Chapter 196
James turned to Sebastian. "Sebastian, help your mom inside to rest and take some medicine. Can't you see how unwell she looks?"
James was pulling his usual act. He hadn't shown his face when the argument started, but now, here he was, playing peacemaker like this was just some silly fight between kids and parents.
Evie couldn't help but laugh. "What do you mean 'put this behind us'? You heard how nasty she was when she went off on Victoria, didn't you? And why are you guys even putting on this act if you hate Victoria so much? Newsflash–she doesn't need your approval, anyway."
James' face hardened with authority. "Look, I get that you're Victoria's friend, and you want to stick up for her. But we're still family–blood is thicker than water. Maybe let's not say things we can't take back."
Evie was about to fire back, but Victoria tugged her sleeve. She shut up right away, but not before shooting James the most epic eye roll.
Victoria kept her cool. "Let me make this crystal clear. I don't accept her apology, and I'm done with the Hardwick. If you can understand what I'm saying, stop trying to twist this around. If not, well, that's your problem."
With that, she turned and walked away. There was no point in dragging this out any longer. She was never setting foot in Hardwick Villa again.
"Victoria!" James called after her, looking seriously pissed. He'd tried to give her an easy out, so why wouldn't this stubborn girl just take it? Did she really want to cut ties with the Hardwick family for good? That was absolutely out of the question.
As long as Victoria and Henry remained married, she had to stay part of the Hardwick family.
"If you are too old to understand what's good for you, Mr. Hardwick, maybe you should hand the company over to someone who does," Henry said icily.
James' expression stiffened. After a moment's thought, he said, "Henry, family drama is family drama. We shouldn't let it affect company business, right? Why have you been rejecting all the partnership proposals I sent over?"
Henry stood there looking every bit the aristocrat with his handsome features and cold demeanor. His voice was deep and pleasant, but his words cut like ice. "Because they're trash. Not worth my time."
He turned away, his eyes landing on Victoria as she was about to get into someone else's car. His brows furrowed.
"Where did she think she was going? We weren't done here."
James looked seriously annoyed but didn't dare make a scene in front of Henry. With so many people around, he couldn't bring himself to swallow his pride, either. All he could do was watch them leave.
Sarah stood there, completely stunned. Seeing Henry defend Victoria so completely today left her feeling panicked and jealous.
Sarah thought, "Henry has actually fallen for Victoria. Even bringing up my sister won't work anymore."
No, this couldn't happen. She bolted up and ran toward Henry. "Henry!"
Henry's brow furrowed. With a quick wave of his hand, two bodyguards rushed out and grabbed Sarah before she could reach him.
He gave her a cold look and then suddenly said, "Take her with us."
The bodyguards dragged Sarah into their car.
Henry strode over to Victoria and grabbed her hand firmly. "Victoria, there's somewhere I need you to go with me," he said in a low voice.
"No way, let go of me." Victoria wasn't having any of it. Whatever he had to say, she didn't want to hear it. All she wanted was to get back to her studio, back to her space.
But Henry gripped her shoulders, looking straight into her eyes. His voice was dead serious. "After we go there, we'll talk about our future. This time, I'll seriously consider whatever you say, okay?"
Victoria looked at him with calm, deep eyes that held no warmth. "Can I still trust you?"
The words hit Henry like a knife to the heart.
His grip tightened unconsciously as he swallowed hard. "You can trust me."
Evie and Pete walked over just then.
Hearing his words, Evie let out a harsh laugh. "Trusting a man? Yeah right. Pigs might as well fly."
Pete shot her an exasperated look. "Come on, you can't just write off every guy like that."
Evie glanced at him. "Trust me. I know what I'm talking about. Men are all the same."
Pete had no comeback for that one.
Victoria stayed quiet for a moment, her eyes downcast in thought, before finally saying, "Okay."
She was giving him one last chance.
Victoria turned to Evie and Pete. "You guys head back to my studio. I'll be there soon."
"What if something happens?" Pete frowned concern written all over his face. "I should stick around."
Evie nodded quickly. "Yeah, let us stay. That way, if anyone tries anything funny, we've got your back." She shot a pointed look at Henry's stony expression.
Victoria smiled, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Their hands were tied since she was so adamant about it.
Victoria turned and got into Henry's car.
As the car disappeared into the distance, Evie clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Who knows what that jerk is up to now? What if he pulls some dirty tricks to stop Victoria from divorcing him?"
Pete's usually gentle face turned serious. "I'll help her," he said simply.
Evie sighed and shook her head, not taking his words seriously at all. In Lanceser, Henry's word was law. When he didn't want something to happen, who could possibly stand in his way?
She got into her car. "Let's head back and wait for news."