Chapter 4 Henry's Grandfather

"Hey Grandpa, this is Maria Brown," Henry said, taking the lead and giving Maria a quick glance. "Maria, this is my grandpa."

"Hi, Grandpa," Maria said sweetly as she walked over, her charming smile making her look even more adorable.

"Maria, you don't mind if I call you that, right?" Ethan asked with a kind smile, clearly pleased with her.

Ethan knew this marriage wasn't what Henry wanted. It was only because of his serious illness and his wish to see Henry settled that Henry had put out a matrimonial ad.

Honestly, with the Smith family's status, just the news of Henry wanting to get married would have women lining up. Ethan had planned to pick someone from these families, but Henry insisted on hiding his identity and using a marriage ad to find someone.

Ethan didn't expect to find such a good girl through this process. Looking at Maria's bright eyes and delicate features, he nodded to himself. Even though Maria's family background was modest, she seemed like a good person.

"Of course, Grandpa. My family calls me that too," Maria said sweetly, making Ethan smile.

Seeing them chat happily, Henry looked at Maria with mixed feelings. He married for Ethan's sake, and if she could make Ethan happy, all the better.

Noticing Ethan looking tired, Maria spoke up, "Grandpa, it's getting late. You should rest."

Ethan nodded. "You and Henry should rest too. Dora Robinson is the housekeeper, so if you need anything, just ask her. Make yourself at home."

Ethan's words warmed Maria's heart. She smiled and nodded.

In the living room, Maria had just come out when she saw a woman in her forties standing by the staircase.

The woman seemed to have just come down from the second floor. Henry had mentioned that only he and Ethan lived here, so this must be Dora.

"Mr. Henry Smith, you're back. I've already fed Mr. Ethan Smith dinner. He had a good appetite today and ate a small bowl," Dora said with a smile when she saw Henry. Then she looked at Maria, her smile fading a bit. "Mr. Henry Smith, this must be Ms. Brown."

Maria raised an eyebrow, thinking, 'Ms. Brown? Dora knows my name, so she must know that Henry and I are married. Or maybe she's doing it on purpose.'

"Yes," Henry said, catching Dora's implication. But he had brought Maria mainly to take care of Ethan, so the title didn't matter.

Henry's expression was indifferent. "Is the room ready?"

Dora quickly nodded. "Yes, Mr. Smith, it's all set."

"Follow me," Henry said, heading upstairs, and Maria obediently followed.

He opened the door to reveal a large bed with a clean blanket. The room was spotless, looking like it hadn't been used.

Henry pushed her luggage in and was about to leave when Maria, surprised, asked, "Aren't you sleeping here?"

She immediately regretted it, realizing it made her seem eager for him to stay.

"I didn't mean anything by it; I was just curious." Maria quickly tried to explain, but it only made things worse.

Henry's eyes showed a hint of disgust, and he said, "I'll be in the study. Don't worry about me."

Maria felt helpless, thinking he definitely misunderstood.

The room wasn't too big or too small, just right for a master bedroom. Maria unpacked her stuff and headed to the bathroom.

Later, in the study, Henry wrapped up his work and checked the time. It was already midnight.

The light in the master bedroom was on, and Maria was already asleep. Henry took a quick glance at her, grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe, and left the room.

The night went by without any drama.

Maria woke up early the next morning. She had gone to bed early, worried that Henry might come back and things would get awkward. But there were no signs of anyone sleeping next to her, so it seemed he didn't come back. She sighed in relief.

Downstairs, Ethan was sitting on the sofa, reading the newspaper.

Dora brought breakfast over, glancing upstairs a few times. "Mr. Ethan Smith, should I call Mr. Henry Smith and Ms. Brown for breakfast?"

Ethan waved her off. "No need, young folks like to sleep in. Let them rest."

Dora's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction. She was about to say something when a figure came down the stairs.

"Morning, Grandpa," Maria greeted Ethan with a smile.

"Maria, why are you alone? Where's Henry?" Ethan's face changed slightly.

Maria didn't seem to notice and kept smiling. "He went to the study early. Is it time for breakfast? I'll go call him."

"No need," Henry's voice came from behind.

Maria turned to see him coming from the study and sighed in relief. It seemed she was right; Henry had slept in the study.

Henry's eyes were complicated. He didn't expect Maria to cover for him, but he also wondered if she did it on purpose to make Ethan misunderstand.

"Dora, is breakfast ready?" Henry asked.

"Mr. Henry Smith, I was so busy that I forgot. I only prepared yours and forgot Ms. Brown's. I'm sorry, Ms. Brown, but the kitchen is fully stocked. How about you make something yourself?" Despite Dora's apologies, her expression showed no remorse.

Maria didn't want to argue. She needed to eat quickly and get to work; this place was far from her company, and she had to take a bus to the nearest subway station.

As Maria obediently went to the kitchen to prepare her meal, a triumphant gleam flashed in Dora's eyes. However, she was too absorbed in her own satisfaction to notice the change in Henry's expression.

Maria had just taken out ingredients from the fridge when Henry walked in. "No need. You eat this," he said, pushing a sandwich towards her.

"What about you?" Maria didn't really want to eat the sandwich he offered.

"Have Dora make another," Henry said coldly.

Maria hesitated for a moment, then decided to accept Henry's kindness. "Thank you."

She took the breakfast to the dining room. Dora was surprised to see her with it and was about to speak when Henry came out.

"Dora, make another breakfast," Ethan's words made Dora's face change, and she quickly agreed and went to the kitchen.

"Henry, come here," Ethan said, his face darkening. "Where did you sleep last night?"

Henry was silent, not wanting to lie to Ethan.

"Tell the truth," Ethan demanded seriously.

"The guest room," Henry replied.

"What did you promise me?" Ethan was furious. "Maria is your wife, and you got married. Is this how you treat her?"

Seeing Ethan's angry face, Henry felt helpless and finally compromised. "Grandpa, I'll sleep in the master bedroom tonight."