Chapter 206 Not The Cold Shoulder
They got along for two more weeks, but their relationship was still lukewarm.
Every time Henry wanted to go on dates, Crystal almost always played along, but she was cool, calm, and collected. It was unlike her past self.
Henry was growing more and more unsatisfied, mostly because she was playing it too coolly. He would rather see her throw a tantrum. Even a slap was better. She used to be a willful woman, after all.
It wasn’t until this point that he realized that she would only get physical and more expressive when she loved him. Now that she had fallen out of love with him, she was always polite and would never cross him. If she wanted to, she could leave right away.
To hell with that!
Henry was at a club, drunk. His circle of friends was there as well, including Robert.
Charles almost never came for any more gatherings after he married. He only showed up because he heard Henry was there. After all, it was all thanks to the latter and Crystal that he and Madison could get married.
Charles patted Henry’s shoulder. “How do you feel? I can give you a ride home if you can’t drive.”
Henry leaned back on the couch, puffing smoke into the ceiling like a sexy and disgruntled businessman.
There were a few ladies in the room, and they stole glances at Henry. No one tried to hit him up, however, as Henry was known to be aloof and distant. They could only admire him from afar.
Charles knew what was on Henry’s mind, and he grinned. “With your looks, who wouldn’t fall in love with you?”
“Shut it!” Henry shot him a sideway glance and complained, “Crystal is a perfect example. I’ve been nothing but earnest and genuine to her, Charles, but she just won’t warm up to me. She used to be so passionate about me. She’d blush every time she saw me, and she loved doing it with me.”
Charles laughed dryly.
She’s a lady. She’s different from us guys. Of course she loved doing it with you when she loved you, but if she’s fallen out of love with you, ser is just a chore.
He didn’t want to stoke Henry’s flames, however, so he persuaded Henry to go home. “You’re drunk, Ill take you home. You have a court proceeding to attend tomorrow, don’t you?”
Henry shot him another look and tossed Charles his phone. “Call Crystal. She should still be at the music center at this time. Tell her to pick me up.”
Charles was floored. I can’t believe he’d be so shameless.
He laughed dryly again. “Are you sure you’re actually drunk, or is that just an act?”
Henry said nothing. He put his cigarette out and drank half a glass of brandy again. Obviously, he was trying to get himself drunk.
Charles found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, but after some ruminating, he made that call.
A few moments later, Crystal picked up, and Charles simpered “Crystal? It’s me, Charles. Henry’s drunk, so do you mind picking him up?”
Crystal had just finished a meeting regarding a wonderful project Edward had given her. She had finalized her team members and would set off the next day. The job would go on for about two weeks.
Crystal froze after hearing the news. She knew Henry was in a bad mood because of her. In truth, she would be lying if she said she felt nothing for him, but she wouldn’t feel worried about him anymore.
They had broken up, and now they were just sharing
whatever this relationship was called. There were plenty of fish in the sea. Even without her, Crystal knew Henry could still get the relationship he wanted, given how brilliant of a man he was.
Crystal didn’t refuse. She would be leaving the next day, anyway, and she needed to talk to him.
She nodded. “Give me the address. I’ll be there in half an hour.”
Charles was grateful for that. “Thank you so much, Crystal. You’re a lifesaver.”
Crystal joked, “All right, flattery won’t get you anywhere. Go home to Madison.”
In response, Charles said something cheeky, which amused Crystal. The moment he hung up, however, he knew something was wrong. Wait, she did say she would come, but she didn’t even ask why Henry got so drunk!
Charles felt a chill run down his spine. He used to think they could get back together and be the perfect couple, but at that moment, he was unsure of that.
After hanging up, Crystal turned off the lights. Just when she was about to leave, she saw Pete standing. the doorway, staring at her darkly.
Gently, Crystal said, “You did well just now,”
Henry came in and sat on her desk. He tucked away the darkness in his eyes and nonchalantly asked, “You going to see Henry?”
“Yes,”
A frown marred Pete’s brow. “Do you like him that much, woman?”
Crystal froze for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. “My private affair is none of your business. And we had a promise. It’s all thanks to you that I managed to land a deal with Mr. Zelcest. I’ll be giving you thirty percent of the project’s commission. Don’t scoff at the money. It’s the basis of a solid foundation.”
The rims of Pete’s eyes turned red. There was nothing he could say in retort to Crystal as everything out of her mouth was for his own good, just like his old man.
Crystal smiled again. “Tell my mom I’ll go back tomorrow morning”
Pete mocked, “Oh, you actually have time for Madam Anna? I thought you only cared about Miller”
And you need a punch to the face! Crystal thought in annoyance.
They headed downstairs together. Since Pete was now driving Crystal’s BMW, she had gotten herself another car with a driver.
After climbing into the car, she told the driver the name of the club she would pick Henry up from.
Upon hearing the name, the driver jerked in surprise and smiled. “That’s a good place. Everyone calls it heaven on earth.”
Crystal smiled and sat back silently, staring at the neon lights and flashing signs outside. She was counting the days left until the end of the promise. Two months out of the one-year period had elapsed.
Time had flown by without her noticing.
When Crystal came to the club, Charles had already led Henry to the entrance.
Crystal could see that Henry wasn’t that drunk, though he was slightly inebriated. She understood what he was trying to do, so she told the driver softly, “Help Mr. Miller into the car.”
The driver could guess what had happened between them and commented, “You’re really broad-minded, Miss Winters.”
Crystal simply smiled indifferently.
Charles and the driver helped Henry into the car.
The instant Henry entered the vehicle, his masculine scent filled the enclosed space. He smelled like alcohol and pine, and it was a beguiling scent.
Crystal tilted her head and softly asked, “How’d you end up like this?”
Henry leaned back in his seat as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned two buttons. He was a little red from drinking alcohol, and it lent him an air of seduction.
The driver was still sitting up ahead. If Henry kept unbuttoning his shirt, he might end up with an indecency charge, so she swiftly pinned his hand down. “I know this is uncomfortable for you, but at least wait until we get home before you undress.”
Henry stopped moving and looked at her, causing her to shift her gaze to the front of the car.
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