I've changed
Henry's expression turned concerned as he placed a hand on Knoxville's shoulder. "Don't you think you should take a break and spend some time in the countryside? Or perhaps travel to England for a while?" he suggested.
Knoxville's face twisted in disdain. "Did you think I should run away like a coward that I've always been?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Henry's eyes softened. "I'm not saying you're a coward, Knoxville. I just think you need some time alone to clear your head and shake off all the negativity."
He paused, his voice gentle. "The countryside is where you spent happy times with your mom. It's your sanctuary. Maybe being there will help you find peace again."
Knoxville's smirk deepened, his eyes flashing with defiance. "That's running away, and I won't do that," he said dismissively.
Henry sighed, his hand dropping from Knoxville's shoulder. "Fine, but know this: you can't keep bottling up your emotions. Sooner or later, it'll consume you."
Knoxville's gaze hardened. "I can handle it, Henry. I always do."
The air was thick with tension, the silence between them heavy with unspoken concerns.
Henry's eyes lingered on Knoxville's, searching for a glimmer of understanding. But Knoxville's resolve remained unshaken.
"Suit yourself," Henry said finally, turning to leave. "But know I'm here for you, whenever you're ready to face your demons."
As Henry walked away, Knoxville's expression faltered, revealing a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability.
Knoxville's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. "Did you find out anything else? Anything I might need to know?" he pressed.
Henry hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Your dad has a meeting with the Electra family regarding the relationship between Maxwell and Electra."
Knoxville's eyebrows shot up. "Really?" he asked, his tone laced with surprise.
Henry nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. He was trying to persuade the family to support Maxwell and Electra's relationship since things didn't work out between you and Electra."
Knoxville's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "If I didn't ask, when were you planning on telling me?" he demanded.
Henry's eyes met Knoxville's, unwavering. "I was going to tell you, eventually. I just needed to verify the information first."
Knoxville's gaze lingered on Henry's, searching for any hidden motives. "And what's my dad's stance on this?" he asked.
Henry's voice was measured. "He seems to be in favor of the union, likely due to the potential benefits for the family business."
Knoxville's expression turned calculating, his mind racing with implications.
Knoxville's face twisted in anger and betrayal. "Gosh! The old man, I should have known he'd support his younger son," he spat, his voice laced with bitterness.
He clenched his fist, struggling to calm down as memories of his past flooded his mind.
"And what's worse, he forced me to go abroad, abandoning me after Mom passed," Knoxville's eyes blazed with resentment.
He took a deep breath, composing himself.
"And what's Electra's parents' stance on this?" he asked, his tone still laced with tension.
Henry's expression softened. "Mrs. Scofield refused to consider the alliance, saying she can't betray your mother's memory."
Knoxville's eyes widened in surprise.
"She said she wouldn't stand for it, that it was you she betrothed Electra to," Henry explained.
A mix of emotions swirled within Knoxville: gratitude toward Mrs. Scofield and renewed determination.
"At least someone honors their word," Knoxville muttered.
Henry nodded. "Mrs. Scofield values loyalty and integrity. She won't go back on her promise to your mother."
Knoxville's eyes narrowed. "And what's Electra's father saying?" he asked.
Henry's expression turned thoughtful. "He's a calm man and always supports his wife. But he's trying to persuade her to change her mind, prioritizing their daughter's happiness."
Knoxville's face darkened. "And they think Maxwell will give her happiness? That little punk will make her miserable."
Henry's voice held a hint of caution. "You also once made her miserable, Knoxville. She might see no difference."
Knoxville's gaze faltered, memories of his past mistakes flooding back.
"I've changed," he said, his voice low.
Henry's eyes locked onto his. "Have you? Or are you just trying to reclaim what you lost?"
Knoxville's eyes flashed with defensiveness. "Are you judging me? I told you everything that happened."
Henry held up his hands, a calming gesture. "I'm not judging you, Knoxville. I'm just saying you should find a way to make Electra understand what really happened."
Henry's expression turned serious. "Otherwise, there's no difference between you and Maxwell. You need to show her you've grown and changed."
Knoxville's face twisted in frustration.
"You have such a sharp mouth," Knoxville said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "Guess that's the disadvantage of making your best friend your personal assistant."
Henry smiled wryly. "Someone needs to keep you in check. Now, focus. Electra deserves the truth."
Knoxville nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, as always. I'll make things right."
Knoxville's brow furrowed in concern, his mind racing with the obstacles ahead. "But how do I start now that Dad is openly supporting Maxwell?" he asked, frustration etched on his face.
Henry leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with strategic thinking. "Since Electra's mother isn't supporting her marriage to Maxwell, we can use that emotional connection to our advantage," he suggested, his voice measured.
"Additionally, Electra has a younger brother. We need to discreetly find out who he's supporting in this situation. If we can convince him to ally with us, we might be able to join their investors and provide more funds than Maxwell has offered."
Knoxville's eyes narrowed, intrigued by Henry's plan. "You think we can sway Electra's brother to our side?"
Henry nodded. "It's worth exploring. Family dynamics can be complex. Perhaps he's not entirely sold on Maxwell's proposal."
Knoxville raised an eyebrow, questioning Henry's approach. "You mean gaining more favor in front of the family? That sounds a bit ridiculous," he said, his tone laced with skepticism.
Henry leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I wouldn't use the term favor, but rather say this is the best chance we've got," he clarified.
"Mrs. Scofield's affection for you, rooted in her close relationship with your mother, presents a unique opportunity. We should leverage this emotional connection," Henry suggested.
"By doing so, we can make her transfer all that love and loyalty to you, effectively ruling out Maxwell's chances with Electra."
Knoxville's expression shifted from doubt to understanding. "You're right, Henry. Mrs. Scofield's influence could be pivotal."
Henry nodded. "Exactly. We need to showcase your sincerity and commitment to Electra, highlighting the differences between you and Maxwell."
Knoxville's determination intensified. "Let's do this. We'll win Mrs. Scofield's support and secure El
ectra's hand."
Henry smiled, confident in their strategy. "With Mrs. Scofield on our side, we'll be unstoppable."