Chapter 158
Chapter 158
Chapter 158 Overshadowed
As their lips finally parted from the passionate kiss, they couldn’t help but exhale heavy breaths.
Crystal leaned weakly against the bathroom wall, her body on the verge of collapsing if not for his support. Even so, her legs felt weak and powerless.
Henry, too, was overcome by the intensity of their connection.
His handsome face was flushed with desire, and each breath that escaped his lips was an ardent exhale.
“Crystal, what did Robert say?” he asked in a husky voice.
Crystal, who was afraid of disturbing the two elders, bit her lip. “I don’t know.”
The man’s gaze was intense; it was hard to decipher his thoughts.
After a brief pause, he bent over and kissed her again.
“You don’t want to talk; you just want me to kiss you. Is that right?”
Feeling embarrassed and annoyed by his words, Crystal gave him a gentle kick.
“All you ever do is tease me, Henry! You said you wanted a fresh start. Is this really the place you want to start over? You jerk!” Her eyes glistened with tears as she spoke.
Undeterred by her protest, Henry continued to kiss her.
When their lips finally parted, he pressed his forehead against hers.
“I just missed you so much. Crystall When a man likes a woman, it’s natural for them to want physical intimacy. If not, they aren’t considered a real man. Don’t you agree?”
Crystal glared at him as she found his argument utterly unreasonable.
Henry chuckled lightly and placed her hand on his cheek.
When her palm brushed against his warm skin, she felt a sudden surge of heat and instinctively pulled away.
Nevertheless, Henry was not willing to let her have her way.
He could see the trace of panic in her eyes.
Next, he gently pressed her against the wall, skillfully teasing and enticing her
Unable to resist his seduction, Crystal blushed and bit her lip.
Henry took her hand and guided it across his face; his eyes exuded a seductive and alluring gaze.
“Crystal… I’ll let you toy with me. I’ll let you do whatever you want. How does that sound?”
What a shameless man!
Crystal immediately pushed him away.
She struggled to catch her breath, her heart racing in her chest as she locked eyes with him in defiance.
Henry’s face alternated between a playful smile and a confident smirk, revealing his charismatic power that effortlessly stirred a woman’s longing. In contrast, Crystal couldn’t help but feel overshadowed and insignificant in his presence.
She was no match for him!
Though she acknowledged his overwhelming charm, she was determined not to let herself succumb to his allure. With a resolute expression, she whispered, “Mr. Miller, I’ll be waiting for your call!”
She could feel the intense longing he had for her body, and that was all she could offer to him.
Crystal still yearned for his love, but as the flames of passion subsided, she realized that his temporary affection and sympathy were not worth her tears.
Hence, she made a firm decision not to shed another tear for him.
Henry could guess her intentions after studying her expression.
To her surprise, he wasn’t angry. Instead, he calmly announced, “I will be away on a business trip for the next two weeks.”
Upon noticing the glistening tears in Crystal’s eyes, Henry let out a soft chuckle and said, “I’m heading to Hulcaster, not the Kingdom of Brundela. There’s a legal dispute with Zelcest Group that needs my attention.”
Crystal felt a hint of embarrassment as she realized that Henry could seemingly read her thoughts with case.
Yet, Henry didn’t mock her.
After all, he would miss her during his upcoming two-week business trip to Hulcaster. If it weren’t for John falling ill, he would have loved to bring her along and spend their free time together, enjoying ice- cold beers and barbecues on the beach.
He gently caressed her coffee-colored hair with a hint of reluctance.
Crystal was not oblivious to his feelings, as it was difficult for a man to hide his true emotions. Her defenses started to crumble, but she refused to acknowledge it.
Henry, too, was aware of his feelings. He gently enveloped her in his arms and embraced her.
“I’m bringing my other secretary along. Jamie will stay in Barnwood. If you need anything, feel free to contact her, okay?”
There was no way she could ever repay his help and kindness.
“The flight is in an hour and a half!” he teased.
Crystal looked at him with a perplexed expression.
Henry didn’t say another word. He continued to gaze at her, his eyes conveying the unspoken desires between a man and a woman.
Finally, she whispered, “Have a safe trip.”
“That’s all I needed to hear!” The man leaned in for a kiss and continued, “I’ll leave first. Would you… like to stay here a while longer?”
Crystal said nothing to that.
The place seemed quieter after Henry left.
Crystal was unsure if Anna knew about the incident in the bathroom that day, but the latter would occasionally and inadvertently mention Henry in the following days and express her satisfaction with him.
Crystal was acutely aware of the reason behind Anna’s behavior. After all, Henry possessed a remarkable blend of familial pedigree, attractiveness, and emotional intelligence that proved irresistible
to mature women.
Subsequently, Robert attempted to visit John on two more occasions, but John declined to see him, resulting in Robert ceasing his visits altogether.
Given that John’s condition had stabilized, Crystal resumed her work at the music center and took the opportunity to make up for the missed classes.
Surprisingly, Henry didn’t contact her.
After their last encounter, it felt as if he had disappeared from her world. However, she couldn’t help but come across updates about him.
He was in Hulcaster, embroiled in a legal battle on behalf of Zelcest Group.
Zelcest Group was the wealthiest and most influential business empire in Hulcaster. However, their history of questionable practices led to ongoing troubles.
Approximately two weeks later, Henry made headlines across all major news outlets.
The article read: Legal Maverick Strikes Again.
It was accompanied by a photo of Henry standing alongside Edward Zelcest, the head of Zelcest Group.
Henry exuded confidence and charisma in the picture.
Standing tall and commanding, he held his ground next to the middle-aged business magnate. This was not only a testament to his personal prowess but also the formidable backing of the Miller family.
The Miller and Zelcest families stood united, a force to be reckoned with in both the southern and northern regions.
As Crystal gazed at the photograph, she couldn’t deny the stirring emotions within her.
She found it strange that despite the extravagant celebratory banquet hosted by the Zelcest family, there seemed to be no trace of Henry captured in photographs alongside any women. Rumors suggested that many socialites and actresses were in attendance.
Crystal soon dismissed it as a passing thought. After all, she would never ask him about it, as it would make her seem overly concerned.
Little did she know, there were untold stories behind the scenes. All the candid snapshots, carefully taken from discreet angles, had been discreetly banned from circulation. This included photos featuring the ignorant actress Maddie Perez.
Henry, a single man with a fortune worth billions, naturally attracted the attention and advances of numerous women wherever he went. Some even willingly offered themselves to him.
Halfway through the banquet, Henry found an opportunity to discreetly slip away after having a few sips of wine. He left his secretary to handle the rest of the matters.
Edward held him in high regard.
He summoned his son, Pete Zelcest, and ordered, “Send Henry off and learn a thing or two from him during your car ride. Don’t spend all your time indulging in frivolous activities,”
Pete, dressed in an expensive suit, appeared rather immature.
Edward then smiled apologetically and said, “I neglected him as his mother passed away early, and I have been preoccupied with business. Please forgive my oversight, Henry””
Henry naturally didn’t pay much mind to a young lad.
He stole a quick glance at Pete.
Hmm, what a haughty young man.
He maintained a pleasant facade and complimented, “Your son possesses a commendable appearance. I’m sure he will have great achievements in the future.” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
Edward’s heart swelled with pride.
Those were the words he liked to hear!