Ella explained, "I have something to talk to you about, and I can give you a ride as well."
Hearing this, Henry secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He had feared that Erick had said something to Ella, and she was waiting to take him to the police station.
At that moment, he suddenly thought of Ruby!
Yes, dealing with gang members, he could rely on his iron fists and fearless spirit, but what about facing the police or federal agents?
Ruby made Henry feel like he had a strong backing.
He thought, if Ella really wanted to take him to the police station, a call from Ruby would probably solve everything.
Although Ella just gave him a scare, it made him realize how important it was to have Ruby as a support.
Remembering Ruby's advances, Henry told himself that if there was a next time, he must not miss it.
Henry said, "I'm going to the Royal Café."
Ella nodded and drove towards the Royal Café, asking, "Which military unit did you serve in?"
This question made Henry feel deeply inferior.
He remained silent.
Ella glanced at him, "Don't tell me you were a special forces soldier or in some classified unit."
Henry suddenly blurted out, "I’m an ex-convict!"
Ella was stunned, then turned angry and sneered, "I thought so! Otherwise, why would you buy a bar? By the way, are your parents corrupt officials or wealthy fugitives who fled abroad, with so much money that you spend it recklessly?"
Hearing her mention his parents, Henry felt even more humiliated and turned his face away.
Ella thought: This kid has some character?
"Hey," Ella said, "don't say I didn't warn you. Running a bar isn't a bad business, but if you get into shady stuff, you'll get caught eventually.
The Violet Bar is in my jurisdiction, so if anything happens, don't blame me for being tough."
Henry turned his face back, glanced at her, and asked, "Do we know each other?"
"Ha!" Ella first showed a look of disgust, then said, "Sorry about yesterday. It was a misunderstanding."
Henry coldly replied, "Not every man who looks at you has bad intentions."
"Hey, enough already," Ella glared at him, "I apologized."
Henry looked ahead and said, "Just drive carefully, don’t rear-end anyone."
Ella was momentarily speechless.
There were indeed many cars ahead, and if she got distracted, she might really rear-end someone.
Ella adjusted her mood and softened her tone, "Henry, I've never heard of a wealthy Smith family in Harbor Springs. Maybe your family is just one of those low-key rich families?
You seem like a good person. If things don't work out, you could try a more traditional business.
Even if you don't want to work in a government or corporate job, you could still do some legitimate business with your parents' support.
What do you think?"
Henry countered, "You’re the same. Even if your last name is Davis, don't resent not being born into The Davis Family Group. And don't try to climb up by chasing wealthy men.
Otherwise, you'll disgrace both your beautiful appearance and your uniform!"
By then, they had reached the café. Ella pulled into a parking spot and braked hard, her face full of anger, "Don't push your luck! Who do you think you are? I just wanted to explain yesterday's misunderstanding and express my curiosity and concern about how a young guy like you could quietly buy the Violet Bar. I was just giving you a friendly warning.
What do you mean, thinking I'm chasing you?
Ridiculous!"
Henry sneered, "Really? If Erick were still the owner of the Violet Bar, would you have waited at the door to catch me?
Last night you seemed so proud.
But today…"
"Today what?" Ella glared at him, "What does Erick have to do with me?"
Henry said expressionlessly, "He has nothing to do with you, but his money certainly does."
With that, Henry opened the car door to get out, but Ella grabbed his shoulder, "Explain yourself. How does his money have anything to do with me?"
"Stop pretending," Henry pulled out his phone and showed her a photo.
Ella was shocked, "How do you have my photo?"
"Look closely, this is Erick's desk. Your photo is in a beautiful frame on his desk. Who knows what he does with it every day?"
Ella looked closely and recognized Erick's desk from his office.
Ella asked, "Is that photo still there?"
Henry replied, "When Erick left, besides taking gold bars and cash from the safe, he only took that photo.
Now you know how important you are to him?
So, stop waiting at the bar door for me.
All my money went into buying the bar, and I don’t have a penny left. Waiting is pointless."
"Get lost!" Enraged, Ella pushed Henry out of the car.
Henry got out and closed the door behind him.
Still fuming, Ella drove off back to the precinct.
She needed to find Erick's phone number immediately and ask why he had her photo.
Henry pulled out his phone to check the time and saw two messages.
One was from Isabelle, telling him she had arrived at the café and was in private room 2188 with Bryan.
The other was from Jonathan, informing him that one of the top gang leaders, Nathan, was sitting in the café's main hall with over twenty men.
They seemed to be waiting for someone, but it was unclear who.
Jonathan and Daniel were sitting in the farthest booth, ready to ambush if Nathan was there for Henry.
Henry assumed Nathan was there for him, either sent by Charles, Erick, or Bryan.
He texted Jonathan back: Unless I call for you, don't act, no matter what happens.
Jonathan replied: Understood!
Henry put his phone away and strode towards the café.