Chapter 618

Chapter 618

The warmth of the Windsor family dinner still lingered as the courtyard lights flickered on, casting a cozy glow.

Zoey stood under the side porch, gazing towards the main house. Henry had been called to the study by his father half an hour ago, and she wondered what they were discussing.

"Zoey, what are you daydreaming about?" Franklin's voice came from behind, carrying two glasses of water.

Zoey snapped out of her thoughts and took the water Franklin offered. "Nothing much, just thinking about Upton and Helena."

They sat down on a bench in the garden.

The early autumn breeze carried the scent of osmanthus flowers through the courtyard. In the distance, Gabriel and Travis's laughter mixed with Hazel's affectionate responses as they watched cartoons.

Franklin took a sip of water, his eyes sharp. "Speaking of Helena, the latest news is that she's barely holding on. Honghe Film and Television Company's funds will last at most two more weeks."

He set his glass down, tapping the bench's armrest with his fingers. "But if new funds come in by then..."

"It means someone is indeed backing Helena," Zoey finished his sentence, frowning slightly. "And it's likely connected to the Ellis family."

Franklin gave Zoey an approving look. "So, you need to be extra careful. The wedding is coming up soon, and I don't want any more trouble."

He paused, his tone suddenly lightening. "By the way, how are the preparations for Gabriel and Travis's birthday going?"

Zoey's expression softened immediately at the mention of Gabriel and Travis. "Henry wants to go all out. He's already booked a fairy tale-themed banquet hall and hired people to play their favorite cartoon characters."

She smiled, "Gabriel and Travis don't know yet. We want to give them a surprise."

"That's the right way to celebrate," Franklin's voice grew somber, a hint of fear in his eyes. "Thinking about what they went through in Marigoldia..." His grip tightened around the glass.

Zoey placed her hand over Franklin's. "It's all in the past. Gabriel's check-up results were great. Joseph said there wouldn't be any lasting effects."

Franklin nodded, suddenly reflective. "Henry really cares about Gabriel and Travis. Even though he's not their biological father, he's more responsible than many real fathers."

Under the moonlight, Zoey's eyelashes fluttered gently.

She looked towards the lit study window on the second floor of the main house, a tender smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I'm really lucky."

Inside the main house study, the heavy door shut out all external sounds.

Alfred sat behind the desk, fiddling with an expensive pen, his gaze piercing as he stared at Henry.

"I'll say it again, Henry. Gabriel and Travis must never be put in that kind of danger again." Alfred's voice was low but carried undeniable authority. "Zoey doesn't know, but you and I both do. They are the Windsor family's blood, your biological sons!"

Henry stood before the desk, his posture straight, only his fingers slightly tightening at his sides betraying his inner turmoil.

The overhead light cast shadows in his deep-set eyes.

"Dad, I understand their identity better than anyone." Henry's voice was low and firm. "This time was my oversight. It won't happen again."

Alfred slammed the pen down, the sound echoing in the room. "Oversight? You had eight bodyguards, and still, someone found a way through!"

Alfred stood and walked to the window. "Upton must pay. I've contacted an old friend in Marigoldia's Justice Department. Twenty years in prison? That's too lenient."

The window reflected Alfred's grim face, a stark contrast to his usual kind demeanor.

Henry remained silent, knowing Alfred needed to vent rather than receive a response.

"Your wedding with Zoey is in a few months." Alfred suddenly changed the subject. "It's time to tell Zoey the truth. The kids are four now. She deserves to know what happened that night."

Henry's breath hitched.

He walked to the corner of the study, poured himself half a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the glass like his turbulent thoughts.

"Dad, you know how much Zoey resents what happened that night."

Henry downed the whiskey in one gulp, the fiery liquid burning his throat. "Zoey always thought it was some stranger. If she finds out it was me..."

"You think hiding the truth from Zoey is respecting her?" Alfred interrupted sharply. "The truth will come out eventually. When it does, how will you explain?"

Henry's fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of the glass, Zoey's pained expression when she talked about that night flashing in his mind.

"I'm afraid of losing Zoey." The words came out through gritted teeth, a rare admission of vulnerability. "If she knows the truth and decides to leave me..."

The study fell silent.

Outside, an autumn breeze rustled the osmanthus flowers, their fragrance seeping through the window.

Alfred sighed deeply, walked over, and patted Henry's shoulder. "Then tell her after the wedding. Once you're married, with that bond, maybe Zoey will accept it more easily."

He shook his head. "But remember, the longer you wait, the greater the risk."

Henry nodded, glancing at his watch. "It's getting late. I'll go get Zoey and the kids and take them back to the side house to rest."

"Go ahead." Alfred waved him off, his demeanor returning to its usual kindness. "I'll have some top-quality supplements sent over tomorrow for Gabriel and Travis."

In the side courtyard, Zoey was seeing Franklin off.

Franklin stopped at the end of the corridor, looking back at Zoey. "You don't need to see me off. Go check on the kids. I'll send some new toys over tomorrow."

"Dad, don't spoil them too much." Zoey smiled helplessly. "Last time you sent a remote-control car, Travis had it in pieces within half an hour."

Franklin laughed heartily. "Having a curious mind is a good thing! Travis is going to be an engineer someday!"

They chatted for a bit at the door before Franklin drove off.

Watching Franklin's car leave Windsor Manor, Zoey turned and walked towards the main house.

As she stepped onto the porch, she heard Gabriel and Travis's excited shouts from the living room.

"Higher! Higher!"

Pushing the door open, Zoey saw Hazel lifting Gabriel and Travis in turns, ignoring the butler's anxious reminders to be careful.

Gabriel's bandage had fallen off, the bump on the back of his head significantly reduced; Travis's scab had mostly peeled away, revealing tender new skin.

"Mom!" Travis spotted Zoey at the door and immediately ran over with open arms. "Grandma said she's taking us to the amusement park in a few days!"