Chapter 241: I Want to Marry You

The moment Sophie laid it out like that, Lily's face couldn't help but shift, her expression a mix of discomfort and revelation. She stuttered through her words, taking her time before finally getting it out, "You're reading too much into it. Haven't I told you before? Henry, he’s really something else. I was blind before, got lost in the noise and missed what was right in front of me!" "Henry, he’s a catch, truly. You gotta hold onto him tight. Who knows how many ladies out there are dreaming of snagging him?" "Lily, what’s gotten into you?" Sophie couldn’t hide her surprise, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Don’t tell me, his playing the hero got to you too?" "What are you on about?" Lily’s retort came quick, "Even if I was desperate, I wouldn’t set my sights on my best friend’s man." "I’m just worried about you, that’s all," Lily rushed to clarify, though her eyes darted away, betraying her words. Let’s be real, which woman wouldn’t be drawn to a man like Henry? Capable and easy on the eyes, marrying him would be like hitting the jackpot, a real leap into high society. But deep down, Lily knew better. If it weren’t for Sophie, Henry wouldn’t give her the time of day, let alone a helping hand. Sophie relaxed a bit at Lily’s words but quickly frowned, "Now that you mention it, I’ve noticed Rowan from The Erickson seems quite fond of Henry’s company. You don’t think she’s into him, do you?" "Rowan? The ice queen who treats men like they’re beneath her?" Lily quizzed back. "That’s the one," Sophie confirmed with a nod. "That’s a tough call, which is why you need to keep your guard up. Don’t give anyone a chance to swoop in," Lily advised earnestly. Sophie’s expression turned thoughtful at Lily’s words, pondering over their long friendship and the advice given. "I know," she finally responded. After parting ways with Lily, Sophie found herself alone at home, restless and unable to find sleep. Her mind replayed their conversation, her hands itching to text Henry but hesitating at every turn. And so, Sophie spent the night wide awake. The next morning, as Henry was just starting his day, a call from Felix came through. Felix was on the line to update Henry about the duel with Silas Fitzgerald scheduled in three days, asking if they should drum up some publicity. After all, a victory over Silas would not only boost Henry’s reputation but could very well cement his status in Borealia. "Publicity's fine, but keep my name out of it," Henry instructed, his voice carrying that calm, commanding tone reminiscent of someone who knows how to play the game without becoming the spectacle. "Got it. Also, there's something else I need to report," Felix added, his voice a mixture of urgency and caution. It was clear his previous endeavor of hiring mercenaries had backfired, and now, he needed to regain Henry's favor. "Spill it," Henry demanded, his patience thinning. "I've dug up the dirt. That 30 billion project from The Mitchell wasn’t the work of some foreign investment firm. It was Gabriel from The Mitchell collaborating in the shadows with Axel..." Felix revealed, dropping a bombshell that confirmed Henry’s suspicions. Gabriel was no ally; his cooperation with Axel was a betrayal, aimed squarely at Henry through The Mitchell. Henry's response was terse, "I'm aware. I'll call you if I need anything." The conversation ended as quickly as it began, with Henry cutting off the call. Henry had planned to go to Sophie, to share everything. Yet, he hesitated, knowing the turmoil it would cause her. Revealing the truth would not only stress her out but might drive her to disclose everything to Joseph, who would undoubtedly side with Gabriel, leaving Sophie in a difficult position. More importantly, Henry had a vision. He wanted The Mitchell to face a crisis so dire that Joseph would see no one but Sophie could salvage it. Then, he would position Sophie at the helm of The Mitchell, not just as a figurehead but as the driving force behind its resurgence. With this in mind, Henry decided to keep Sophie in the dark for now, waiting to see Axel's next move. Meanwhile, Zane, acting on Henry's instructions, had made his way to Lumin Sky Group, motivated not just by duty but by a personal interest in Daisy. However, upon arriving, he was greeted not by a welcoming committee but by a chilling threat emanating from Daisy's office. "Ms. Cooper, surely Lumin Sky Group isn’t scrimping on spare change for us brothers, are you?" a menacing voice taunted from within. "This is outright extortion!" Daisy's voice rang out, firm and resolute. "Leave my office now, or I'm calling security!" The confrontation escalated quickly, with the intruder laying down an ultimatum: cooperate or pay up a million. He threatened to halt her construction sites with his gang if she resisted. Daisy, flushed with anger and disbelief at the audacity of modern thugs daring to extort her, reached for her phone. This was a situation that called for Henry's intervention. With a scoff that cut through the tension, the thug boasted about making Daisy regret her defiance. "Seems like it's time for you to get a taste of our might," he taunted, just as his crew started closing in on her menacingly. "Security! Security!" Daisy's voice cracked as she retreated step by step, her calls for help filling the air. Outside, Zane's expression turned fierce. In a swift motion, he kicked the office door open. "Looks like it's time for you to regret," he growled, charging at the thugs with a fury that matched the most intense scenes of cinematic showdowns. Cries of pain echoed as Zane's fists flew, each punch landing with precision and power. "Think you can mess with me? Haven't you heard? In King City, no one crosses the Trident Force without paying the price," one thug tried to retaliate with bravado, only to be met with Zane's relentless assault. "Trident Force?! I'll turn you into dead dogs today!" Zane declared, his punches growing more forceful, leaving the thugs sprawled unconscious in no time. "Zane, stop! You'll kill them," Daisy finally snapped out of her shock, rushing to pull him away. Seeing her concern, Zane's demeanor softened, his gaze filled with worry. "Daisy, are you okay?" he asked, his voice now gentle. "I'm fine, thanks to you... I don't want to think about what could have happened," Daisy replied, her eyes welling up with gratitude. "From now on, I won't let anyone bully you," Zane promised, his tone serious. Daisy's heart fluttered at his words, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Since harboring a secret affection for Henry, she knew she couldn't pursue anything due to his marital status. Yet, Zane's bold declaration suddenly cast him in a different light, making her see his impulsive nature as something endearing rather than a flaw. "Could you... say that again?" she asked, a mix of embarrassment and hope coloring her voice. Zane, though taken aback and slightly red-faced, realized there was no room for shyness. Summoning his courage, he repeated, "I said... I want to protect you for life, never let you be bullied, I want to marry you..."