Chapter 217
Chapter 217 Now We Are Even
Since Alfred had sent someone to keep watch, it was difficult for Henry to see Crystal.
While the other members of the Miller family were allowed inside, only Henry was stopped outside, leaving him with no choice but to implore Alfred.
Alfred sat inside the reception room of the hospital, busy with work. Regardless of how busy he was, he still brought his work to Barnwood as he could not leave Crystal alone in the state that she was currently.
1.
After striking Henry across the face, he proceeded to ignore him.
Henry, normally a proud man, cast aside his self-esteem and pride and knelt down before Alfred for over four hours.
A good amount of time had passed, and only then did Alfred deign to speak with him.
Although Alfred's tone had softened somewhat, he still sounded cold as he said, "Henry, it's no use even if you beg me. You know better than anyone else how it's already the end for you and Crystal. It doesn't matter if the child..."
Alfred's eyes reddened, and he lit a cigarette.
Even so, it still took him quite some time to gather himself before he was able to say, "It doesn't matter what happens to the child because it is no longer possible for the two of you! Not now, not ever. No woman can be so magnanimous unless she's a fool."
There was no way Henry did not understand what the other man meant.
He had begged Crystal relentlessly for another chance when she broke up with him, and Skyler's arrival was a gift that helped to mend their relationship.
For the past six to seven months, Crystal's attitude toward him had gone from icy to warm, and then to gentle and affectionate. The brief married life he had with her was a happy one.
Henry felt a throbbing pain in his heart, and this was reflected in his humbled attitude. "I know, Uncle Alfred. I'm only begging for a chance to take care of her."
Alfred sneered, "Are you sure you're not trying to gross her out?"
Henry felt incredibly ashamed.
Right then, Alfred's subordinate came over and reported, "Mr. Lodge, a Mr. Quinn went with Miss Quinn to Miss Winters' ward and insisted on meeting her. Miss Winters has agreed to meet them." Alfred set down the documents and hurried out, and Henry immediately followed behind.
-Inside the ward, Crystal stood in front of the window quietly.
Ever
she had given birth to Skyler, she had gotten very little sleep and she was constantly on her feet for most of the day. She anticipated the doctor coming in any moment to tell her that the child was out of danger and could be fed normally.
Although she knew that it was wishful thinking, she could not help herself from yearning for it day and. night.
In just a span of two days, she had become incredibly wan and thin.
Joshua came over with Audrey. He felt guilty when he saw the state that Crystal was in. "Crystal, I didn't mean it! I never intended for this to happen, and I'm sure Audrey had no idea either. We all wish you
well."
Crystal smiled faintly. Wish me well?
From the moment Joshua showed up, he had never given Crystal, his biological daughter, much thought and consideration despite blatantly going on and on about her being his sole biological child. Crystal turned around to look at them. Although she had lost a lot of weight, she still looked beautiful. However, the spark in her eyes had gone out, and the once gentle girl wore a deadened expression. "Do you know what I think of you?" Crystal said placidly
Joshua shuddered at her words.
Crystal went on softly, "I used to look up to you, but after some time I realized that you were just an ordinary person who had his own selfish desires. You behave like you're hauling around a load of garbage and desperately trying to sell it to others. Of course, that's only a one-sided feeling on my part. When I was in love with Henry, I also thought that Audrey was trashy, but when I no longer loved him, I finally realized that she was junk food. Although my husband disdained her, he still found her delicious."
Joshua's expression changed drastically, and Audrey's pretty features became contorted.
Just then, Alfred and Henry arrived at the door.
Crystal's gaze landed on Henry. She chuckled and said, "Henry, take out your trash and scram! I feel incredibly sick just looking at you people!"
Alfred rubbed his nose quietly.
"Crystal, this isn't Audrey's fault!" Joshua said.
"Mr. Quinn, you should leave, and never come back." Henry spoke calmly.
Audrey was not happy. "Henry, I'm sure there's still a place for me in your heart. Otherwise, why would you abandon her and embroil in a legal battle in the Kingdom of Brundela?"
Joshua slapped her across the face and muttered somberly, "How can you say that when Henry is being considerate of our past relationship?"
Still, Audrey refused to give up.
She thought she could beat Crystal, and that was the reason she had come today. She wanted to provoke
the latter.
However, Crystal no longer cared.
She took out a bank card and sneered, "What's the point of beating around the bush? Wasn't it your plan to continue to seduce Henry? Here, I'll give you this opportunity. There's over two hundred thousand in here, and there's a five-star hotel across the street. Miss Quinn, you can treat it as me hiring a hooker for Henry. If you serve him well, perhaps you'll be promoted after we divorce!"
Audrey put on a pitiful look.
Crystal threw the card at her. "Take this and my husband with you. Leave and get away from me!"
Audrey turned to look at Henry, who had gone pale.
"Leave," he spat.
Audrey jumped in fright. She had not expected Henry to treat her so coldly, thinking she still occupied a small place in his heart.
At that moment, Joshua piped up, "Henry, Audrey..
"You too! Get out!" Henry barked.
Joshua was completely taken aback. Henry has always treated me with respect... Did he just tell me to get out?
Crystal's words had also hit Henry hard. He knew that she was doing it on purpose despite knowing that he had no feelings for Audrey. Since she had said such hurtful things on purpose, she must truly want to divorce him.
Henry endured the pain and said to Joshua, "You've already said your piece so there's no longer any need for us to meet again! I will inform my father so that the Miller family and the Quinn family will no longer have anything to do with each other in the future."
Joshua was utterly stunned, but he still refused to leave.
In the end, Alfred had to call for his subordinate to kick them out.
Once outside, Alfred gave his subordinate a look, and Joshua was unceremoniously thrown to the ground, The hands which he used to play the piano were held down.
With an icy expression, Alfred placed his leather-clad foot on one of the hands and stepped on it.
This is the hand that attracted Krystal's attention. This is the hand that Crystal had once admired when she was younger. What's the use of a piece of trash having such hands?
Audrey freaked out, but someone deftly covered her mouth.
Alfred increased the pressure on his foot, and the bones in Joshua's hand snapped.
"Your hand, in return for Crystal's severed tendons! Now we're even. Just like Crystal, you will never be able to play the piano again!" Alfred's tone was condescending. "Joshua Quinn, I will beat you up if I ever catch you or your worthless daughter in front of Crystal again! This is my warning to you, you damn
loser!"
Alfred could only assume that his sister was blinded by love, but she had done a good thing when she married John later on and brought up Crystal well.
Alfred washed his hands of the affair after the final brutal act.
Just as he turned around, he spotted a petite girl standing there with her mouth covered and looking utterly terrified.
Alfred instantly knew that the girl was Henry's sister, Melora.
Although she was frightened, she still strode forward boldly and begged, "Mr. Lodge, please let my brother take care of Crystal. T-They can divorce after she recovers..."