Chapter 120: Why Are You Here?
Things were different now. Chase had a proper job, and Cloud Hospital even had ties to Quinn Group. Openly or behind the scenes, he could support Wendy.
“I’ve never been scammed since taking over Quinn Group,” Wendy said, “but I’m curious. How exactly would you help me?”
Henry had been calling Wendy excessively before Christmas, seemingly oblivious to Chase's presence. Chase found it amusing. Henry clearly didn't share any mutual friends with Wendy; otherwise, he'd have noticed his diminished status in her life.
In reality, Chase was home every time Henry called, either listening nearby or occupied in the kitchen. There was simply no room for Henry in their house, yet Henry remained unaware.
One day, Henry even arrived at the house. Perhaps sensing Wendy's emotional distance, he felt compelled to see her in person.
Previously, Henry's visits prompted Wendy to hide Chase in their bedroom to maintain appearances. This time, however, upon seeing Henry on the surveillance camera, she didn't even tell Chase. She simply opened the door. Henry had Joy with him.
"Pretty Mommy!"
Wendy hadn't seen Joy since her injury and hadn't expected Henry to bring her. Perhaps he believed using Joy would help him reach Wendy.
“Why did you bring Joy?” Wendy asked, stepping aside to let them in.
Joy had physically recovered well from the car accident—children do heal quickly. But the nanny reported Joy's temper was worsening daily. She'd throw tantrums over trifles, even smashing things if displeased.
Henry wasn't exactly a hands-on parent; he only cared about using Joy to gain affection. What kind of upbringing was that for a child?
“Joy hasn’t seen you in a long time. She missed you. I was going to invite you to spend Christmas with us; Joy really wants to be with you. But I know you’ll be with Mandy, so I didn’t want to impose. A business partner sent some bird’s nest soup, so I brought some over.”
Wendy looked down at the package. She had plenty at home; there was no need for Henry to bring any. Still, she politely replied, “Thanks.”
Chase had just finished slicing fruit and was about to take it to the living room when he passed the entryway. Henry had been smiling, but the smile froze upon seeing Chase. Even Joy looked shocked, her large eyes glaring at Henry.
“Why are you in Pretty Mommy’s house? I don’t want to see you! Go away!”
Chase smiled at the little girl, placed the fruit on the table, and slowly turned around, leisurely drying his hands with a towel.
“Hmm, I don’t think that’s possible. This is my home.”
Joy looked at Wendy. “No, it’s not! Stella said this isn’t your house! You should leave!”
Seeing Joy's stubbornness and Henry's inaction, Wendy understood his intention. He clearly knew she and Chase were still together and had brought Joy deliberately.
In the past, such words might have hurt Chase, and Wendy, wanting to maintain appearances, wouldn't have let Henry embarrass him. But things were different now. This time, even Wendy didn't take Joy's side. Her expression turned cold. The warmth vanished from her face.
“Joy, you can’t be so rude. He’s my husband. You should be respectful. This is his home too. You and your dad are just visiting. You can’t tell him to leave.”
Joy looked completely stunned. Only then did Henry tug at her arm and mutter, “Don’t be impolite.”
Joy pouted, but the hostility in her gaze towards Chase was unsettling. Henry's parenting was clearly a problem.
“So Dr. Goodman’s back? I thought you two were already divorced. Is Mandy making you live together again? Or maybe the folks at Quinn Group still don’t know you split up, and Mandy asked you two to pretend for now?”
Even now, he could still make excuses. Chase had to admit Henry was something else.
Wendy didn't bother to argue. “You came all the way out here just to bring bird’s nest soup? It’s freezing outside. Don’t drag Joy around like this. If you need anything, just tell Sammy. She’ll take care of it for you.”
Chase stood beside Wendy. The image was painful to behold. Henry felt completely out of place.
No one used to say Wendy and Chase were a good match, perhaps sensing Wendy's mixed feelings or knowing someone else held her heart. Suggesting otherwise would have made her uncomfortable. But lately, Chase and Wendy had been trending online.
The reason Henry brought Joy was a recent hot search: They had been photographed entering and leaving the Watering Hole together. It seemed the paparazzi had held onto that photo for a while.