It was late at night, and the mansion was silent.
Henry unbuttoned his clothes as he slowly walked up the stairs. The housekeepers were already asleep and only left one light switched on.
In the bedroom on the east side of the second floor, he gently pushed the door open and was greeted by a warm and inviting glow.
Crystal wasnât asleep yet. Clad in thick pajamas, she was reading a script on the couch.
Henry gently closed the door.
âAre the kids asleep? Did they drink something warm before going to bed?â
Crystal put her script away and raised her head to look at him.
Henry approached her, intending to give her a kiss, but thought better of it. âLet me take a shower first,â he said in a low voice.
Crystal wanted to get up to prepare supper for him, but he stopped her from doing so.
âStay here. Iâll cook some spaghetti myself later.â
With that, he went to take a shower..
After taking a shower, he sensed that the somber scent he had picked up from the rented house had dissipated somewhat.
Feeling improved, he joined Crystal and settled beside her, sharing a tender embrace for a brief while.
As he had taken a shower, he was clad in trousers and a clean shirt.
Crystal knew him well enough. He would tense up whenever his thoughts were occupied.
She leaned on his shoulders and asked, âWhat happened?â
âItâs nothing,â Henry responded as he touched her cheek gently.
Henry proceeded downstairs to prepare some spaghetti and brought a plate back upstairs for Crystal. However, she wasnât particularly hungry as she had indulged in some nutritious broth earlier and was also conscious of maintaining her figure. Despite her pregnancy, she couldnât eat as freely as she wished.
Henry knew her well.
He felt better as he ate the plate of spaghetti beside her.
Crystal kept him company, observing his face under the lights. He would turn thirty-six after the New Year. Despite his age, he only bore a few wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, adding a touch of maturity to his appearance.
Crystal reached out to touch the corner of his eyes gently.
Henry paused briefly before he resumed eating his spaghetti. âDo you want to do it again? We just did it once in the evening As he spoke, he caressed her bulging belly.
Crystalâs face burned, and her heart pounded wildly.
Though she initially intended to push him away, when her hand met his warm palm, she found herself unable to carry out her plan. Softly, she uttered, âPlease, stop.â
Henry chuckled before finishing his spaghetti.
He cleared the mess before bringing Crystal to the couch, allowing her to lean against him while he gently combed her hair with his fingers.
It was a pleasant and comforting moment for both of them, and Crystal felt at ease.
Leaning against his shoulder, she whispered, âHenry, youâve changed a lot!â
âIn what way?â
âFor example, you wouldnât have eaten spaghetti here at the coffee table. You used to be pretty particular.â
Henry patted her cheek and flashed an affectionate smile.
Crystal buried her face in his chest, and after a prolonged silence, she mumbled, âCan you tell me now what happened?â
Henry hadnât initially intended to divulge details about the dark events, but he knew they were connected, to her.
After a brief consideration, he decided to be honest with her. âCrystal, I have a suspicion that the incident) with the chandelier falling from the ceiling was not a coincidence. It appears someone had orchestrated it he revealed.
âDo you suspect Clementine?â Crystal asked as she sat up.
Her coffee-colored hair was a little messy. Using her fingers, she began to comb her hair in an alluring manner.
They were talking about something serious, but Henry spaced out.
He appeared amused. âThey say women become denser during pregnancy. Why did you become smarter, though? I guess my IQ mustâve balanced it out,â he quipped, then reached out to gently pat her belly.
Crystal was both embarrassed and furious. âWeâre talking about something serious here!â
Henry collected himself and said, âI think Clementine bribed the technician, but that person died this evening. He was killed in the middle of having sex.â
Despite having braced herself, Crystal felt a chill go down her spine when she heard that.
Frowning slightly, she responded, âClementine is slender. Even if the man werenât on his guard, killing him so effortlessly wouldnât be easy. She must have other tricks up her sleeve.â
Henryâs gaze lit up, for their line of thought coincided.
He found pleasure in the way their thoughts seemed to align without the need for spoken words.
Crystal was about to speak when Henryâs phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and realized it was the private investigator. Without hesitation, he answered the call in Crystalâs presence. The private investigator immediately reported in a low voice, âThe prosecutor has updates. They discovered a drug in that manâs stomach, which couldâve caused his death. Otherwise, itâs highly unlikely that an adult man could be overpowered by a woman.â
Henry ended the call.
He glanced at Crystal, who seemed to be in deep thought.
âA penny for your thoughts!â Henry pinched her cheek lightly.
Hearing that, Crystal fixed her gaze on him and told him, âI was thinking if Robertâs accident wasnât a coincidence. Could Clementine have orchestrated that as well?â
Henryâs gaze intensified slightly, but he remained silent.
