. He reluctantly shielded her, saying, "This is just temporary. Hang in there. The best spot was reserved, and the second floor is still good. I even traded two antique paintings for it. Stop complaining."

His usual watch was missing, probably pawned.

Zoey narrowed her eyes.

Henry's grip on her tightened a bit, nudging her forward. "Feeling sorry?"

It was hard to tell if he was jealous or mocking.

Zoey frowned and instinctively replied, "I'd be nuts to feel sorry for him. He deserves it."

Henry's expression softened a bit at that.

On the second floor, there were way fewer people.

John smartly stood guard at the staircase.

Henry led Zoey further up. It was an open-air staircase, and since the fireworks hadn't started yet, almost everyone noticed the two of them walking up.

"I heard someone reserved the third and fourth floors for a hundred grand. Could it be them?"

"Wow, must be nice to be that rich."

Catherine, already irritated by the crowd, looked up at the comments, her face changing instantly.

She tugged Alexander's sleeve. "Isn't that Zoey?"

Alexander followed her gaze and immediately recognized her. "Yeah, why is she here, and who's that with her..."

He squinted to see better, and when he realized it was Henry, his eyes widened in surprise. Henry hated these kinds of events, so why was he here with Zoey?

His mind was racing.

Catherine was even angrier, pinching Alexander hard. "Useless!"

At eight, the fireworks show started right on time.

The sky lit up with brilliant fireworks.

Zoey thought she wasn't into this stuff, but when the fireworks exploded, she was so amazed she forgot to blink. She quickly pulled out her phone to record, planning to share it with Claire later.

She was so excited she could barely contain herself as she recorded and sent the videos.

Henry, with a tender smile tugging at his lips, turned his head to follow her every move, clearly enchanted by her exuberance.

One by one, the fireworks bloomed like peonies. Zoey was completely captivated, instinctively turning to share her excitement, only to meet Henry's deep, starry eyes.

The tenderness in his eyes made her heart skip a beat.

Was Henry always this gentle?

Zoey felt a bit flustered, turning back to the fireworks, sighing, "It's really beautiful."

Henry's gaze never left her. "Yes, it is indeed beautiful."

Zoey's delicate profile resembled that of a finely crafted doll, making him want to give her the best things in the world.

Realizing what he was thinking, Henry's expression froze for a moment. He started to review his behavior today.

Too strange.

He had actually postponed a meeting for Zoey and came to watch this fireworks show.

Just seeing Zoey sitting on James's lap had ignited a nameless anger within him, making him impulsively call her out early.

As the fireworks ended, the light on Zoey's face dimmed. She looked at the remaining light in the sky, sincerely saying, "Mr. Windsor, thank you."

This was her most relaxed half-hour since coming to Maple City.

Henry silently watched her, his usual sharpness and coldness gone, his facial lines softening. He joked, "Just saying it?"

Zoey turned to look at him, suddenly standing on tiptoe to leave a light kiss on his cheek.

After the kiss, she immediately realized something was off, blurting out, "I'm used to cheek kisses abroad."

Henry didn't call her out, just smiled lightly. "I really like this thank-you gift."

Zoey's inner voice screamed: 'Am I crazy? This is someone I have only met three times! How enchanted was I to kiss and touch him!"

She used to avoid men whenever she saw them!

While she was lost in thought, Henry somehow got close to her, his voice seductive. "Just one thank-you gift isn't..."

Her phone ringing suddenly interrupted Henry's words, causing the ambiguous atmosphere to vanish.