Chapter 166
Henry tugged at his tie, feeling even more irritated.
He thought, "What's the point of missing her? She doesn't even think of you!"
Of course, he couldn't say that to Jude. Instead, he responded curtly before hanging up the call.
Turning to Victoria, he said coldly, "Jude came looking for you."
Victoria's face immediately showed surprise. "Where is he?"
"You'll see when we get there."
With that, Henry closed his eyes as if to signal he had no intention of continuing the conversation.
Victoria's concern grew. She thought, "Did Jude come here alone? Or did Jennifer send him?"
When they arrived at the hotel and opened the door to the suite, Victoria's heart finally settled as she saw the small figure in the living room.
"Mom!"
Jude's eyes lit up the moment he saw her, and he ran straight toward her and hugged her.
"How did you come here?"
Jude replied earnestly, "I wanted to see you, so I came".
"Does your grandmother know?" Victoria asked, still concerned.
Jude pursed his lips and shook his head. "I'm not sure. I snuck out. Uncle Barrett brought me here."
Hearing this, Victoria frowned. "Jude, that wasn't the right thing to do. You're still so young. What if something happened to you? Call your grandmother now and let her know."
Jude didn't understand her worry. "But I was protected. Nothing would have happened to me."
"That's not the point," Victoria said firmly.
"Leaving without informing an adult is wrong.
We would have been very worried. What if something had happened?
You're too young to take responsibility for yourself, so the blame would fall on Uncle Barrett.
Do you want to see him punished for your decision? "
Jude shook his head. "No, I don't want that."
"Then call your grandmother now."
Victoria softened her tone and patted his head.
"Okay," Jude agreed, turning to retrieve his phone and dialing Jennifer's number.
Henry, standing at the doorway, silently watched the exchange. His thin lips pressed into a hard line.
For a brief moment, he regretted sending Jude to Harrison Villa. If he hadn't, Victoria might have developed stronger ties to the family, and Jude wouldn't have grown up as emotionally distant as him.
Without a word, Henry turned and left.
Hearing the door close, Victoria felt a flicker of doubt. Isn't he going to stay with Jude?
Meanwhile, on the other end of the call, Jennifer answered almost immediately. Her voice was tinged with urgency and a slight tremble. "Jude, where are you?"
"Grandma,I came to see Daddy," Jude replied.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Jennifer's voice remained strained. "You're so young, traveling that far alone! I was so worried. What if something had happened? Who brought you there?"
Jude realized the meaning behind Victoria's words and quickly said, "It was my own idea. I'm already at my dad's hotel, and I'm perfectly fine. Grandma, I understand I was wrong, and it won't happen again."
Jennifer's frustration was evident, but she couldn't bring herself to scold him harshly. After a pause, she asked, "Did your mother tell you to come see her?"
"No!" Jude denied it immediately. "I came to see Daddy!"
Jennifer didn't press the issue further and ended the call after a few reminders.
Jude turned back around, exhaling softly in relief.
Victoria watched the scene unfold, her heartwarming. Despite being so young, Jude now clearly understood how unwelcome she was in the Harrison family. Even though he had come to see her, he hadn't admitted it, knowing it would only make things harder for her.
This time, Victoria could see that he was truly trying to change.
"Have you eaten yet?"
Victoria sat on the sofa and fixed her soft gaze on Jude.
Jude nodded. "Uncle Barrett took me out for a great dinner."
Victoria wore a gentle smile, "How long do you plan to stay in Camoreham?"
Jude blinked his large, bright eyes and shot her a serious look. "Mom, how long do you plan to stay here?"
Victoria replied, "I'm not sure. It's possible I'll be here from now on. What do you think about that?"
Jude looked slightly anxious. "Why? Even if you and Dad get divorced, you can still stay in Lanceser. Why do you want to leave?"
Victoria's voice softened. "Because my grandmother is here. Remember when you video–chatted with her?"
Jude nodded. "Then can I go see her?"
"Of course," Victoria replied, nodding. "I'll take you there tomorrow. You should get a good night's rest tonight."
Jude reached out and grabbed her hand. "Mom, can you stay with me?"
"Alright," she agreed.
Jude's face lit up with an immediate, joyous smile.
His demeanor often mirrored that of Henry, typically reserved and seldom revealing. Yet, ever since he made the heartfelt decision to mend fences with Victoria, he found himself swept up in a tide of joy he could no longer contain.
Victoria gazed at his smile, feeling momentarily lost. "This is the joy a child should express, not the icy demeanor he had so often worn," she thought.