Chapter 519
Melanie was caught slightly by surprise by the old man’s directness. She only paused for a moment before she gently replied, “Eugene and I have both moved on.”
Henry could not help but sigh, the disappointment in his eyes evident. He said nothing else. When they were eating, he barely touched his cutlery at all because of how crestfallen he was.
Melanie did not know what to say. She could not act like nothing had happened. The weather was unpredictable during the change of seasons. Before they could finish their meal, it started raining outside.
Melanie was about to call a taxi to take Henry back home when he waved to Landon to arrange for a car to pick him up.
When Landon returned, he glanced at Melanie and quietly told Henry, “Eugene just called, asking if you’re outside. He said it’s raining and wants to come pick you up.”
Henry nodded. “Let him come. Sooner or later, he’ll have to come to see me.”
He paused for a moment before adding, “It’s raining outside. Have him take Mel home too.”
Hearing this, Melanie immediately refused. “There’s no need to trouble him. I can take a taxi home by myself.”
A hint of sorrow flashed through Henry’s eyes as he sighed lightly. “Mel, can’t you spend a bit more time with me? If you don’t want to see Eugene, we can sit in the back. I’m old now, yet here I am, all stressed out. Only you, Mel, can make me feel more at ease.”
Melanie could not help but find Henry’s words peculiar. He seemed to be playing the sympathy card, portraying himself as if he were in a pitiable situation.
However, seeing the hopeful look in the old man’s eyes, she did not refuse further.
Eugene arrived soon after. He had been so busy dealing with the mess at LeapCo recently that it was clear he was fatigued. He looked to have lost some weight, and his handsome features were even more angular now.
In addition to his usual sternness, there was now an added sharpness.
His gaze lingered on Melanie for a moment, his dark eyes devoid of any emotion. They looked cold and indifferent. Melanie met his gaze, showing no expression on her face.
“What are you looking at? Since you’re here, why not go back?” Henry stood up first, lowering his head and leaning on his cane.
The rain outside was not heavy, but it was persistent. Melanie was wearing a thin black windbreaker, and raindrops left their traces on it as they fell. She and Henry sat in the back. The car was silent, with no one saying anything.
Suddenly, Eugene’s phone rang. It was a call from Cedric. They were at a traffic light. Since Eugene did not have time to connect the call to Bluetooth, he answered the call directly. Cedric’s voice immediately echoed through the phone’s speaker. “When are you coming back?”
Eugene’s voice was slightly heavy as he replied, “I still have things to take care of.”
“What could you possibly have to take care of? LeapCo’s performance has plummeted, and you
lost several major clients. What else do you even have?
“Listen here, Evelyn is at home right now. You’d better get back immediately!” The phone was on speaker, and Cedric’s voice was booming.
Henry’s face immediately darkened. His voice was even heavier than Cedric’s as he spoke up, What’s this? Eugene can’t even come to pick me up now?”
Cedric did not expect Henry to be in the car with Eugene. He hesitated for a moment before softening his tone. “Dad, that’s not what I meant.”
“Not what you meant? Then what did you mean? Eugene, let’s go to Cedric’s house. I want to see if I no longer even have the right to give orders to my own grandson!” Henry was furious. by now.
