Chapter 153 It's Already Too Late to Make Amends!
Grace didn't want to answer him. She couldn't anyway—the sedative was kicking in. Her eyes slowly closed, and she looked frail, a shadow of her former self.
Henry gently touched her face, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Even in sleep, she resisted his touch. His heart ached as he watched her, then slowly got up and left.
Downstairs, the living room was bustling with activity. The servants were busy with chores, celebrating the new addition to the family.
Henry walked down slowly, staring at the replaced carpet, still haunted by the scent of blood. His hand trembled as he pulled out a cigarette but didn't light it.
He sat on the sofa, the night wind blowing through the window, making his face look even more somber. He seemed to be waiting for someone.
At 1 A.M., the sound of cars filled the courtyard. A servant peeked out, startled. Five black business cars arrived, and over 20 bodyguards in black suits got out, all looking cold and professional.
The sound of high heels echoed as Celeste rushed in. She was newly married but still entangled in Henry's affairs. She wasn't happy about it, but the pay was good.
Henry stood up and said calmly, "Have them guard every corner. No one in or out."
Celeste's heart skipped a beat. "Mr. Montague, if you do this, Mrs. Montague will hate you even more!"
Henry thought of Grace's look and said bitterly, "She already hates me. Also, get the best nutritionist to stay here. Grace needs care. She's still bleeding."
Celeste nodded. Seeing Henry about to leave, she offered, "I'll stay. I can handle things better than the maids."
She felt sympathy for Grace. Once envious, now she only pitied her. She thought, 'Henry was ruthless.'
Late at night, Henry went to the cemetery. The winter was bleak, the cemetery desolate. A bouquet lay on Nathan's grave, a sign of Grace's sorrow.
Henry squatted and gently touched Nathan's photo. "Mr. Windsor, I'm sorry," he said hoarsely. But Nathan couldn't hear him. He was buried with Grace's mother, Donna. In life, he was happy, but in death, Grace and Oliver weren't there.
Henry didn't stay long. He took a night flight to Yule City to see Oliver.
Oliver had just been escorted over and was told he had a visitor coming in a couple of hours. He knew who was coming. In the dark visiting room, they sat across from each other. It felt like ages since they last met.
Oliver had lost weight but still looked handsome. He stared coldly at Henry and said, "The thing I regret most is marrying Grace to you!" Then he got up and left.
Someone next to Henry whispered, "I'll try to persuade him again. Maybe he'll change his mind and see you again, Mr. Montague."
Henry sat quietly, his expression darker than the cell. After a long pause, he softly said, "No need."
He knew Oliver too well. Oliver wouldn't appeal or change his mind. It wasn't that he didn't want freedom; he just didn't want to owe Henry or let Grace benefit from him.
Henry realized today that making amends was impossible. The Windsor family had cut ties with him.
He flew back to Evergreen City overnight, arriving at the villa at seven in the morning.
The black Rolls-Royce stopped at the wrought-iron gate.
The driver said softly, "Mr. Montague, it's Clara."
Despite his exhaustion, Henry immediately got out of the car when he heard this, calling out, "Clara."
In the early morning frost, Clara looked worn, her hair turned gray overnight. Yet, she remained composed. Her voice was light and hoarse. "I'm here to take Grace home."
Henry stared at Clara. After a moment, he lowered his eyes and said, "This is her home. I'll take good care of her. Clara, if you need anything, just let me know."
Clara gave a bitter smile. "I wouldn't dare trouble you, Mr. Montague."
Her words created a chasm between them.
Henry didn't know how to respond. He had ignored Grace's pleas and left her. The Windsor family had fallen apart. How could Clara not hate him?
They stood in silence.
Finally, Clara choked up. "Mr. Montague, you want to make it up to Grace now, but you're in your prime. How long can you keep this up? If you don't love her, let her go. I'll take care of her. She still has a chance to live! At least I can be worthy of her parents."
Henry was moved. He looked up to hide the tears in his eyes and said softly, "Clara, don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
Clara became agitated. "Your care means keeping her locked up? Imprisoning her and not letting her see her family? Henry, maybe you have feelings for her, but true love isn't selfish. She has no more feelings for you as a husband. Why keep her by your side?"
Clara's words hit Henry hard.
He felt a deep pain in his heart.
After a long time, he said in a low, hoarse voice, "I know she hates me."
He got into the car and instructed someone to take Clara back. No matter how Clara pounded on the window and pleaded, Henry didn't relent.
He knew that if he let go, Grace would leave and never return.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly drove into the villa in the golden sunlight.
The driver got out and opened the back door.
Henry, exhausted from a sleepless night, asked the servant first, "Has Mrs. Montague woken up?"
The servant spoke softly, "Mrs. Montague is still sleeping, but Taylor woke up twice. The nurse fed her formula and didn't disturb Mrs. Montague."
Henry nodded and went upstairs, taking off his tie as he went.
The bedroom was quiet.
Grace slept soundly, her breathing shallow. Taylor was awake, her bright eyes curiously observing the new world.
Henry placed his tie on the sofa and gently picked up Taylor, bringing his face close to hers.
The warmth of Taylor's body eased the bitterness in his heart, giving him hope that he and Grace could still mend their broken relationship.
He held Taylor close and said in a trembling voice, "I'm Daddy."