Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 577 The bodyguards trailing behind nearly felt their souls leave their bodies, their legs trembling under them. After all, Henry had never been this lenient. Even Michael, the most spoiled grandson, risked a stiff reprimand whenever he displeased Henry. For the servants and attendants, angering him could cost more than a reprimand-it could be life-threatening. But today? Henry simply waved his hand, allowing them to step aside, indulging Khloe with an almost weightless leniency. It was clear: he truly liked her.

Henry saw Khloe standing there and smiled warmly, patting the seat beside him. His hoarse voice drifted across the room, slow and deliberate, as he uttered a single word, "Sit." The tone was gentle, yet the aura it carried was entirely different, from before-immense, commanding, and impossible to ignore Khloe hesitated. She studied him for a moment, then glanced to the side at Clarice. "Clarice, you're not leaving?" ---- Henry had dismissed everyone else, but had left Clarice behind. She sat there calmly, sipping tea as if watching a play, utterly unbothered.

Her unusual quietness was unsettling; anyone who thrived on Khloe's misfortune would never act so neutral. "Khloe, Clarice is like a mother to you. There's no need for formalities. Sit. Speak slowly; take your time." Clarice still didn't move. Henry, noticing this, poured a cup of tea for Khloe as well, the cup landing with a slightly heavier sound. Khloe still didn't sit. "Grandpa... do you dislike me?" "Dislike you?" The old man shook his head. "How could |? You're my granddaughter, and you're so capable. | feel nothing but pride." Khloe pressed on.

"Then what have | done to upset you?" "Nothing," Henry replied again. Clarice's lips curved in a faint smile. Henry's composure was remarkable. He knew exactly what Khloe was questioning, yet he showed no hint of impatience. "Then why did you forcibly detain me-and my people? Why call me here at all?" ---- Khloe knew she should stay calm, at least in front of Clarice. But her anger burned hot. A thread of familial loyalty tugged at her, but she had still been manipulated. Her words hung in the room Suddenly, silence fell. The large room felt as still as a tomb.

Henry gently swirled his tea, watching the young leaves drift to the bottom. After a long pause, he set the cup down and pushed it toward her. "Take a sip, calm yourself. | heard you rushed to see me and hurt yourself. Shall | call a doctor to check you?" His voice softened, but Khloe refused any concession. She didn't even glance at the tea cup, her tone sharp and unyielding. "Grandpa, | came to Naraida to see you, not because of the power of the Morrison family, but because you are my grandfather-my elder. | respect you, | trust you-but all you've given me is deception.

Is this how the Morrison family operates? Her eyes narrowed, voice steady. "Perhaps I'm only an illegitimate daughter, and you feel no filial bond toward me. Fine. Then speak plainly-there's no need for pretense or hollow ---- politeness." A flicker of surprise passed through Clarice's eyes. Facing Henry, she had always tread lightly, carefully navigating every word. Yet Khloe had come in full force, giving no deference. By refusing to leave Henry face, Khloe left no backdoor for herself either. If she truly offended him, could she still maneuver within the Morrison Group?

Clarice's experience told her: unlike Niel, Khloe wasn't a seasoned veteran of these family battles. Even if she lost Henry's favor, she would still have the skill to withstand some risk-but crossing him openly... that was dangerous.