The storm settled with Henry willingly taking on the role of the understanding partner.
His intentions were clear. Even if Crystal was struggling with some psychological demons, and even if their relationship hit some bumps, he was willing to stand by her.
The tides changed, and soon Henry became the poster child for the perfect guy.
Stocks for both Miller Corporation and Seeas Corporation shot up instead of plummeting.
However, Henry wasnât in the best of spirits. After the press conference, he locked himself in his office, replaying Crystalâs words over and over.
âMy husband lost five years of memories about us. I know he loves me! Nevertheless, maybe itâs because Iâve been let down too many times. Iâm afraid to accept his affections again. I always feel that if I let guard down and love him again, misfortune and betrayal will rear their ugly heads once more. He helped a woman I really didnât like. Yet, I forgave him with grace...â
Henry listened again and again.
â
He recalled that one night he had helped Lara and met Audrey one last time.
At that time, he had bade goodbye to his past.
He had thought from then on that there would be no barriers between him and Crystal.
Little did he know that Crystalâs graciousness was just a form of compromise. It was one that tormented her internally. She had never been truly happy.
Henry gently closed his eyes. The corners of his eyes were a little moist.
Just then, his phone on the desk.
It was the clinic calling rang.
He picked up, and the director apologized, âMr. Miller, Iâm truly sorry for the breach of Mrs. Millerâs privacy due to internal issues.
Weâve terminated the employee responsible for it...
âIâll be taking legal action against her.â Henryâs tone was cool.
Upon ending the call, he checked the time. It was almost time to pick up Skyler from school.
He drove over personally to get her.
Ar the kindergarten gate, Skyler waved a reluctant goodbye to Christopher Then, she was scooped up by her father and placed inside the golden Bentley Continental.
Henry secured her into the seat and fastened her seatbelt.
Skyler wrapped her arms around her fatherâs neck and asked, âToday, everyoneâs saying that Christopherâs daddy got a mistress. Daddy, whatâs a mistress?â
Henry was a bit taken aback.
He gently patted Skylerâs little head. âYouâll understand when you grow up.â
Skyler blinked at him. âDaddy, do you have a mistress?â
Henry tapped her head.
Skyler sensed that her father was a bit upset, so she stopped asking questions and sat quietly in the back seat.
Henry had promised to buy baby food for Remi, so he drove to a well-known maternity store in the city center. He brought Skyler along and carefully selected the right items for Remi.
Skyler, wearing a pretty tutu, followed along like a little adult.
Surprisingly, she knew Remiâs preferences quite well and could offer some opinions.
Henry looked at her innocent face and suddenly bent down to pick her up and give her a kiss.
In the midst of the bustling crowd, Skyler blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck. âDaddy, what are you doing?â
Henry pretended to continue shopping as he asked casually, âSkyler, have I ever told you that I really love you?â
Skyler raised her little head. âIâve heard it countless times!â
Iâm sick of hearing about it. Itâs nothing new!
She thought for a moment and added, âBut you still love Mommy the most!â
Then itâs me, and after that itâs Remi!
Skyler stayed in Henryâs arms and took the opportunity to make a request. âDaddy, can you bathe me tonight? I saw you bathing Mommy.â
Henry picked out the items and patted her on the bottom.
âWhen you grow up, you can have your husband do it for you!â
Skyler clenched her tiny fists. âThen Remi should bathe himself, or heâll have to wait until he grows up and let his wife do it for him.â
The people around them heard them and couldnât help but laugh.
Henry felt a sense of pride as her father. He placed two boxes of baby food on the checkout counter.
Many young mothers recognized Henry, especially with todayâs explosive news. The women blushed and were a bit shy to look at him.
Skyler thought, Daddy seems to be very famous!
Before dinner, Henry drove Skyler back home.
In the living room, Melora was holding Remi while Berthold curiously observed.
Julia was in the kitchen with Crystal, preparing dinner. Under the soft yellow light, Crystalâs profile looked particularly gentle. Her light purple dress cinched at the waist, making her look slim and elegant.
Henry walked over, wrapped his arms around her waist, and presented a bouquet of champagne roses to her.
Crystal was a bit surprised, but no woman dislikes flowers.
She softly thanked him and then carefully arranged them in a crystal vase. Seeing that she was busy, Henry took out a cigarette and twirled it between his fingers.
He made small talk with her. âI bought some carrot-flavored baby food for Remi.â
Crystal blinked. âDid Skyler choose it?â
Henry chuckled. âHow did you know? Do you have a listening device installed on me?â
Crystal laughed too. She continued preparing the ingredients and said softly. âRemi doesnât like carrots, but Skyler often educates him about not being a picky eater. I just wonder if Remi understands.â
Julia could not stop smiling as well.
Henry looked at Crystal for a while, then said in a hoarse voice. âIâll buy two more boxes tomorrowâ
Crystal replied with a hum After dinner, Skyler took out a storybook and started playing teacher.
In front of her, Remi and Berthold sat in a row, mimicking good students perfectly.
Crystal and Melora gathered to practice some sewing with Julia. The atmosphere was warm as if nothing had happened today.
However, Henry knew that Crystal was bothered by it. She just chose not to say it.
At eight-thirty, the sound of a car echoed in the yard. After a moment, two people entered. They were Alfred and Leslie.
Alfredâs gaze immediately fell on Meloraâs face.
Leslie smiled and said, âWe heard about what happened today. Mr. Lodge is quite angry about it, so we came to see if thereâs anything we can help with.â
Meloraâs lips trembled, and for a while, she couldnât say a word.
Henry said, âI invited Uncle Alfred here. There may be some things he can help with.â
Alfred nodded.
He took off his coat and squatted in front of Berthold. âDaddyâs here. Why didnât you greet me?â
Berthold looked shy.
It was only after a while that he dared to hug Alfred. He said in a small voice, âMommy said I should call you Great-uncle Alfred when weâre outside.â
Alfred glanced at Melora. There was no telling what he was thinking.
When he spoke to his son again, his tone was gentle. âWe arenât outside now.â
âDaddy,â Berthold called out.
Alfred took out a few candies from his pocket and gave them to the children. These candies were from Sumanthova, something Melora used to love. He had made it a habit to carry a few with him.
The few men went upstairs to talk.
In the study, the housekeeper brought coffee and then promptly left.
Alfred took a sip of coffee and asked, âWhat happened? Why would anyone have a problem with Crystal all of a sudden?â
Henry pulled up a footage.
After they watched it, he said, âClementine is one of Crystalâs university classmates. She use to have a thing with Madisonâs husband. Now, sheâs with a coal tycoon. Sheâs the one who bribed that nurse.â
Upon learning what had happened, Alfred smiled faintly and asked, âYou couldnât handle th coal tycoon, so you came to me, huh?â
Henry admitted, âThat guy is in the southwest. He doesnât really have anything in common. with me, but with you having control over that area, youâll be much more effective in dealin with him.â
Leslie chimed in with a smile, âMr. Miller, youâve found the right person!â
Alfred glanced at him and then turned to Henry. âIâll take care of it.â
Henry poured him more coffee.
After finishing the coffee, Alfred stood up. Acting like an elder, he added, âIâll take care of the external matters. However, I canât be the one to resolve Crystalâs emotional damage. Henry, you need to put in more effort.â
Henry nodded and escorted them downstairs.