Chapter 348
Two days later, Willow accompanied Molly to the set.
Sterling had planned to drive them, but something came up last minute. Knowing Henry would be at the set, he let them go on their own.
At the production location, Henry had reserved a nearby restaurant and treated them to a meal.
Afterward, he showed them around the area.
During dinner, Molly's attention had been entirely on Henry, but once they reached the set, her focus shifted completely to the production.
"It's Director Bowen! I heard she makes people look gorgeous on camera!" Molly grabbed Willow's hand excitedly. "Willow, do you think she'll capture my best angles?"
Then she turned to Henry for confirmation. "Mr. Brown, she'll be filming us, right?"
Some major directors only shot the leads, leaving supporting roles to their assistants.
Seeing Henry nod, Molly relaxed.
"Why isn't Ms. Spencer wearing that silver locket?" Henry suddenly shifted the topic to Willow. "Didn't you say it was your mother's keepsake? Shouldn't you wear it?"
Willow had been aware of his attention on her, finding it somewhat odd.
Maybe it was her imagination, but since Henry had sought her out at the residential compound, he'd become unilaterally more familiar with her.
"The locket had a lot of damage. I sent it to be restored," she explained.
Henry nodded thoughtfully. "I noticed. I forgot about restoration—should have had it fixed before returning it to you."
Willow smiled politely. "I'm grateful Mr. Brown returned it at all."
Henry dropped the subject and introduced Molly to several key production staff.
They escorted Molly to the hotel that the production had arranged.
Watching Molly head upstairs, Henry walked Willow out.
"I'll take you home," Henry offered.
Recalling Molly's slightly disappointed expression when they'd parted, Willow declined. "No need. I can catch a cab back."
She glanced toward the hotel. "Molly was injured recently. I'd appreciate it if you could look after her a bit, Mr. Brown."
Henry didn't overthink it. "All the actors have dedicated personal assistants. You don't need to worry."
Willow could tell Henry didn't see Molly that way—his care seemed more like that for a little sister.
Thinking of how Molly's heart fluttered every time she mentioned him, Willow sighed inwardly.
"Mr. Brown, I know your personality. You're probably used to treating every girl like a girlfriend, but maybe be a bit more careful sometimes," she hinted diplomatically. "Not everyone has your extensive romantic experience."
That Henry didn't like Molly brought Willow secret relief.
She'd been worried Molly might suffer the same kind of emotional setback she once had.
Henry quickly understood what she was saying but didn't call her out on it, giving her his usual carefree smile. "I'll be more careful."
Willow nodded, and their conversation ended there. She pulled out her phone to call a car.
But Henry still stood there.
"If you have time, give my mom a call," he said suddenly, looking at Willow.
Willow had just requested her ride—the driver would arrive in a few minutes.
Hearing this, she glanced at Henry questioningly.
Henry said casually, "She's not doing well lately. Getting more confused. The doctor said chatting with people helps—preferably someone familiar to her."
Willow quickly recalled Kaitlyn's allergic reaction and hospitalization. It must have been quite serious by then.
Still, she didn't consider herself particularly close to Kaitlyn.
In all their years of acquaintance, they'd met only a handful of times.
Henry read her thoughts easily from her expression.
"Just consider it a favor to me," he said. "You did save her life, after all. My mom has always liked you—she even considered bringing you and Glo both back to raise at the Brown family."
His tone carried an odd resignation.
Willow's refusal was on the tip of her tongue, but after thinking it over, she agreed. "Alright."
Henry's expression brightened considerably. "You really don't want me to drive you? I don't have anything else going on."
Willow shook her head. "My ride's almost here."
Henry didn't insist.
If Sterling had let them come alone, he'd probably already taken precautions behind the scenes.
The taxi pulled up before them.
Henry watched Willow get in, reminding her once more to call his mother. Only after she promised did he let her leave.
The car had traveled some distance when Sterling called. "I'm done. I'll come get you now."
Willow said, "I'm already on my way back. Almost there."
Sterling was also heading to the residential compound. Hearing this, he frowned slightly. "By yourself?"
Willow knew he was worried and smiled reassuringly. "Yes, and nothing happened. I can already see Majestic City University. I'll be home soon."
Sterling fell silent for a moment.
Though Harold had threatened to make a move against Willow, he'd told him about her pregnancy, and Harold had indeed been quiet lately.
He relaxed temporarily, glancing at the intersection ahead before turning. "I might be a bit later than you. Take Luke downstairs for a walk first."
Willow agreed.
After hanging up, Sterling drove back to his apartment, retrieved the silver locket from his bedroom drawer, and kept it on him.
In the taxi.
Willow looked at the ended call screen, debating whether to phone Kaitlyn.
She'd already promised Henry, and besides, from their few interactions, Kaitlyn seemed like a decent person. The Brown family had also paid for her grandmother's final medical expenses.
Thinking of this, Willow found Kaitlyn's number and dialed.
The taxi stopped smoothly outside the Majestic City University residential compound.
Willow stepped out while on the phone.
After several rings, someone hung up.
Perhaps they were busy.
Willow put away her phone, planning to try again after dinner.
As she pocketed her phone and was about to enter the complex, urgent footsteps sounded behind her.
A chill ran through Willow. She immediately tried to quicken her pace, but it was too late.
A hand seized her arm, then a damp cloth covered her nose and mouth.
Willow struggled briefly before gradually going still.
"Willow!" Nolan was returning from outside and happened to witness the scene. He ran toward the complex entrance at top speed.
Two men held Willow. Hearing the commotion, they glanced his way.
A black car idled beside them.
Before Nolan could reach them, the men hauled Willow into the vehicle.
The black car sped off, brushing past Nolan's side.