Crystal couldnât stand it and asked, âWhy are you staring at me like this?â
âBecause youâre beautiful!â Henry chuckled softly. âAre you not worried that Iâll get jealous?â
Crystal leaned into his arms.
He gently placed his hand on her belly. It felt warm due to the falling snow outside. Crystal found solace in not having to worry about anything and entrusting everything to Henry.
She said gently, âIâm pregnant with your child. Why would you get jealous?â
Henry merely chuckled in response.
He rested his chin on her head and confessed, âWhen I reminisce about the foolish things I did in the past. I sometimes worry that you might not want me anymore.â
Crystal responded with a soft chuckle.
Feeling drowsy, she murmured, âMiss Hopper called earlier today to inform me that Sylvester is going in for his second surgery.
Iâd like to visit him, Henry.â
Henry didnât say no.
Sylvester might be in love with Crystal, but he had indeed saved Crystalâs life.
He wanted to accompany her there, but she said gently, âItâs not necessary. I know youâre busy. Edith can stay with me, and I have the bodyguards here.â
Crystal was already an adult, so Henry couldnât keep her locked up at home just because of the accident.
He agreed readily.
The following morning, Crystal invited Ingrid to visit Sylvester together.
Seeing Crystal in better spirits, Ingrid spoke cheerfully. âSylvesterâs face might have been injured, but Mr. Miller hired a foreign doctor to treat him. They say his face can be restored to about seventy to eighty percent.â
Crystal said nothing.
While his face could potentially be restored to eighty percent, it would still be challenging for him to resume his career as an actor.
Ingrid offered her a reassuring pat and said, âHis dream wasnât actually to become an actor.â
Crystal forced out a smile..
Edith opened the door for them, and upon entering, they immediately spotted Clementine in the ward.
Clementine possessed excellent social skills and had already won over Sylvesterâs mother. His mother appeared worried and continuously wiped away her tears. It was clear that both women empathized with each other.
Ingrid frowned and whispered in Crystalâs ear, âI think she has an ulterior motive!â
Naturally, Crystal knew that well.
She speculated that Clementine was aware of her arrival and had come early to unsettle her. Crystal didnât have any objections to Clementine contacting the Sloan family, but she considered Clementine to be a risky individual.
Crystal gazed downward and resolved to take action.
She gestured for Ingrid to come over and whispered something in her ear.
Hearing that, Ingrid burst out laughing and teased, âI canât believe you came out with that. No wonder youâre able to keep a leash on Mr. Miller!â
Crystal merely smiled in response.
As she seemed indifferent, Clementine put her guard down.
Yes, it was me who harmed Crystal and Sylvester. So what? Crystal doesnât know anything, and Sylvesterâs mother is foolish enough to tell me about their familyâs private affairs. She trusts me.
Sylvesterâs mother was a respectable woman, but the fact that her son had been injured while trying to save Crystal left her feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
The atmosphere was awkward. After exchanging pleasantries with her, Crystal approached the bed to talk to Sylvester. It was Sylvesterâs first time seeing her since the accident, and he had mixed emotions. He was glad that she was there, but he also harbored resentment toward her for taking so long to visit him.
As he was in love with her, Crystal knew she had to set boundaries.
Edith opened a lunch box, and a delicious smell wafted out.
Crystal cheerfully informed him, âYou donât need fruits and supplements right now, so Iâve prepared savory oatmeal for you. The kids really enjoy it, especially Skyler.â
Despite her warm tone, she subtly conveyed her maternal role.
Beside them. Chelseaâs expression relaxed. âThank you, Crystal.â
Crystal made way for her. âWhy donât you feed him. Mrs. Sloan?â
Sylvester had been eating very little lately, which concerned Chelsea. She approached him and started feeding him. While he savored the food, she commented, âThis oatmeal looks quite tasty. I think if I can cook like this, Sylvester will start gaining weight soon.â
Crystalâs lips curved. âI can cook it every day and ask my driver to deliver it to him.â
Chelsea felt a bit embarrassed and swiftly added that it was too much trouble for Crystal.
After all, Crystal was still pregnant, and Chelsea knew that Crystal came from a well-off family. She thought it was fine to cook for Sylvester a few times out of gratitude, but she didnât want Crystal to feel like their housekeeper.
Crystal didnât insist.
She cast a glance at Sylvester, whose face was concealed by bandages, leaving only his eyes visible. He appeared more subdued than his usual self and didnât seem inclined to engage in conversation.
Before Crystal left, he said softly, âI didnât regret my actions!â
Crystal halted beside the door as sadness washed over her.
