"That''s right, Miss Shannon. Let''s get you home," Selma added gently. "Whatever you need to say to Henry can wait until you''re sober."


    Vanessa looked from Selma to Henry, then let out a smallugh. "Henry is so lucky to have such a thoughtful friend in Miss Quigley."


    Vanessa was a master of words. It sounded like apliment, but it was a thinly veiled jab at Selma''s supposed sincerity.


    Henry caught the sting in her words and was about to speak, but Selma beat him to it, smiling faintly. "Henry''s friends are my friends. It''s only natural to be concerned about you."


    Vanessa felt a knot tighten in her chest. She knew there was no point in arguing further; it would only make her look immature and unreasonable.


    "Fine. Then-thank you for the trouble," Vanessa said, her smile painfully strained. "I get a bit carsick. I''d like to sit in the front, if Miss Quigley doesn''t mind."


    Selma smiled. "Of course not. Let''s go."


    Henry''s expression wasplicated, but just before getting in, he shot Selma a grateful look.


    Vanessa, already in the car, didn''t see it.


    Not long after the car started moving, Vanessa feigned carsickness, rubbing her temples. Her gaze casually swept over the center console, and she nonchntly picked up Henry''s phone.


    "Henry, can we listen to some music?" she asked in a coy tone, her fingers already swiping the screen open, expertly tapping in the passcode.


    Henry''s hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he immediately nced at Selma in the rearview mirror.


    Selma was looking at her own phone in the back, seemingly unfazed by Vanessa''s actions.


    Soft music filled the car. Vanessa ced the phone back down and leaned backfortably, closing her eyes to listen.


    The atmosphere in the car turned strange. Selma rested her head against her hand, staring out the window, lost in thought. Henry, however, was on edge, the music suddenly sounding grating to his ears. He pressed down hard on the elerator, his jaw tight.


    Finally, the car pulled up to the gate of Vanessa''s vi. He parked, killed the engine, and quickly rounded the front of the car to open her door.


    "Vanessa, we''re here."


    As Vanessa got out, she suddenly stumbled and fell into Henry''s arms. He caught her, "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m a little dizzy. Henry, can you walk me to the door?" she requested.


    Henry nced back toward the car before helping Vanessa through the small gate and into the living room After switching on the fights, h helped her onto the sofa. "If you need anything, call Laverne toe look after you. I have to go


    Henry had only taken two steps when a pair of arms wrapped tightly around his waist from behind Vanessa pressed her face against his back. "Henry-don''t go


    "Don''t go. Stay with me, just for a little while," her voice was fragile, pleading.


    In the past, Henry would have melted instantly, all principles and boundaries forgotten. But now, his only thought was of Selma, waiting for him in the car. He took a deep breath, reached back, and pried her hands off his waist. Vanessa went rigid, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked up at Henry''s turned, impassive face. Her lips parted. "Henry, you—"


    "Vanessa, you''ve had too much to drink. Get some rest."


    With that, Henry strode out of the living room without a backward nce. A momentter, the sound of a car starting up came from outside the gate.


    As the sound faded into the


    1.n


    distance, Vanessa wiped her tears, her expression hardening into a cold mask. With a cry of frustration, Vanessa snatched a throw pillow from the sofa and hurled violently to the floor.


    Her chest heaved, her face contorting in a mask of agony.


    Back on the road, Henry stopped at the first red light and turned to check on Selma.


    He found her watching him quietly. Her clear eyes showed no impatience, no anger-only a hint of amusement.


    "Is Miss Shannon okay?" she asked.


    "She''s fine," Henry replied. "She just needs some rest."