Chapter 234: Just Agree to It

In the end, Sophie circled back to her original demand: a divorce. "Sophie, our three-year agreement has indeed come to an end. It's time we parted amicably. I know you look down on me, and to my own dismay, I've fallen in love with you!" "So, I can't agree to a divorce, not now at least!" "If you insist on this path, then take me to court!" Henry declared firmly, then picked up a full glass of red wine and downed it in one gulp. Sophie was taken aback. She hadn't expected Henry to say these things, especially the part about being in love with her, which sent ripples through her heart. Which woman wouldn't like to hear these words? But she saw no other way. Only through this could Henry be free from any ties and search for his sister in peace. "I... I'm doing this for your good. Just agree to it," Sophie finally said, biting her lip. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air was tinged with awkwardness. "Alright, I agree," Henry said. Hearing this, Sophie's heart ached suddenly. She wanted to cry, but the tears just swirled in her eyes, never falling. "When do you plan to start the proceedings?" she asked. "Not now. Your birthday is in a few days. I'll spend it with you, and after that, I'll follow your lead on what to do next," Henry replied. Sophie was surprised Henry remembered her birthday. She had been so busy she'd almost forgotten, but Henry remembered it so clearly. "Okay, then that's settled." "I'm a bit tired. Take me home," Sophie said, standing up and walking out with her bag. "My silly dear, just wait and see. It won't be long before you realize that having you is all I, Henry, need in this life. And you, you'll be the happiest woman in the whole world," Henry mused to himself, watching her retreating figure. Half an hour later, Henry dropped Sophie off at her apartment complex. As he handed her the car keys, he scratched his head and said, "You should head up. I’ll be going now." Sophie’s expression flickered with indecision. Part of her wanted to invite Henry in, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. After all, they were getting a divorce; it all seemed unnecessary now. "You… you don’t want to come up for a bit?" "No, your parents are home. I don’t want to intrude," Henry replied with a hint of resignation. "Where are you staying now?" she asked. "Don’t worry about me. Worst comes to worst, I can always crash under a bridge!" Henry said with a wry smile, then added, "Just focus on your work. Leave the rest to me. Even if I'm a good-for-nothing, as a husband in name, I won’t let anyone mess with you." With that, Henry turned and walked away. Sophie watched his retreating figure, fighting the urge to call him back. But the words stuck in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes once more. "You idiot, don’t you know how I feel?" she muttered to herself, stomping her foot as Henry disappeared from view. After leaving the complex, Henry received a message from Felix, informing him that everyone was waiting at the Marriott International Hotel. He hailed a cab and headed back to the hotel. "Mr. Carson!" As Henry entered, everyone rose to greet him respectfully. "Ah, everyone's here," Henry noted, scanning the room. Besides Zane, many key players were present: Felix from Marriott International, Dina from Dina International, Robert from The Anderson Group, Maxen from Stoneland, and Jarvis from Rivertide. Taking his place at the head of the table, Henry exuded the aura of a supreme leader. "Anything happen while I was away?" "King City has been rather calm," Felix quickly reported. "Stoneland is quiet too, no unusual activities," Maxen added. "Rivertide has settled down now. Gideon Joyce and his crew have been quiet," another chimed in. Henry nodded slightly at these updates. "These past few days, I’ve been out and about. Axel has been making moves in the shadows, and it looks like he's gearing up for something big soon," Henry stated. "Mr. Carson, there’s something I need to report. The expert Robert and I hired will arrive in King City tonight," Felix interjected eagerly. It must be said, while these people were forces prepared by Vincent Carson for Henry, each of them harbored their own ambitions. Even under Henry's command, they were all scheming to develop their own power bases, seeking long-term growth under his protection. So, this time, without any prompting from Henry, they had already started preparing to confront Axel. "Mr. Carson, actually, there are quite a few smaller families that have crossed paths with Axel. Now that Axel is making a comeback, some families have been swayed to his side, while others, reluctant to pledge allegiance to him, have hired experts in the hopes of taking Axel down," Felix reported, glancing at Henry cautiously. "Oh?" Henry's interest was piqued. "How many experts have you all hired?" Felix furrowed his brows and exchanged glances with the others, replying, "Together with those from Stoneland and Rivertide, around a dozen or so." "Heh, seems like you're all geared up. But as far as I know, the guys around Axel are no pushovers. Are your hired guns a match for them?" Henry asked with a chuckle. "Don't worry, Mr. Carson. We've got it planned. We'll hold an internal competition first. The ultimate winner will get a billion as commission." "A billion?" Henry was taken aback. "That's a hefty sum. But what if they're no match for Axel? Will they still get paid?" "The money is paid upfront! Win or lose, they get paid," Felix clarified. "Alright, suit yourselves. When's the competition? I might drop by to take a look," Henry said, intrigued. "Tonight at eight." "Good. Give me a call then. For now, I need you guys to investigate something for me," Henry instructed. "Whatever you need, Mr. Carson," they all replied eagerly. This was an opportunity to curry favor with Henry. The one who proved most helpful to Mr. Carson would undoubtedly reap the greatest benefits in the future, just like Felix had. Despite Felix's inferior capabilities compared to Robert, he had made a strategic move that paid off, earning him Henry's favor. Now, Henry had even started entrusting him with matters in other cities, a development that boded well for Felix's future. "Have you heard anything about foreign investment firms coming to Borealia or King City recently?" This query made everyone frown. Foreign investment firms? Why had they not heard anything about this? Eventually, all shook their heads in negation. "Alright, I'll leave this matter to Zane then," Henry decided. "Next, I want to discuss another matter. I'm planning to host a banquet in Borealia, but I haven't decided which city to hold it in yet. Let's focus on the current issues for now. Once we're done, if any of you have suggestions, feel free to share them with me." At this announcement, everyone's expression changed again. A banquet hosted by Henry was bound to be a grand affair. Whichever city was chosen to host this prestigious event would gain immense honor and benefits. With this in mind, everyone started to strategize, hoping to seize the opportunity. Observing their reactions, Henry understood everything, his mind already forming a plan.