“In that case, it seems like something’s still missing.” Reaching into his pocket, Henrik pulled out a necklace with a jade pendant, its surface gleaming softly.
He rose to his feet, looped the necklace around Khloe’s neck, and then squatted beside her, his eyes locking onto hers.
“From this moment, you’re officially the lady of the Watson family. This pendant grants you full authority over every Watson family venture, whether it’s within the legal framework or not.”
Henrik’s declaration hung in the air, as solemn as a wedding vow. His expression was so earnest that it made Khloe’s heart flutter.
But she knew better; this was all for show, a necessary act to deceive the elder in Henrik’s family.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect this token, and I won’t abuse its power,” she replied smoothly.
Henrik’s gaze narrowed slightly. This clever woman was sharp and composed-perhaps too much so.
While Khloe’s level-headedness saved him a lot of trouble, a faint discomfort settled within him.
Too deep in thought to reply, he simply murmured an indifferent “hmm.”
The meal ended pleasantly enough.
The two returned to Henrik’s house.
Fiona, who had been expecting them, greeted them in the entryway. “Mr. Watson, the person you requested is here.”
“Alright, Khloe and I will just freshen up first.” Henrik nodded.
Not long after, the couple emerged in casual home attire, their hands intertwined as they entered the living room. Khloe saw a young woman leaping to her feet, her eyes lighting up like fireworks.
“Is this Henrik’s fiancee?” she blurted out, excitement coloring her voice.
The girl was dressed head-to-toe in the latest Chanel couture, with a few daring purple highlights streaking through her hair. She looked bold, trendy, and unmistakably confident.
Fiona scolded, “Tess, mind your manners in front of Mr. Watson.”
“Mom! It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Henrik with anyone! Can’t I show a little excitement?”
Tess Byrd bounded over to Khloe, who quickly pieced things together.
This was Fiona’s daughter, and given Fiona’s high status as Henrik’s nanny, Tess was practically family-a sister to Henrik in all but blood.
“Pleasure to meet you.” With a calm, elegant smile, Khloe extended her hand. “I’m Khloe Evans.”
Tess shook her hand, eyes dancing as she took in Khloe’s every detail.
She had been itching to know what kind of woman could capture Henrik’s attention, let alone his heart. The man had always seemed untouched by romance, yet now, he had supposedly fallen in love with this woman at first sight.
As Tess took in Khloe’s ethereal beauty and graceful confidence, she found herself genuinely impressed. In her eyes, Khloe was stunning-the perfect match for Henrik’s sophisticated taste.
But there was something that couldn’t be overlooked, and that was how her family had described her.
Tess remarked honestly, “Ms. Evans, people say the worst about you, calling you a disgrace to your family. But seeing you now, I can tell it’s all baseless gossip. Doesn’t it make you want to fight back against such slander?”
Khloe gave a small, knowing smile.
Tess might have sounded direct, but Khloe knew she was probing-curious to see if she’d use Henrik’s power to get her revenge.
With the Evans family set against her, it wasn’t hard to imagine she would lean heavily on Henrik’s influence to even the score.
Khloe didn’t bother to deny it. “Of course, I’ll retaliate. I’ll rely on Henrik’s support if I need to, but I know my boundaries. This is between me and the Evans family. I won’t drag Henrik in more than necessary.”
Tess blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by Khloe’s frankness. She coughed to hide her reaction, but inwardly, her admiration grew.
Truth be told, Khloe’s honesty was refreshing.
“Have a seat,” Henrik said, gesturing for Khloe to sit beside him. Their engagement was just a front, known only to him, Khloe, and Fiona.
So, the act continued in front of Tess.
Khloe took her place next to Henrik, naturally leaning against his shoulder-a habit formed over the past week. Her body softened as she melted into his side, her frame pressed against him with a subtle intimacy.
Henrik’s arm slipped around her waist with practiced ease, the two of them radiating a chemistry that left no one questioning their connection.
Tess’ cheeks flushed pink at the sight. They were breathtaking together. Seeing such a gorgeous pair was captivating.
Henrik caught Tess’s dazed expression and gave her a dry, chastising glance, silently signaling her to keep her composure.
“Khloe has a plan involving Starshine Entertainment,” Henrik began, pulling Tess back to the business at hand. “Since you run the company, we wanted to get your thoughts.”
The mention of business sobered Tess immediately, her brows knitting with concern. “Is this because of Sloane Evans’ rising fame? The entertainment industry isn’t as simple as it seems, and rushing in could do more harm than good.”
Her tone was polite, but her reluctance was clear. Though her company had started with Henrik’s help, she had built it up through her own hard work.
She wouldn’t outright refuse Henrik’s request, but now that Khloe was dragging her company into this mess, the latter’s earlier assurance of knowing her limits seemed contradictory.
Khloe caught the reluctance in Tess’s eyes and held her gaze firmly. “Miss Byrd, what if I am Snowpear?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply