Chapter 199

Chapter 199

Monica and Henry walked out of the elevator hand in hand, talking quietly about renovating the old house.

"Kate doesn't seem to like me much?" Henry said suddenly, his tone still light and casual.

"Don't overthink it. He just found out about us—he's still getting used to it." Monica looked up at him and smiled. "Don't let his attitude fool you. He's actually a softie."

"Got it." Henry nodded seriously, then summarized with mock solemnity. "He thinks I'm not good enough for you. Like his precious flower got stuck in a pile of manure."

Monica burst out laughing.

"Next time we meet officially, I'll get him a really nice gift." Henry grinned, his eyes warm and tender.

They walked out of the building. Sunlight flooded over them, almost blinding.

Just a few steps away, Vesper stood with her parents, along with Oliver and Helena, chatting and laughing as they headed toward the entrance.

Monica's steps faltered.

They saw Monica and Henry too.

Vesper acted as if nothing had ever happened. "Mon, long time no see," she said warmly.

Monica kept her eyes straight ahead and tried to pull Henry forward, but her hand tightened involuntarily.

Henry felt it. He squeezed back, his palm dry and warm, and somehow that steadied her.

"Vesper, why are you greeting that ungrateful wretch who doesn't even want her own mother?" Vesper's mother sneered, her voice sharp and bitter.

Vesper pressed her lips together, looking hurt, but said nothing.

Monica kept walking. She didn't stop.

Just as they were about to pass, Helena reached out with a trembling hand and grabbed her arm.

"Mon!"

Monica stopped.

She stood still, turned back with a calm expression. She wanted to see what stunt they were going to pull this time.

What new salt they were going to rub into her already battered heart.

"Mon, can we talk? Please?" Helena's voice cracked. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her eyes red and swollen.

"I don't have anything to talk about," Monica said flatly. "If you have something to say, just say it."

"Mon, you must still be angry with me, but you know I didn't mean it that day…"

Monica looked at her and thought she was the most hypocritical person she'd ever seen. She couldn't help but laugh—cold and mocking.

That day? The way they cornered her that day—how was it any different from today, trying to force her to make up?

When had Helena ever cared about Monica's feelings?

She just kept forcing her own ideas onto Monica.

Before Monica could respond, Oliver spoke up, his tone carrying the usual authority of an elder.

"Mon, just apologize and come home with us."

"Your mother hasn't been able to eat or sleep properly. She's lost several pounds."

"Apologize?" Monica cut him off, her voice icy. "Uncle Oliver, you still think this is my fault, don't you?"

Oliver froze. Then he frowned, impatience creeping into his tone.

"Why are you being so difficult?"

"I used to be too obedient. That's why I put up with so much."

Monica's voice wasn't loud, but every word landed like a hammer.

"I've already cut ties with you. I don't need to play nice anymore."

"What a waste of breath on this ungrateful brat. You're just upsetting yourself," Vesper's mother muttered from the side.

"Watch your language, ma'am," Henry said coldly.

"Who the hell are you?" Vesper's mother rolled her eyes. When she saw Henry's young face, her tone grew even more contemptuous.

"What, is he some boy toy you're keeping? You think you can talk to me?"

"Who are you calling names?" Monica stepped in front of Henry, glaring fiercely at Vesper's mother. The woman flinched.

"Mon, don't do this." Helena's heart jumped when she saw Monica snap at Vesper's mother. Instinctively, she reached out to pull Monica back.

Instead, she shoved Monica off balance.

Henry was stunned.

Was Helena really Monica's biological mother?

What kind of mother doesn't defend her child when someone insults them like that—and instead grabs at her own daughter?

He quickly pulled Monica into his arms, glaring coldly at the group.

"This is our family business. Stay out of it!" Helena snapped at Henry, her frustration boiling over.

Last time Monica cut ties with them, this man had been there too.

She was convinced he was the one pulling the strings, turning her once-obedient daughter into this rebellious stranger.

"He's my husband!" Monica held up her hand, showing her wedding ring. Her voice was calm and unwavering. "What happens between him and me is family business!"

"I've already cut ties with you. I don't want anything to do with your mess!"

"You're married?" Helena's voice cracked, her eyes wide with shock.

"Why didn't you consult me? Do you even know what kind of family he's from? How could you just marry him like that?"

"Exactly, Mon. This is too reckless!" Oliver chimed in, disapproval written all over his face.

"He's probably after your money!"

Monica almost laughed out loud.

'After my money? You've got to be kidding.'

"Mon, let's not waste any more time on them. The designer's waiting for us." Henry didn't bother arguing. He looked down at Monica, his gaze gentle.

Monica nodded. She didn't spare another glance at the people behind her.

The two of them walked away, hand in hand.

She could feel their eyes boring into her back like needles, but her heart had never felt more steady.

When she'd first seen them, she'd been afraid.

She'd never been able to win an argument with Helena. And Oliver had always intimidated her.

But now, she had Henry.

He stood beside her without question, without hesitation.

Helena stared at their retreating figures, her body swaying. She nearly lost her balance.

She couldn't understand how things had come to this.

Monica had never defied her before. Even when she was upset, she'd sulk for a week or two at most, then come back to apologize.

Did she really not want her as a mother anymore?

Helena felt dizzy.

Vesper quickly reached out to steady her.

"If you ask me, it's a good thing that ungrateful brat left you."

"You've got Vesper and Caspian now. Just enjoy your life with them. Let it go."

Helena lowered her eyes. She said nothing.

They called Monica ungrateful. But was she really?

Monica had always been sweet and well-behaved as a child. Even after coming to the Sinclair family, she'd been thoughtful and obedient, never causing trouble.

Once she started earning her own money, she'd bought Helena houses, sent her designer bags—never let her go without.

Was that really ungrateful?

But standing in front of Caspian's future in-laws, she didn't dare say any of it out loud.

The Sinclair family still needed the Capulet family's support.

As for Monica… maybe she was just too hurt this time. Once she calmed down, she'd come back like she always did.

It would just take a little longer. That had to be it.