Chapter 8 Call Him Henry

Zoey was too scared to even breathe deep. She was worried Henry might get pissed and scrap the whole family union plan.

Henry glanced at Alice. "Let's bounce."

Alice nodded and trailed behind Henry.

Ethan tagged along, feeling totally floored. Henry rarely lost his cool over random stuff or people.

Alice must be something special to Henry.

Once they were in the car, Henry loosened his tie and looked at Alice. "I'll grab us some dinner, then drop you back at the Savoy Villa."

"Uncle Henry, that place isn't mine, and they don't want me there." Alice mumbled, her hair hiding her delicate face.

Henry had seen the drama earlier and knew Alice had it rough at the Savoy Villa.

Everyone in the Savoy Family knew about Oliver and Clara. Instead of calling them out, they actually cheered Clara on.

For the Savoy Family, as long as a woman could marry into the Howard Family, it was all good.

Rich family marriages were common, but the Savoy Family's greed was next level.

Henry drummed his fingers on the car window and said calmly, "Oliver messed up, so the Howard Family owes you. I have an apartment at Bluewater Bay. It's fully furnished and close to your school. I'll transfer it to you tomorrow."

Real estate at Bluewater Bay was crazy expensive, with any apartment worth nearly ten million bucks.

Alice looked up at him, "For real?"

"For real."

Alice wasn't about to turn down Henry's offer; she wanted to keep in touch with him.

She smiled, "So I'll have my own place?"

"Yep. If you need anything else, just holler, as long as I can swing it."

Alice gave him a grateful look, her nose turning red, making her look all pitiful, "Thanks, Uncle Henry. I heard you taught Oliver a lesson. Did it mess with your injury?"

"It's cool."

"Thanks for having my back." Alice thought about how Henry had promised to sort things out for her, and it turned out he beat up Oliver. She was stoked.

After a quick glance at her, Henry nodded slightly and looked out the car window.

Bernardin Restaurant was one of Loshanda's top spots, a hangout for the rich and powerful.

The decor was unique, classy, elegant, and super high-end.

Of course, the food was top-notch, and anyone who wanted to eat there had to book at least three days ahead.

When the waiter saw Henry bringing Alice into a private room, he immediately reported it to the restaurant owner.

The owner pushed the door open and walked in with a smile, "Henry's here, and this is?"

"Alice Savoy."

Henry introduced the owner to Alice, "This is Anna Parker, the owner of Bernardin Restaurant."

Alice obediently said, "Hi, Anna."

Anna looked Alice up and down and asked, "Is she Oliver's fiancée?"

Henry shot that down, "Nope, without an engagement party, she's not engaged yet."

Anna was sharp and figured something was up.

She gave Alice a knowing smile and said, "This is the first time Henry's brought a girl here for a meal."

"Didn't I bring Ophelia here before?" Henry poured two glasses of water and handed one to Alice.

Anna clicked her tongue, "Ophelia calls you Uncle Henry."

"She calls me Uncle Henry too."

Anna laughed, "Ophelia's coming back soon, right?"

"In about half a month, she said she wanted to come to Bernardin Restaurant to eat your pastries."

"No prob, I'll whip up whatever she wants." Anna turned to Alice, "What about you, hon? It's on the house today."

Alice gave a faint smile, "Thanks, anything's fine."

"Cool, I'll get you some of our specialties. Hang tight, I'll have the kitchen get started."

Henry smiled, "Appreciate it."

After Anna left, Henry rubbed the rim of his glass. "Anna's pretty blunt, don't mind her. To me, you and Ophelia are the same, both my nieces."

Alice got the hint. He didn't want her to think his kindness was anything more than an elder looking out for a younger generation.

Even though it stung a bit, Alice nodded and smiled, "I get it, Uncle Henry."

Before long, Anna herself wheeled in a cart loaded with eight specialty dishes, introducing each one before heading out.

Henry wiped his hands with a hot towel. "Bernardin's salmon is famous, give it a try."

Alice nodded and took a bite of the salmon, "Wow, this is really good."

She sampled the other dishes, giving fair and thoughtful reviews.

Henry listened to her articulate comments, realizing she wasn't the uneducated bumpkin people made her out to be.

His eyes deepened.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Henry didn't think much of it, assuming it was staff, and let them in.

Seeing who it was, Henry's hand froze mid-air.

A soft voice chimed, "Henry, didn't expect to see you here."

Henry responded with a cool, indifferent look.

Julia Diaz stared at Henry with burning eyes, unable to hide her feelings.

Every time she saw Henry, it felt like her enthusiasm was doused with ice water, but she was still drawn to his aloof nature, like nothing in the world could rattle him.

At the large round table, there were two seats between Henry and Alice.

Julia walked over and plopped down next to Henry, tilting her head with a smile, "I saw the waitstaff coming in and out, figured it might be you. So, I came to check." She then looked at Alice, "And you are?"

Henry put down his utensils and looked at Alice, "You done eating?"

Alice nodded, "Yeah."

"Then let's roll." Henry stood up.

Alice followed him out of the private room and said softly, "Uncle Henry, I need to hit the restroom."

"Alright, I'll wait in the car."

Alice nodded and watched Henry head towards the elevator before turning to the restroom.

When she came out of the stall, she saw Julia at the mirror, applying lipstick.

After washing her hands, Alice was about to leave.

Julia stepped to the left, blocking Alice's path. She raised her chin arrogantly. "What's your name?"

Alice looked at her coldly, "Move."

Julia sneered, "You think you're special? Who do you think you are? Just 'cause you have a pretty face, you think you can snag Henry? Don't think just 'cause he took you out for dinner, you can have a thing with him! Let me tell you, Henry's wife can only be me! Stay away from him!"

"Done? You can move now." Alice shot back.

"What?" Julia's eyes widened in disbelief, "Did you just insult me?"

"I get it now, no wonder Henry left as soon as you showed up. Your filthy words were stinking up the place." Alice smirked, "Move, if you know what's good for you."

"Did you just call him Henry?" Julia's eyes flared with rage, "Who do you think you are!"

"Zip it! Your breath stinks!"

"You!"

Alice suddenly lifted her foot and made a move to kick towards Julia's belly.