Chapter 54 Grace, let's talk!
Celeste couldn't hide the truth and told Henry that Kimberly had answered the phone.
Henry glanced at Kimberly. It was obvious she was interested in him, but his look made it clear he wasn't. Kimberly, being a pro, just shrugged it off.
Kimberly brushed her hair and smiled. "Mrs. Montague asked me to remind Mr. Montague that you're still running a fever, so take it easy."
Henry's charm slipped, and he showed some annoyance. Sensing the deal was some annoyance, Kimberly started to leave. Just as she reached the door, Henry called her back. Instead of negotiating himself, he had Celeste tweak the terms before leaving.
Kimberly was surprised by the sudden change. Celeste, calm and professional, adjusted the details, slightly lowering the price to please Henry.
The next day, the Montague Group announced Kimberly as their new spokesperson.
The celebration party was in Crystal City.
In high society, rumors between business elites and actresses spread quickly, especially with some suggestive photos.
At the party, Henry gently held Kimberly's waist. Not too close, but close enough.
Late at night, Henry and Kimberly were seen at the same hotel. To avoid attention, Kimberly left through the emergency exit wearing a mask. It looked like Henry had a new mistress.
With rumors everywhere, Grace saw them, too. Juniper called, scolding Henry and comforting Grace, saying, "Men are all jerks; don't be sad over them."
Grace was playing the violin on the third floor. The night made the music sadder, but after hearing Juniper's words, she laughed, "I'm not sad! I'm practicing! Don't worry, Juniper, I'm over Henry."
Juniper felt a bit relieved and hung up.
Grace practiced for another half hour then took a bath and went to bed. While applying her skincare products, she saw the news showing Henry holding Kimberly's waist.
Acknowledging Kimberly's beauty, Grace realized she was probably the one who answered the phone earlier.
Grace didn't call Henry to ask about it. She even skipped her usual courtesy call, thinking he might be busy with a passionate evening. She reflected on her feelings, thankful she no longer loved him. Otherwise, these rumors would have been heartbreaking.
While Henry was caught up in scandals, Grace, as his wife, stayed quiet, but Rebecca and Elodie couldn't.
Elodie, looking at the glamorous Kimberly, cried, "Mom! Henry has a mistress!"
Rebecca couldn't hold back and took Elodie to the villa. The servant reported this just as Grace was getting up to wash.
Looking at the servant in the mirror, she softly asked, "Is it really Elodie and her mother?"
The servant, indignant, replied, "Yes, Mrs. Montague! Mr. Montague had a little misunderstanding last night, and you didn't say anything, but they rushed over as if she were Mrs. Montague!"
Grace wiped her face with a towel. After a while, she softly said, "Let them wait in the small parlor."
The servant was surprised. "Mrs. Montague, you really want to see them?"
Grace smiled slightly with a hint of self-mockery. "What else can I do? She's Henry's favorite. If she's upset and Henry isn't here, I have to calm her down."
The servant quickly handled the situation, giving Grace time to change outfits. As she came downstairs, the small parlor was set with snacks, coffee, and breakfast.
Rebecca, the most observant, got angry seeing Grace in good spirits. "Mrs. Montague, you need to manage your marriage! Are you just going to watch Mr. Montague fool around? Haven't you seen Kimberly? Doesn't this bother you?"
Ignoring them, Grace sat down, poured herself a latte, and after savoring it, she smiled. "Are you here for Kimberly? Afraid Ms. Williams will lose favor? You should talk to Henry, not me. If I could manage my marriage, how could Ms. Williams get any advantage from Henry?"
Rebecca was momentarily silent, thinking about the consequences of Henry's new relationship. With Elodie in mind, she decided to team up with Grace to handle Kimberly before possibly changing her stance. Elodie had to have it all.
Grace knew their thoughts well and said, "I can't help you with this! I can't control my husband. You should go back!"
Rebecca, with her fiery temperament, refused to leave and began crying and rolling on the floor.She insisted Grace call Henry and make him return to Evergreen City because he wouldn't even answer Elodie's calls.
Grace sighed softly. Just as the scene was getting out of hand, a car pulled up in the yard. A servant ran over and said, "Mrs. Montague, Mr. Montague is back!"
Elodie and Rebecca turned pale, especially Rebecca, who wished she could disappear. She came to make a scene but didn't dare let Henry know. If he found out, he'd probably be furious!
Outside, Henry emerged from a sleek black car, heading upstairs. He guessed Grace had just woken up.
The servant quietly told him, "Mr. Montague, Ms. Williams, and her mother are here, making a scene in the small parlor with Mrs. Montague."
Henry paused, took off his light coat, unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt, and asked calmly, "Elodie?"
The servant confirmed. Henry changed direction and walked towards the small parlor.
When he stood at the door, Grace looked up and saw him. Her expression was calm, not like she was dealing with Henry's mistress, but as if she were entertaining ordinary guests.
If Grace were a businesswoman, Henry might have admired her poise. Yet, as his wife, her calm demeanor was less pleasing. The more composed she appeared, the more it seemed she didn't care about him!
Henry's gaze turned intense. Ignoring Rebecca and Elodie, he focused on Grace and said, "Grace, we need to talk."
He didn't call her Mrs. Montague but Grace. There was a hint of intimacy in it like he never called Elodie's name, nor did he often call the names of female business partners.
Privately, Henry reserved names for moments between the sheets. In the throes of passion, when body and soul reached their peak, he would nearly lose control and softly whisper Grace's name in her ear.
"Grace." That was one of the rare tender moments in their marriage.