Chapter 18
It was a text message from Henry: [Victoria, open the door.]
Her hand trembled ever so slightly as she stared at the screen.
Victoria thought, "What does he mean? He came straight to my house in such a short time. He is still suspicious of me."
A moment later, another message popped up from Diana. It was a screenshot from the security camera at her front door. Henry's tall figure stood there, exuding an imposing presence even through the grainy footage.
Victoria: [I already know.]
Diana: [What's your plan?]
Victoria: [No plan.]
Exiting the chat, Victoria felt her nerves tighten as she paced the room.
If she refused to open the door, there was a real chance he'd force his way in to confirm his suspicions, and that would be a disaster.
Victoria mulled over her options, biting her lip in frustration. Finally, she decided to take a gamble.
She dialed Henry's number.
"You're here to talk about the divorce, aren't you?" Her voice was soft, almost casual, but there was a frosty edge to her tone.
Standing at the door, Henry frowned slightly, his sharp features shadowed by the dim light.
"Open the door. We'll talk inside."
Victoria's tone was laced with suspicion. "You're not lying, are you? This isn't some trick?"
Henry's deep, resonant voice grew colder. "Open the door, and you'll find out." Victoria rolled her eyes, though he couldn't see it. "If you're so eager to divorce, why didn't you reply to my messages earlier?"
Henry's patience was clearly running thin. "Victoria, I'm not going to repeat myself."
With the door safely between them, she pushed him a little further. "What's the big deal about repeating yourself? Are you afraid you'll explode or something? Go ahead, let me see it!"
A vein throbbed at his temple. Henry's gaze darkened as he turned to his bodyguard and ordered, "Get someone to take this door down. Now."
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Henry, are you for real?" Victoria's voice shot up an octave, panic creeping in.
Henry's words were icy and deliberate. "Victoria, if you're hiding something from me, I swear I'll find out. And when I do, you're finished."
Victoria's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her fear with indignation. "What are you even talking about? And for the record, this door wasn't cheap! Don't you dare damage it!" She forced a steady tone. "If you really want a divorce, fine. Tomorrow, the Courthouse. I'll be waiting!"
Without giving him a chance to reply, she ended the call and clutched the phone to her chest. Her heart was pounding as if it might burst out at any moment.
At this point, there was no turning back.
If Henry broke in and realized she wasn't even home, things would go south and fast.
She raked her fingers through her hair, pacing the room as a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind.
Outside, Henry stared at the blank screen of his phone. A faint, mocking smirk showed on his face.
She was flustered, which could only mean she wasn't in the house.
The bodyguard approached cautiously. "Mr. Harrison, we've found someone to break the door. Should I call him over now?"
Before Henry could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his brows. knitting together. "Hello? Mom, what's wrong?"
On the other end, Jennifer's voice was urgent. "Jude has a fever! Come back right away!"
His expression shifted instantly. Without another word, he turned and strode off. "What happened? Why did he have a fever?"