It was a source of stress to be the recipient of affection but unable to reciprocate, particularly when the person in question was a young man like Sylvester, Robertâs nephew.
In the end, she sighed aloud. âIâll visit you a few days later!â
After she left, Clementine went after her.
However, Ingrid stayed behind.
She blinked before taking a seat beside Sylvesterâs bed. Being a bold and sociable person, she didnât see the need to mince words. âThatâs enough. You were looking forward to her visit, werenât you? Why didnât you speak to her while she was here? Let me make something clear. Even if Crystal gets a divorce, sheâll never be with you. After all, she had a history with your uncleâ
Sylvester knew that well.
He responded softly, âThat wasnât what I meant.â
Chelsea said gratefully, âI feel much better now that Crystal has visited Sylvester. Henry may have offered us a lot of compensation, but you understand Sylvesterâs feelings.â
She sighed before adding, âMiss Dynah was really helpful, too.â
She finally got to the point.
Ingrid couldnât help but cover her lips and giggle. âMiss Dynah is a lovely woman. Sheâs single and used to chase after Sylvester enthusiastically. I believe thereâs a chance they might end up together, despite the age difference.â
Hearing that, Chelsea froze in her tracks.
Clementine used to pursue Sylvester?
Refusing to believe it, she asked, âIs that true?â
Sylvester remembered the moment when Clementine had given him her business card and hinted at becoming his benefactor.
He remained silent in response to Chelseaâs query.
At once, Chelsea flew into a rage.
She promptly disposed of the items Clementine had brought and declared, âShe may have seemed pleasant, but sheâs actually ignorant. She has been involved with numerous men, so how dare she Sylvester?â
Sylvester didnât want his mother to get involved with Clementine, but he couldnât say that out loud earlier. Ingridâs words had severed their friendship, which was precisely what he had desired.
He whispered, âThanks, Ingrid.â
Ingrid, known for her helpful nature, bent down and replied in a hushed tone, âIt was Crystalâs suggestion. She knew you were bothered by Clementine.â
Sylvesterâs fists balled up slightly.
While Ingrid tucked him in, she went on, âShe genuinely cares for you, but as a married woman, she canât keep visiting. Please understand her situation. Focus on your recovery, and donât let her be concerned.â
Sylvester grunted in response.
Ingrid patted his head and teased, âIf I donât have a man. Iâll definitely rescue you.â
With that, she spun on her heels and strutted away.
After leaving the hospital, Ingrid headed straight to a cafe where Crystal was waiting for her.
Sitting down, Ingrid sipped on her coffee and said cheerfully, âI did as you said. As expected, Sylvesterâs mom immediately took a dislike to Clementine and wanted to cut ties with her.â
Crystal, unable to drink coffee due to her pregnancy, simply stirred her cup and let out a soft chuckle. âSylvester is injured, and his mother needs someone to confide in. Clementineâs personal life wasnât her concern. But if Clementine has any intentions involving her son, she wonât permit it.â
Ingrid praised her for her intelligence, and Crystal forced out a smile in return.
There were certain things she couldnât express to Ingrid, so she had to act discreetly.
She strongly suspected Clementine was the one responsible for the harm to both her and Sylvester, so she had no intention of allowing Clementine to stay close to Sylvester.
Crystal wanted to protect the young man.
Without raising any suspicions, she discreetly arranged for a few bodyguards to be present at the hospital, dressed inconspicuously.
The bodyguards were Henryâs, so he was aware of her actions.
When Henry called her to inquire about the situation at the hospital, she explained what had occurred. She had expected him to react with jealousy, but to her surprise, he simply responded, âJust proceed as youâve planned, Miss Winters.â
Every time he acted nice, Crystal would have a bad feeling.
As expected, after he got home from work, he put the kids to bed and dealt with his work.
He then proceeded to torture her in bed.
Henry had always been assertive in the bedroom, but on that particular night, he held her in his arms and gently traced a finger along her check. He teased, âMiss Winters, tonight, Iâll follow your lead.â
Heâs so shameless!
An intimate session ensued.
Henry nibbled at her throat and whispered, âMen can sometimes feel jealous, but please donât make me too despondent, Crystal.â
Crystal rested her head on his shoulder.
After everything they had experienced, their relationship had grown significantly closer than it had been before.
Nonetheless, there were still some matters he hadnât been completely forthright about with her, and she didnât feel the need to rush him.
She reached out to trace his features and lowered her voice. âHenry, weâve been together for so long, but why do you still get jealous?â
His gaze turned dark.
When her finger reached his mouth, he bit it gently.
âAs long as I love you, Iâll always get jealous over you!â