Henry and Miles walked ahead, with Avery following them into the supermarket. Seeing toy guns, Miles wanted to get down. Avery and Jason usually managed Miles strictly, buying only educational toys. Purely playful toys were something Miles had never had, only seen with his friends. Now, seeing these toys of a higher grade than his friends', he was naturally curious.
He grabbed several toys, each one seemingly perfect for showing off to his friends, and started opening several packages. The store assistant quickly approached, "Little boy, you can look at the toys, but don't open the packages."
The toy packages were just two pieces of plastic stapled together, easily resealed, but it increased the assistant's workload. Often dealing with mischievous boys, the assistant was a bit impatient.
Henry immediately said, "It's okay. I'll buy anything the child opens."
The assistant quieted down.
Miles was overjoyed. He pulled Henry aside and whispered, "Uncle, is my dad your boss, or is my mom your boss?"
Henry didn't understand, looking puzzled.
Miles explained, "My parents don't usually let me play with toys. Today, I'm here to give you a chance to please them. Seeing you buy me toys will make my mom happy. Whether you need my dad or mom's help, I guarantee no problem!"
Wow, this kid is sharp! If Henry were actually seeking favors, he'd be embarrassed. But Henry saw an opportunity to use the child's cleverness.
Henry said, "I know your dad, but I'm not asking your mom for help."
Miles nodded, feeling proud, "Then you need to impress today. Buy some expensive toys."
Henry nodded, "Sure, pick whatever you like."
Miles shook his head, "No, my mom hates me taking advantage of others. Here's a plan: I'll pick some cheap toys, and you say they're no good and buy the expensive ones. My mom will see your generosity and help you for sure."
Henry wanted to laugh but held back. He thought Avery and Jason must have discussed social intricacies at home, not realizing their young son absorbed it all.
"Okay, no problem."
Henry followed Miles' plan, buying many toys in front of Avery. Avery smiled but said nothing. She didn't care about Henry's generosity; these were small amounts. She noticed her son and Henry got along well. She had never seen Miles this close to Jason. Today, after their first meeting, Miles acted like he was very familiar with Henry. To an outsider, they looked like a real family.
After leaving the supermarket, Henry walked with Miles, chatting and teaching him to play with the toys. Avery followed, observing without interrupting. At the school gate, Henry wanted to visit their home but felt it would seem too purposeful. He turned to Avery, "Big sister, I won't go in."
He hoped Avery would invite him in for tea, but she just nodded, told Miles to thank him, and reminded him to be careful.
Wow, completely off-script!
Henry pretended nothing was wrong, said goodbye, but felt empty inside. Back home, lying in his spacious and comfortable room, he felt increasingly frustrated. Despite having many beautiful women around, he ended up alone at night. His physical needs made him consider taking care of things himself. Imagining being with Avery, his thoughts inexplicably shifted to Emily.
When Ruby arrived at the hospital, Quentin was already there, waiting anxiously outside the ward. Seeing Ruby, he hurried over, "Sis, didn't I tell you Henry is ruthless? He seemed fine in the private room, but after we left, he broke Ryan's arms and legs."
Ruby said nothing, heading straight to the elevator.
In the elevator, Quentin asked, "Sis, I want to return the 500,000 to Henry. What do you think?"
Ruby remained silent.
Entering the ward, Ruby saw Erick and Ryan sharing a room.
"Sis-in-law!" Erick greeted her, shaking his head helplessly.
Seeing Ryan's miserable state, Ruby felt nauseated, thinking of Victoria's affair.
Ryan thought she was angry at Henry's brutality and sighed, "I didn't expect that kid to be so ruthless!"
"I'm going to see Dad!" Ruby turned to leave.
"Ruby," Ryan called, "Don't. I told Dad I had a traffic accident."
It seemed Wyatt's judgment was correct; Ryan just wanted an excuse to back down.
Ruby asked calmly, "You're just going to let this go? We're still in mediation. If not Dad, we can call Matthew!"
Ryan shook his head, "I realized he's got nothing to lose. We can't fight a desperate man."
Ruby remembered Victoria's words. From the current situation, Ryan was genuinely scared. Once, Ryan was untouchable in Harbor Springs, with his father as the top official and Wyatt as a friend. Now, Henry was not only ruthless but could become a future big shot in Harbor Springs. He was younger and more handsome than Ryan.
She sat silently by the bed, noticing a small, unnoticeable speck of dust on her stockings. Thinking of Henry's touch on her calf, she felt conflicted.