Chapter 185
Jude walked up to the car and called out, "Hey, Dad."
Henry responded with a hum and said, "Get in."
But Jude shook his head. "Dad, I'm going to have lunch with Mom."
The surrounding area was noisy, filled with the chatter of families picking up their kids. A few people noticed Henry and seemed to want to come over to greet him, but upon seeing he was in the middle of a conversation with his child, they wisely held back.
Henry's gaze settled on Jude, his eyes darkening. "Jude, do you even remember whose kid you are?"
For some reason, Jude felt a chill run down his spine. Straightening his small frame immediately, he nodded and replied, "I do, but I also know I'm my Mom's son."
Henry's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with an icy sharpness as he looked at Jude. Then, his gaze drifted to Victoria, standing not far away.
She didn't seem to care about what was happening here. To her, Henry might as well have been a stranger, someone insignificant.
That realization left a bitter taste in his mouth.
With a slight nod, Jude paused briefly before suggesting, "Dad, I think if you talk nicely to Mom, she might change her mind and let you join us."
Henry was utterly stunned, his face darkening instantly. Before he could respond, Jude had already turned and walked away.
Just then, Jacob asked hesitantly, "Mr. Harrison, should I still deliver these to Mrs. Harrison?"
The front passenger seat was piled with gift boxes, mostly jewelry from high–end brands. Sophia had gotten her hands on the last set, which Henry couldn't stand, so he'd gotten rid of them by donating them. Then, he instructed Jacob to get a new batch.
Henry shot him a frosty glare and said coolly, "Nobody asked you to speak." He then shifted his attention back to the mother and son duo as they approached a car.
Soon, the door opened, and Jayce stepped out.
Henry's sharp eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He pulled out his phone and dialed Jayce's number.
As soon as Jude got in the car, he spotted Sunny, the Labrador, and was surprised. Hesitantly, he reached out to pet it. Realizing Sunny was gentle, he began to play with it enthusiastically.
Later, Jayce's phone rang, and he pulled it out to answer it. "Hello?"
Henry's cold voice came through. "Go to Night Club. I need to talk to you."
Jayce glanced at Victoria and replied, "I'm busy right now."
"Jayce, are you targeting one of my artists because you have a problem with me?" Henry asked bluntly before hanging up.
Jayce lowered his gaze slightly, his brows furrowing with dissatisfaction. He wondered, "Is Henry sticking up for Sophia? She bullied Victoria, and Henry, as her husband, didn't even help her. What's wrong with me stepping in?"
Noticing Jayce's mood, Jude spoke up considerately, "Is something wrong, Mr. Caldwell?"
Jayce turned to him and suddenly asked, "Do you want to switch dads?"
Victoria was shocked. "Mr. Caldwell!"
Jude's innocent face showed confusion. His bright, clear eyes fixed on Jayce as he asked hesitantly, "Are you... going to be my new dad?"
"Would that be okay?" Jayce asked with a faint smile.
Victoria's expression turned more serious. "Mr. Caldwell, don't joke like that with Jude."
Jayce pressed his lips together. He wanted to say he wasn't joking, but seeing her calm and stern gaze, he didn't dare speak up.
Jude blinked, thought carefully for a moment, and said, "I don't want a new dad. My dad is great as he is." He turned to Victoria and added, "I don't want a new mom, either. My mom is great too".
Victoria felt a surge of emotion at Jude's words. She reached out and gently patted his head before turning to Jayce. "Mr. Caldwell, let's not say things like that again, okay?"
Jayce's brows furrowed tightly as he mulled over the situation. He then wondered, "What now? Jude made it clear he didn't want his parents to divorce. But Victoria's unhappy, and she wants out. Will she follow his wishes and avoid any new relationships even if she gets divorced later?"
As Jayce was lost in thought, his gaze dipped slightly. Noticing this, Sunny, who was sitting nearby, scooted closer to Jude.
After the car had driven for a while, Jayce broke the silence, saying, "I need to stop by Night Club."
Victoria nodded. "Alright, I'll take the next turn and drop you off."
Jayce looked up and watched her as she drove. "Henry reached out to me about Sophia. He wants to stand up for her."
Hearing that, Victoria instinctively tightened her grip on the steering wheel. Her lips pressed before she finally said, "I'll go with you."
The mention of Night Club immediately caught Jude's attention. "Mom, can I go find Emma?"
"Sure." Victoria nodded with a small smile.
At Night Club, When the receptionist spotted Victoria, she greeted her warmly. "Oh, hello, Ms. Hardwick. Are you here to see Ms. Clarke?" Because of Victoria's connection to Evie, all the staff here were quite familiar with her.
Victoria smiled as she asked, "Is she in?"
The receptionist nodded. "She is. I'll let her know you're here." She pressed the Bluetooth earpiece in her ear, and after a brief exchange, she turned to Victoria. "Ms. Clarke is in the lounge. You can head straight up."
Victoria turned to Jayce. "I'll join you in a bit."
"Got it," Jayce replied with a nod before stepping into the elevator. As the doors slid shut, he finally pulled his gaze away. All he could think about was that he should make Victoria understand how terrible Henry was–he was far from someone trustworthy or deserving of her confidence.
Once they got to the lounge, Evie yawned, glancing over at them with a raised eyebrow. "Hm? Why are you guys here?"
Victoria replied, "Help me keep an eye on him for a bit. I need to head down."
Evie perked up with interest. "What's happening? Need my help?"
Victoria shook her head. "Not yet at least. I'll handle it first." There was a hint of worry in her expression; she didn't want Jayce to get caught up in her troubles.
At the same time, in a well–lit private room, Henry was standing still, and the light reflected off his fingers with a faint, icy glow.
Soon after, Jayce walked in silently and took a seat on the sofa. Henry placed a glass of whiskey in front of him before sitting down nearby. His voice was calm, almost indifferent, as he asked, "You're just gonna pretend I didn't say anything, huh?"
Jayce looked up at him, his eyes darkening and narrowing slightly. The mole under his eye only added to his striking appearance. "I just can't stand by while someone bullies her."
He paused for a moment and added, "But what about you? As her husband, what's your plan? Your wife gets bullied, and you just let the person off with a slap on the wrist?"
Henry's sharp eyes carried a trace of cool detachment. He took a sip of his drink before finally speaking, "She's already been warned. She won't dare to act recklessly again. If you keep pushing her into a corner, it'll only make her fight back harder".
"She's powerless against you or me, so where do you think she'll turn her attention? To Victoria, of course."
His voice grew colder. "Jayce, are you going to put her in danger?"
Jayce stared at him his gaze heavy. "I'll protect her. Unlike you, I don't have all those restrictions tying me down. You care too much about appearances and obligations, which is why you can't have it both ways. If that's the case, then divorce her."