Chapter 141 Where Are You Going on Your Business Trip?
At the Montague Group headquarters, Henry finished signing the last document and casually asked Celeste, "Do you know any good romantic spots for a date?"
Celeste thought for a moment and replied, "Depends on who you're dating. If it's Mrs. Montague, there's a great Mexican place. But if it's someone like Ms. Rodriguez, somewhere discreet would be better."
Henry's face darkened. He stood up, grabbed his coat, and said, "There's nothing between Esme and me."
Celeste, holding the documents, followed and reminded him, "I heard she caused a scene at the villa. If Mrs. Montague doesn't make a fuss, don't get too comfortable." She was genuinely concerned.
Henry stood by the elevator, staring at the numbers, feeling down.
He got into his car, planning to call Grace for dinner, but then he received a call from the Montague Manor. Seraphina wasn't feeling well and they asked Henry to come over.
Aurora said on the phone, "She might not make it through this winter. Henry, I know you don't like hearing this, but we need to prepare."
Henry leaned back, rubbing his temples. After a long pause, he said softly, "I'll be there soon."
Half an hour later, a black Rolls-Royce drove into the Montague Manor. After circling the courtyard, it stopped in the parking lot. Henry noticed the Montague Group's hospital's car, indicating a doctor was there for Seraphina.
Henry's eyes darkened.
As he walked into the hall, a servant came down from upstairs and softly said, "Mrs. Seraphina Montague slept all afternoon. She's feeling a bit better and has been asking about you and Mrs. Grace Montague."
The old servant, wiping her tears, added, "She misses you but didn't want to disturb Mrs. Grace Montague and the baby."
Henry felt even more sorrowful. When he entered Seraphina's room, she looked worse, her thin hand covered in needle marks, almost bedridden.
Henry sat by the bed and gently called her name.
In her daze, Seraphina mistook him and tearfully called out, "Neil! Where have you been?"
Henry felt a pang in his heart.
Over the years, Seraphina's health had deteriorated, partly due to age and partly due to emotional distress. Neil's departure had been a significant blow to her.
Henry gently stroked Seraphina's hair and softly said, "It's Henry."
This time, Seraphina saw clearly—it was Henry, her grandson, Neil's son.
A servant brought in some food, coaxing Seraphina to eat, "Mr. Montague came specifically to take care of you. You need to eat to hold your great-grandchild."
Henry took the bowl and helped Seraphina sit up against the headboard.
He gently coaxed, "Grace is probably carrying a girl. When she's born, she'll be as adorable as Grace."
Seraphina felt a bit better and, still worried, repeatedly reminded him, "A woman is delicate when she's pregnant! You must treat her well. If you lose her, no one will sympathize with you!"
Henry smiled slightly. "Don't worry! I'm taking good care of her."
Seraphina had been waiting for this assurance. Hearing it, she smiled and urged him to go back and take care of Grace, "Don't always come here! Don't bring the illness to the baby."
Henry smiled, "How could that be? The baby isn't even born yet."
His tone was filled with joy, which made Seraphina happy.
Seraphina looked around, feeling that the house was rejuvenated by the anticipation of a new life. She eagerly looked forward to the baby's birth.
As Henry went downstairs, he ran into Aurora.
Aurora was directing the servants to set the table, seemingly wanting Henry to stay for dinner.
Henry declined, "Grace hasn't had much of an appetite lately. I'll head back."
Aurora had recently been very critical of Grace!
Aurora always preferred a gentle and obedient daughter-in-law, ideally with some artistic talent. Too clever and capable, and they might try to dominate her.
Aurora said sternly, "I don't oppose her doing business! But now that she's pregnant, she should focus on her health. Besides, it's unseemly for a woman to be out and about all the time. Henry, you need to remind her! You should have married someone like Esme. Esme is the least troublesome."
Henry didn't like hearing this.
He stood up from the sofa, lightly brushed his pants, and said indifferently, "If I remember correctly, Esme works in public relations at the company and has done her fair share of drinking with clients. If we're talking about being unseemly, she's the first."
Aurora was infuriated.
When Henry returned to the villa, Grace was packing her luggage.
Under the crystal chandelier, she wore a silk robe, bending over to place clothes in the suitcase. This action made her legs look straight, leading up to an enticing curve of her attractive butt.
Henry was in a bad mood. He hugged her from behind, his hands gently caressing her, his voice hoarse. "Are you going on a business trip tomorrow? Why didn't you mention it before?"
Grace didn't resist, letting him carry her to the sofa.
The silk robe was peeled away, revealing Grace's slightly rounded belly and tender skin, which seemed even more alluring than usual.
Henry gently caressed her, talking about everyday matters. He told her about Seraphina's illness and that the family might have a big event before the end of the year.
As he spoke, he felt a deep sadness.
Grace felt it too.
Later, Henry held her as they napped on the sofa, a rare moment of intimacy in their marriage, probably due to Seraphina's situation, leaving both of them feeling melancholic.
In the middle of the night, Grace woke up in Henry's arms. The lights were bright, and in her half-awake state, she looked at him, his handsome features even attractive in sleep.
Grace gently touched his face.
In the quiet of the night, she thought of many things—her unrequited love, her past fears and anxieties, her pain, and now the calm and peace.
Grace suddenly remembered that she was only 25 years old.
Henry woke up then.
He quietly looked at her for a few seconds, then leaned in to kiss her, his hands passionately slipping under her clothes. After a long while of fooling around, a small damp spot appeared on the sofa beneath them, glistening under the light.
Henry panted softly. "Let's take a bath. I'll drive you to the airport in the morning! By the way, where are you going?"