Chapter 47 Mrs. Montague, You're So Generous!
Grace seemed more agreeable than Henry remembered, but something felt off. She treated her role as Mrs. Montague like a job—meeting his needs and doing housework but without love. Henry could feel the difference, and it made him uncomfortable, even though he thought he didn't care.
Grace stayed quiet, so Henry brought it up. "I just ran into Lucas. Did seeing him throw you off?"
Grace met his gaze and finally spoke softly. "Henry, you don't need to suspect me all the time! I didn't contact him privately; it was just a coincidence."
Henry thought for a moment, then gently touched her cheek. "I trust you, Mrs. Montague. Now, can you come home with me for dinner?"
Before she could answer, he pulled her onto his lap. She didn't know what had gotten into him. Even in the car, he held her waist and kissed her intensely.
Feeling uneasy, Grace turned her face away. "Didn't you say we were going back to eat?"
Henry's blue eyes were deep. He was about to let her go when the phone rang. It was Frank. "Esme is back! Today is her birthday, and we're all gathered to celebrate. Henry, hurry over; we're all eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
Henry held Grace's waist while on the call. He chuckled, "I have to ask Grace if she'll let me go!"
Frank was shocked. "Henry, you really are..."
"I'll be there soon! Send me the address." Henry hung up and tossed the phone aside. He glanced at Grace and said calmly, "I'll take you home first."
He knew Grace had heard and understood Esme's place in their history. If he cherished his bond with Grace, he needed to avoid any doubt. Maybe it was a test of his commitment, so he agreed to go. Grace seemed unbothered by his decision. The ride back was silent.
Henry dropped Grace off at the villa. When the car stopped, he leaned over to open the door for her. Grace paused, then smiled lightly. "Henry, have fun!"
She got out, and Henry didn't drive away immediately. He sat in the car and smoked a cigarette. The twilight cast shadows on his face, and the red glow of his cigarette rose and fell.
At MidnightGrove Lounge, in a top-tier private room, Esme's birthday party was in full swing. The guests were longtime friends, practically siblings, sharing joy and nostalgia. Henry arrived, leaned on the corner sofa, smoking, occasionally drinking, and playing with his phone.
Frank walked over with a steaming mug, leaning in close to Henry. "Henry, why the poker face? You're the star tonight. Say something nice to lift everyone's spirits. We've known each other forever. Don't be the mysterious guy in the corner!"
Henry tilted his head back, exhaling smoke. He glanced at Frank and coolly replied, "I'm not here to entertain, buddy."
Frank was about to ask about Grace when Esme sauntered over with a glass of red wine. She was dressed to impress, every move exuding charm.
Esme sat next to Henry and asked playfully, "Henry, why didn't you bring Grace? Since you married her, you haven't brought her out much. Is it because the big shots in your circles sneer at me or maybe at your lovely wife?"
Her words were part flirtation, part probing. She leaned in, her body almost touching Henry's shoulder, her soft form brushing against his shirt.
Frank couldn't bear to watch and took a sip of his drink, pretending not to hear.
Henry set his phone aside and looked at Esme, who was dressed alluringly. After a moment, he averted his eyes and smiled faintly. "She's not right for this."
Esme, who had put in a lot of effort, was annoyed when Henry didn't take the bait.
Unexpectedly, Henry changed his tone. "But since you mentioned it, I'll call her over. I didn't bring a gift in my rush, so let Grace make it up to you!"
Frank nearly choked on his drink. He glanced at Felix and realized Henry's comment was aimed at him. Felix's face twisted in displeasure.
Henry called Grace with a warm smile, inviting her to Esme's birthday celebration and suggesting she bring a thoughtful gift.
Esme watched, her expression neutral. She knew Grace well and doubted she would buy a gift for her rival. No woman would be that generous.
But Esme was wrong. An hour later, Grace arrived in a chauffeur-driven car, wearing a Dior embroidered knit top, looking elegant and a bit sexy.
Grace handed Esme a gift, her voice soft. "Esme, I'm really sorry! If Henry had told me earlier it was your birthday, I wouldn't have prepared so hastily. Although it's late, I still want to wish you a happy birthday." Her words showed respect for Henry, with no trace of envy or jealousy.
Esme smiled. "Grace, you shouldn't have! This gift must be expensive!"
Grace looked at Henry with a gentle gaze, then smiled. "It's Henry's money."
Everyone fell silent. They used to look down on Grace because Henry didn't like her, and she seemed childish. But now, she had become the impeccable Mrs. Montague.
Breaking the silence, Frank drawled, "Didn't someone mention wanting to play a game? Grace, how about joining in? It's actually quite fun!"
Grace hadn't replied when Esme flicked her hair and smiled. "I'm just afraid Henry won't let her!"
Esme's exclusion of Grace was clear. She noticed the admiring and intrigued gazes directed at Grace by the men, which made her uneasy.