Evidently, Erick was digging his own grave, but he was also causing Henry a lot of trouble.
The biggest trouble undoubtedly came from Ryan's father.
Ryan was furious at Erick's shamelessness. Erick had insisted on giving him shares, and when he learned Ryan's brother-in-law Quentin was in construction, he gave all the bar's related business to him.
Without Ryan's consent, he gave shares to Quentin.
Quentin knew the deal and always handed the dividend money to his sister Ruby.
Now Quentin was beaten, his wife was making a scene, and it had even reached Ryan's father.
Ryan had hoped Matthew would teach Henry a lesson, but the police chief intervened, making Ryan lose face.
Erick's call only added fuel to the fire.
Ryan hung up and called Wyatt, saying he didn't like Erick at the Violet Bar. Wyatt understood immediately.
Then he called Ruby, telling her to go to their father.
After parting with Jonathan and Daniel, Henry followed Victoria's directions and arrived.
Henry thanked her and got a new phone card, then took a taxi to Rosewood Estates.
As Victoria said, the complex was across the street from Harbor Springs University, next to its affiliated middle and elementary schools, hence the name Rosewood Estates.
Victoria's apartment was on the 19th floor of a 32-story building, offering a full view of the university's entrance and the row of townhouses inside, including Jason and Avery's home.
In the distance, Henry saw several new townhouses, likely the ones Andrew dreamed of.
Charles' home was on the 6th floor of this building.
Victoria said Charles had a good relationship with the developer and helped him with many issues.
Charles got his apartment almost for free, and Victoria's was sold at cost.
Otherwise, Victoria wouldn't have been able to afford it.
The apartment had three bedrooms and two living rooms, not luxuriously decorated but with a distinct feminine touch.
The color scheme was dark blue, but the sofa and bedding were pink, elegant yet youthful.
Henry checked the bathroom and found all new towels and toiletries, many labeled for men, clearly prepared by Victoria.
He stood by the window, looking at the university gate, imagining Emily's beautiful figure walking gracefully towards him.
He took out his phone, worried Emily might be in class, and sent a WeChat message: Open an account in your name at the bank. Every afternoon after work, stop by the Violet Bar to collect the previous day's earnings from Brandon and deposit them.
Emily called back, sounding surprised, "Is the bar really yours? You didn't do anything to Erick or Charles, right?"
Henry smiled, "They're history."
Emily was still worried, "Are you sure there's no problem?"
Henry said, "I won't involve you in anything problematic."
Emily said, "I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about you!"
Her words warmed Henry's heart and filled him with excitement.
It was clear Victoria had set this place up as a new home. If he could spend a night here with Emily, life would be wonderful!
Henry suppressed his emotions and said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. By the way, I won't be coming home tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked, "Is your injury acting up? Do you need to stay in the hospital?"
"No," Henry said, "I don't want to stay in that house anymore."
Emily frowned, blurting out, "You're not moving upstairs, are you?"
Henry chuckled, "I've told you, Isabelle's boyfriend is Cole's son. I have nothing to do with her anymore."
Emily understood. Last night's situation, with the three of them in separate rooms, made Henry not want to stay there.
Honestly, Emily didn't want to stay there either.
"Where will you stay?"
"In a rented place."
Emily wanted to say, "I'll rent a place too," but thought it would be better to suggest they share a place directly.
But given their current relationship, how could they avoid Andrew and rent a place together?
If people found out, they'd be ridiculed.
In Harbor Springs, almost no one knew they weren't biological siblings!
Emily asked, "Will you come home for dinner?"
Henry replied with a single word, "No."
They were silent for a long time, neither hanging up, for three or four minutes.
They both had a lot to say to each other but didn't know where to start.
Any topic could lead to awkwardness.
A colleague called out to Emily from a distance, and she said, "I have to go."
Henry responded with a simple "Hmm."
After hanging up, Henry did a backflip in place!
He was excited because of their three or four minutes of silence.
He understood Emily's feelings.
He thought Emily understood his feelings too.
Now it was just a matter of time...
Seeing the house had all the essentials but no food, an empty fridge, and no dishes, Henry went out to buy groceries, carrying three or four bags.
Entering the elevator, he saw a stylish, clean, and beautiful young woman standing by the door.
It was a two-apartment-per-floor layout, and the elevator was on the 20th floor.
The young woman was initially wary of him but relaxed when she saw he only glanced at the elevator display and then looked away, not trying to chat or ogle her like some men. She felt a good impression.
She looked at Henry's profile and asked, "Are you a new tenant?"
Henry turned to look at her, "Yes."
"A student at Harbor Springs University?" she asked.
"No."
Henry didn't continue the conversation, looking away again.