Chapter 128
Victoria had once begged Henry not to send their child to Harrison Villa. She promised not to interfere with Jude's education.
At the time, Henry was seated in his study, staring at his computer. His gaze never once shifted to her, and his tone was as cold as ever. "They will raise him better."
At that moment, she realized her pleas were futile.
All she could do was watch helplessly as three–year–old Jude was taken away.
In the days that followed, she held on to hope, treating them warmly and giving her all.
But five years passed, and nothing changed. He had said he didn't love her, and he meant it. Even Jude had grown to resemble his father. He was cold, serious, and full of disdain for her.
The day she saw the photo of Henry and Sarah, she had been driving on the road. For a moment, her mind went blank. All she could think about was the warmth in his eyes as he looked at Sarah. She had never had that kind of warmth. Then, the car accident happened.
Victoria felt like a spectator, watching the events of the past five years play out again. She saw the woman lying on the operating table, tears slipping from her eyes, but her face remained expressionless.
She had thought she hadn't lost her memory so the hypnosis was just a chance to sleep. She hadn't expected to relive those five years and come out of it with her heart colder and harder than ever.
When the woman in the hospital bed awoke, the images vanished, and Victoria fell into a deep sleep.
Gideon stepped out of the room and saw Henry standing by the window, gazing outside. He walked over and said, "I'll remind you again. Don't get your hopes up. Hypnosis isn't guaranteed to work."
Henry asked coldly, "What will happen if it fails?"
Gideon shrugged. "Then nothing."
Pushing his glasses up, he added, "But what if she regains her memory and still wants a divorce? What will you do then?"
Before Henry could reply, Gideon continued, "Tell me, why don't you want a divorce? Is it because you've grown attached after living together for five years?"
"You talk too much," Henry said coolly, ignoring the question.
"Tell me, what will you do if she insists on divorce even after she recovers her memory?" Gideon was persistent. He would not give up until he got an answer.
Henry pulled out a pack of cigarettes, took one out, and lit it. Thin white smoke spiraled into the air as he narrowed his eyes. His voice was calm as he replied, "Then, we'll divorce."
He thought, "She's just a woman. Does she really think I can't live without her?"
Gideon looked at him in surprise. "You've made up your mind?"
Henry didn't respond. Instead, he asked, "When will she wake up?"
Gideon glanced at his watch. "About two hours."
After hypnosis, the brain needed time to recover, and two hours of deep sleep was part of that process.
The clouds drifted lazily, dimming the harsh sunlight. A gentle breeze rustled the persimmon tree in the courtyard, filling the moment with an unnatural stillness.
Gideon studied Henry for a long moment before suddenly breaking info a cryptic smile.
Henry frowned, casting him a glance. Deciding Gideon might be insane, he moved a few steps away.
The sound of the door opening echoed through the room, drawing the attention of both men.
Victoria stepped out, her face still carrying a trace of sleepiness. When her beautiful eyes swept across the room, Henry felt his breath inexplicably hitch.
"Awake? How do you feel?" Gideon walked over, carefully observing her expression, a faint smile on his face.
Victoria replied, "The incense here is quite nice. I slept very well."
Gideon raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you recover any of the memories you've lost?"
Victoria smiled faintly, "A little, I suppose."
"Oh?" Gideon raised his eyebrows. "How much exactly?"
Victoria fell silent for a moment, lowering her head slightly. After a pause, she said, "I remembered that chaotic morning five years ago and the wedding that not a single person blessed."
The room fell eerily silent at her words, the oppressive atmosphere spreading slowly, leaving a suffocating tension.
"That's all?" Gideon pressed further.
"Well, that's all for now." Victoria nodded.
Since he had said her memory recovery would lead to a divorce, she decided to let her memories come back very slowly.
Her gaze shifted to Henry, her expression cold and indifferent. She asked, "Will you keep your promise?"
Henry's expression was dark. There was no emotion in his sharp, alluring eyes.
With a cold demeanor, he said, "Since you've remembered, you should know what happened five years ago. How exactly did you drug me?"
"Not me."
Victoria's expression was very calm. "I'm just as confused. I want to figure out what happened five years ago, too."
Henry let out a cold chuckle, clearly dismissive of her words.
Gideon glanced at him in surprise. He thought, "Well, that's not what you were saying earlier!"
Henry's tall figure approached Victoria step by step. He studied her furrowed brows, his gaze dark. "If it wasn't you, then was it me? Do you think I even knew who you were back then?"
Victoria thought her heart had grown cold and resilient, but his words still managed to sting.
How could someone be so cruel? Her face darkened. She said, "It wasn't me. I'll find the evidence to prove it."
After a pause, she asked, "If I uncover the truth about what happened five years ago, you'll have no reason to refuse the divorce, right?"
Henry's face darkened further, his voice frigid. "Prove your innocence first, and then we'll talk."
With that, he turned and left.
Victoria clenched her bag tightly, glaring at him with frustration.
Gideon cleared his throat lightly and said, "Get some rest in the coming days. Maybe the rest of your memories will come back gradually."
Victoria suddenly looked at him and asked, "Do you happen to have a colorless and tasteless poison here?"
"What do you want that for?" Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Murder is illegal, you know."
Victoria remained expressionless. "It's fine. If I kill him, I'll serve a dozen years in prison and come out good as new."
Gideon was speechless and sighed helplessly.
He also couldn't understand what Henry was thinking. If he continued like this, he might really be killed by Victoria one day.
"I'm leaving now. Bye." Victoria reined in her emotions, said her goodbyes, and left.
At noon, Evie called to tell her she had arrived in Lanceser. Victoria drove straight to Evie's place. Seeing Evie casually throw her luggage and lie down on the sofa, she was helpless. "What caused such a long delay?"
Evie looked completely defeated. "Don't even get me started. Our original partner backed out, so I had to find a new one. But the new partner was so nitpicky about everything. I spent two whole weeks coaxing them before they finally signed the contract."