Chapter 67 Gavin's Private Banquet, An Awkward Situation for Three
Grace went downstairs and got into the car. The driver noticed her mood and asked softly, "Mrs. Montague, are we heading back now?"
Grace stared out at the night and the neon lights. Suddenly, she said, "Sawyer, I want to take a walk. You can drive the car back."
Sawyer Davis frowned. "It's the middle of the night, Mrs. Montague. Mr. Montague would worry if he knew you were out alone."
Grace smiled faintly. "How would he know?"
Sawyer fell silent. Henry often stayed out all night, and the servants gossiped. But Sawyer was genuinely worried, so he followed her in the car as she walked.
Grace wandered aimlessly through the quiet streets. At 2 a.m., she found a graffiti-covered wall, each vibrant confession adding to the chaos. She squatted down and traced a spot in the lower left corner.
It read: [Grace will love Henry forever.]
Her eyes grew moist. The love she had for Henry in her youth was a cherished memory, though unreciprocated over the years.
Sawyer, worried about her catching a cold, gently convinced her to return.
Grace nodded and got into the car. Despite the warmth inside, the chill in her heart remained.
When she got back, there was a Facebook message from Henry, saying he was too busy to be with her and that he was sorry.
In the morning, a top jeweler delivered a set of ruby jewelry worth at least $8 million.
Grace thanked Henry for the thoughtful anniversary gift, expressing her adoration for it. But soon after, the jewelry was left in a corner.
Henry's response never came, likely due to Elodie's illness. But Grace had moved on, engrossed in her own pursuits.
Grace and Henry met again on Saturday afternoon.
Henry came back at 4:30. When the black Bentley drove into the villa, a servant ran to the third floor to inform Grace, her tone cheerful. "Mrs. Montague, Mr. Montague is back!"
Grace paused her violin practice. The idea of Henry returning just to freshen up before joining Elodie at Gavin's party struck her as ironic. Still, she set aside her instrument and went downstairs to welcome him.
On the second floor, she met Henry. Their eyes met, and the atmosphere was tense.
It had been days since they last saw each other. Henry looked more haggard, indicating Elodie's condition was not good, and he was exhausted from staying by her side.
Grace broke the silence softly, "You're back."
Henry's gaze was intense. He knew he couldn't deceive her. After a moment, he gently said, "She's not improving, Grace, and there was nothing between us."
Grace regarded him silently before mustering a faint smile and changing the subject. "You came back early. Does that mean you have time to meet my friend? Henry, I thought you couldn't make time."
She thought if Henry expressed regret about his time constraints due to Elodie, she would appreciate his honesty. But he remained silent.
Henry stood by the window, took out a cigarette, and after half a cigarette, he turned to her and said indifferently, "Prepare a formal outfit for me. I have to go to the office later."
Grace lowered her eyes, hiding her disappointment. She smiled understandingly. "Work is important! I'll get it ready for you. Are you having dinner at home? I'll let Mira Young know..."
"I'm leaving right away!" Henry cut her off, then added more gently, "I'll spend time with you after I'm done."
Grace's smile stayed as she went to the walk-in closet to gather Henry's clothes. She carefully selected his attire, including a tie and a stylish watch, imagining Elodie's admiring eyes on him.
Suddenly, Henry pulled her into a warm embrace, his voice husky. "Are you mad?" he asked, caressing her.
Grace smelled a faint scent of medicine on him, which triggered a wave of distaste. Still, she kept her tone gentle. "Isn't there an important meeting at the office? It's not good for you to be late, Mr. Montague."
Henry's tone was warm. "Are you thinking about me like that?"
Grace felt a moment of confusion, thinking of their recent intimacy. How could she not be moved? She wasn't made of stone!
When she came back to her senses, she smiled faintly. "Did you forget? I also have 2% of the Montague Group's shares. If you works hard, I benefit!"
Henry chuckled and went to shower and change. When he came out, Grace was at the vanity, putting on jewelry. She had changed into a light olive-green shirt dress, looking intellectual and elegant, wearing only earrings and a watch.
She was undeniably stunning. Despite his urgency, Henry couldn't resist planting a tender kiss near her ear. "I'll return tonight, alright?"
Grace wanted to ask, 'Does Elodie know you're still married? Would she cry if she found out?' But she just smiled faintly.
Henry went downstairs and got into the car. He looked up at the villa, feeling complicated. Recently, he could feel Grace's affection, but now he sensed her quietly withdrawing. She didn't ask about his private life or Elodie; she calmly remained Mrs. Montague, just like before.
With a flicker of the lighter, Henry lit a cigarette. Amid the smoke, he wondered—wasn't this what he had wanted? Yet, why did he feel unsettled as Grace began to pull away?
His phone buzzed. It was Elodie. "Henry, I'm all set! When are you coming to get me?"
Henry looked towards the second floor. After a while, he said calmly, "I'll be there in half an hour."
The black Bentley slowly left the villa, disappearing into the twilight.
Henry didn't expect to see Grace at Gavin's private party at the hotel. She was wearing light green, looking stunning in the autumn night.
Grace, however, was not surprised. She calmly watched Henry, noting the thin anger on his face, the noble attire she had chosen for him. She also saw him pushing Elodie's wheelchair, like lovers from a past life. It was just like what she had seen on the hospital's electronic screen that day.
In fact, nothing had changed. She and Henry had just gone in circles, and fortunately, she hadn't completely fallen, or she would be so embarrassed now!
As they stared at each other, Henry spoke, "You followed me?"
Grace demurely lowered her gaze, a subtle smile on her lips.
From her purse, she produced an invitation, lifting it delicately. "Henry, remember I mentioned wanting you to meet someone significant? Well, this is Mr. Garcia."