Chapter 16: Crossing Paths with an Old Foe

Henry's heart skipped a beat. Thinking on his feet, he quickly offered, "Remember the time I got hit? It's the compensation they gave me for medical and missed work. I've been meaning to tell you but never found the right moment." For a moment, Sophie had fancifully imagined that Henry was some wealthy heir. But his explanation brought her swiftly back to reality. How could it be? If Henry really was that influential, he wouldn’t put up with the humiliations from the Mitchell family. The one thing Sophie couldn’t figure out was how Theo Roberts and Ella Mitchell got arrested, especially considering Theo’s father was a city official. As Henry and Sophie were leaving the hotel, Felix Cooper was observing them from a distance. Henry had noticed it too. "Go ahead home, Sophie. I had a bit too much to drink and feel a little dizzy. I'll walk it off," Henry said after Sophie and her parents got into their car. "Why did you drink if you knew it would affect you this way?" Sophie grumbled. "At 88,000 a bottle, it'd be wasteful not to," Henry countered. "Such a peasant," Leah Mitchell muttered. Henry, unfazed, added, "I've heard that the bottle base and cap are made of 24K pure gold." "What? Why didn’t you tell us sooner? That's real gold!" Leah exclaimed, ready to dash back to the hotel. But Sophie sped away, leaving the hotel behind. "You're quite the enigma," Rowan Erickson whispered to Henry as she discreetly handed him her card. "If you’re ever interested, drop by my gallery, 'Treasure Trove'." Sophie, however, was growing increasingly suspicious. "Rowan Erickson is known to be quite choosy. Why did she give you her card?" Henry, looking slightly bemused, replied, "Probably mistook me for an art appraiser." "But what about your bank card? How come you have so much money?" As they delved deeper into this discussion, Felix Cooper finally approached, his face a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Mr. Cooper," Henry began, "you've conducted yourself well. Remember what we discussed about discretion." Felix Cooper nodded vigorously. "Of course, and please, just call me Felix. It'd be bad if someone overheard our conversation." After some further exchange, Felix carefully handed Henry a meticulously crafted wooden box. Inside was an exquisite, aged landscape painting. The signature and seal of Quincy Donovan, a famous painter from the Ming dynasty, adorned its corner. Henry expertly examined the piece, even showcasing the unique coffee-colored marks on the back, known as "transparency," a sign of its antiquity and authenticity. Felix, seeing Henry's appreciation, relaxed visibly. "As long as you like it, Mr. Yang. If I find other treasures in the future, I'll be sure to acquire them for you." Chuckling, Henry replied, "You're quite considerate. Thank you." With the painting secured, Henry left, leaving Felix Cooper deeply relieved. Upon learning that the young master was in King City, Felix Cooper had been discreetly searching for Henry. He knew that establishing a rapport with Henry first, and earning his trust, would pave the way for unparalleled future opportunities. So, no matter the cost, Cooper was determined to cultivate a relationship with him. "Mr. Carson, there are a few others eager to meet you. Do you think you could spare some time?" Felix ventured, sensing that Henry was in a good mood. Henry figured that those seeking him out were likely on the list provided by Elder Bennett. However, considering the late hour, he declined, "Not tonight. If I get home too late, my wife won't be pleased." ... When Henry got home, he assumed everyone was asleep since the living room was empty. Trying to be quiet, he headed to his study. Unbeknownst to him, Sophie had been restless since getting home, ruminating over the events at the hotel, particularly Henry’s unexpected behavior. It was as if he was a completely different person. She'd intended to ask him about it when he got home, but as the night wore on, she began to suspect he might be out meeting Rowan Erickson. It was only when she heard the soft click of the study door that she relaxed. It dawned on her that over their two-year relationship, she'd developed genuine feelings for Henry. The next morning, Henry slipped out before Sophie woke up. Today, he had an appointment at Royal Entertainment Media Group. Just as Henry parked his e-bike near the company building, an Audi A6 abruptly stopped right in front of him, almost hitting him. "Are you blind? Trying to get yourself killed?" A shrill voice shot out before Henry could react. Out stepped a woman, heavily made up. Recognizing her, Henry mentally sighed, thinking: Of all the people... "Well, if it isn't Sophie's houseboy. What are you doing loitering around corporate buildings?" Chloe Foster sneered. "What's it to you?" Henry retorted, heading towards the main entrance. "You think Royal Entertainment is a place for country bumpkins like you?" Chloe stomped her foot, pointing accusingly at Henry. He coolly responded, "Is this company yours? If I'm here for a job interview, it's none of your business." "You should take a look at yourself. You think Royal Entertainment would hire someone like you? FYI, I'm the HR manager here. I’d never hire a loser like you. Now, get on your rickety bike and scram before you tarnish our company's reputation," Chloe huffed, signaling to a nearby security guard who promptly blocked Henry's path. "Please leave. Don't disrupt our work," the guard sternly told Henry. "If Royal Entertainment wishes to flourish, it should focus on hiring quality staff. Keeping someone with such deplorable behavior as yours will only bring shame. Honestly, firing you would be letting you off easy," Henry replied calmly. Chloe snorted with laughter, "Why don't you scuttle back and continue being Sophie's lapdog?" As she sauntered into the building, feeling vindicated, a BMW 730 pulled up outside the office building.