Chapter 124 Celebration

The two didn't chat for long before Maria's phone rang. It was Henry calling. Maria picked up her phone and told Julie she had to step out of the room. She didn't notice the calculating look in Julie's eyes as she left.

Give up on Henry? No way. Julie had worked hard to move into the Smith Villa through Dora, getting so close to Henry. She couldn't give up now. She was just trying to make Maria lower her guard. After all, Maria was still Henry's wife in the eyes of the law. If Julie wanted to marry Henry, she had to get Maria out of the picture. Plus, it would help her escape her current predicament.

The more Julie thought about it, the more she liked the idea. But Maria didn't fully trust her. She now needed Maria to genuinely see her as a friend.

Henry was calling to ask about her first day at work. "Did you get all the paperwork done?"

In his office, Henry's assistant Jared stood by the desk, holding the profiles of the top three winners of a design competition. Normally, Henry wouldn't bother with such details, but this time Maria was one of the top three.

Henry tapped the desk, signaling Jared to put the profiles there. Jared complied but didn't leave. Henry's lips curved into a smile as he listened to Maria's response, saying. "How about we celebrate? I booked a restaurant for tonight."

Maria hesitated. "Just the two of us? What about Grandpa and Kenna?"

Henry's heart warmed, and his tone softened. "It's fine. Grandpa goes to bed early. We can bring Kenna along."

Only then did Maria agree, after all, she had promised Kenna that she would spend time with her after work. She wondered if she should tell Henry about running into Julie. Julie's manager was from Luminex Innovations, and maybe Henry could help Julie get away from him. Despite not liking Julie, Maria didn't want to see her mistreated.

"I'll come home early tonight," Henry said, feeling a sense of anticipation and peace. He had chosen to live at the Smith Villa because it was close to Ethan's hospital, and the house was designed for someone in a wheelchair, making it perfect for Ethan at the time. Henry had never considered it a home, just a place to stay. But now, with Maria there, he was starting to see it as a home, a home with Ethan and Maria.

The word "home" stirred something in Maria. She softly replied, "Okay, Kenna and I will be waiting for you at home."

After hanging up, Maria still had a smile on her face but quickly realized she had forgotten to mention Julie. She thought it wasn't the right place to talk about it and decided to tell Henry when she got home.

Back in the room, Julie was waiting for her. Seeing Maria return, she joked, "Was that Mr. Smith calling?"

Maria paused, then nodded. "Yes."

Julie's smile faltered for a moment before she said, "Mr. Smith is so good to you. Since you started your new job today, I'll call my mom to make a few extra dishes. We can celebrate."

Julie reached for her phone, but Maria stopped her. "No need. We're not eating at home tonight."

Maria hadn't wanted to say it, as it might come off as bragging, but seeing Julie about to make the call, she had no choice.

Julie's grip on her phone tightened, a flash of jealousy in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a deeper smile. "I see. Just you and Mr. Smith?"

Maria shook her head, saying they'd bring Kenna along. Julie seemed relieved, her smile widening.

The two weren't very close, and the conversation soon dried up. Maria offered, "I'm heading home. Do you want to come with me?"

Julie thought about her earlier escape. If she went back to the office, Vernon would surely retaliate. But she couldn't afford to lose her job, and Vernon had compromising photos and videos of her. Gritting her teeth, Julie shook her head. "No, I need to go back to the office. Maria, please don't tell anyone about this, not even Mr. Smith."

Maria wasn't one to gossip. She had only considered telling Henry to help Julie. Since Julie didn't want that, Maria nodded. "Okay."

Julie had hoped Maria would show concern and offer advice, but Maria's quick agreement, without hesitation, made Julie resent her lack of empathy. She hid her feelings well, though.

They left the café and went their separate ways. Maria took a cab home.

Meanwhile, Julie hid in the company parking lot for four hours, waiting for Henry to leave.

"Mr. Smith," Julie called out as she stepped from the shadows. Henry was startled but quickly composed himself. "What are you doing here?"

"Mr. Smith, I need your help." Julie didn't plan to mention the assault. She put on a pitiful, helpless expression. "I want to transfer to a different department."

At Luminex Innovations, employees couldn't transfer without their manager's approval. Julie had been lured to her current department by Vernon's promises of a high salary and easy transfers.

Julie was greedy for that high salary, and thinking that Vernon valued her so much, she believed it would surely lead to better promotions in the future, but she didn't expect...

Julie looked at Henry with hope. If he intervened, she could transfer smoothly and show others her close ties with him.

But Henry didn't agree. "The company allows transfers. Talk to your manager."

"Mr. Smith, my manager won't let me transfer. Can you help me? I'll do anything."

Her implication was clear, but Henry's eyes showed only disgust. "No."

He walked away, leaving Julie frustrated and even more resentful of Maria.

When Henry got home, Ethan had already eaten and was sitting on the couch. Maria had told Ethan about her new job and the celebration dinner. Ethan was all for it and had told Dora not to cook for them.

As soon as Henry walked in, Ethan ordered, "Take Maria and Kenna out for dinner."

"Grandpa, at least let me sit down first," Henry said, exasperated.

Ethan huffed. "You came home so late. It's already dark outside. If you wait any longer, it'll be Kenna's bedtime."

Kenna's schedule was as regular as Ethan's. Knowing he was in the wrong, Henry didn't argue. He picked up Kenna and called Maria to leave.

As they got in the car, Maria saw Julie walking into the complex.