Henry's demeanor gave the young woman a sense of security.
Seeing Henry for the first time and noticing he bought so many things at once, she guessed he was a new tenant.
If he wasn't a student at Harbor Springs University, he must be a young person who recently started working in Harbor Springs. The naturally kind part of her female nature made her willing to offer Henry help.
Since they were neighbors and would often meet in the elevator, getting along well would be beneficial.
The elevator stopped and started several times, taking a long time to come down.
The young woman smiled and said, "Isn't it tiring to carry so much? You can put it down and rest for a bit. Next time, if you buy too many things at the supermarket, you can borrow a cart to bring them back."
Henry turned to smile at her, finding her quite nice, like the older sisters and aunts in his village, giving him a warm feeling.
After a while, the elevator arrived, and many people came out, glancing at the two of them, thinking they were a couple.
As they entered the elevator, Henry and the young woman politely let each other go first, but she ended up entering first and pressed the button for the 6th floor.
Seeing Henry's hands full, she asked, "Which floor?"
"19th floor."
After pressing the button, she suddenly remembered something and looked at Henry with surprise, "Do you live in 1901 or 1902?"
"1901."
Henry knew that city people were more cautious than those in the countryside, so he kept his words brief, avoiding eye contact to prevent suspicion.
Unexpectedly, the young woman widened her eyes and asked, "Are you Victoria's boyfriend?"
Now it was Henry's turn to be surprised.
People often said that city neighbors sometimes couldn't care less about each other. How did this young woman on the 6th floor know Victoria on the 19th?
Henry didn't answer but asked, "Do you know her?"
His question made the young woman assume he was confirming his relationship with Victoria.
She looked Henry up and down again, blinking and nodding with a smile that was hard to read.
Henry understood.
She must know what Victoria did for a living and, seeing his innocent look, probably thought he was unaware of Victoria's past.
They say some women, after being wild outside, marry an honest man. She likely saw him as such an honest man, with a look of pity and regret in her eyes, unable to express it openly.
The 6th floor arrived quickly. As she got out, she glanced at Henry again with the corner of her eye.
Henry didn't know that this pretty young woman was Charles's wife, Natalie.
At noon, Henry tried cooking a meal at home and found it quite enjoyable, though eating alone in such a large space felt empty and dull.
He stood by the window with his bowl, watching the entrance of Harbor Springs University, not seeing Emily and Andrew's car, guessing they ate lunch at school. However, he did see Avery's car entering.
Thinking of Avery's beautiful face and petite figure, Henry felt a strange change in his body.
His favorite, Emily, seemed separated from him by an insurmountable barrier.
During his few days in Harbor Springs, he had seen many beautiful women, especially after spending a night holding Isabelle, making him yearn for a woman.
He didn't want to touch just any woman, but he couldn't get close to Emily.
Coupled with his deep hatred and desire for revenge against Jason, he thought Avery was the best substitute for Emily.
The reason he rented this apartment was only 20% to see Emily every day; the other 80% was to figure out how to get Avery.
Victoria suddenly called, saying she forgot there were no groceries at home and planned to go shopping and bring some over.
Henry thanked her and told her he had already bought everything, so she didn't need to trouble herself.
"By the way," Victoria said, "Quentin's sister Ruby called me, asking about you."
Henry asked, "What did she ask?"
"Mainly about what kind of person you are. She assumed you'd be kicked out, but now you're officially working here, so she wanted to know your plans for her brother's shares."
Henry laughed, "She's really short-sighted. Her brother led the trouble, forcing me to use a gun to control the others, and she still thinks about his shares. What is she thinking?"
Victoria explained, "Actually, those shares were initially a gift from Erick to her husband, Ryan."
Henry said, "Just a small precinct chief, and a deputy at that?"
Victoria said, "Ryan isn't much, the least successful of the so-called Four Young Masters of Harbor Springs, but his father still has some influence in the local political scene, even after retiring. Being a local, his roots are still here.
Otherwise, Erick's aunt and uncle, who are in the federal government, wouldn't try to curry favor with him."
Henry asked, "So, what are you suggesting?"
Victoria said, "It's not for me to say, but I suggest you meet Ruby."
Henry was puzzled, "Why should I meet her? Shouldn't I meet Ryan instead?"
Victoria explained, "Quentin is her brother, and Ryan has a tense relationship with his father. Ruby can speak for both her husband and father-in-law.
Moreover, Ruby is very active socially. If you want to maintain some relationship with the Anderson family, she's the easiest way in.
Erick followed Jason's advice to give the shares to Quentin, which was essentially giving them to Ruby."
Henry pondered for a moment and said, "I'll remember what you said. We'll see."
"Okay, Henry."
After lunch, Henry lay down for a nap but found the master bedroom filled with Victoria's scent.
Victoria clearly hadn't lived there for a while but had sprayed her favorite perfume in the master bedroom before leaving.
Maybe she thought it was the best scent.
Maybe she wanted to leave Henry with some thoughts.
The warm bed made Henry really long for a woman!
But at that moment, the only one he could call was Victoria.
The problem was Victoria was known by everyone. Natalie's glance had already said it all.
So, Henry vowed to get Avery as soon as possible.