My Movie 122

Chapter 122: Uninvited Guest

Wendy rubbed her eyes, attempting to rise, but Chase gently pushed her back down. “Sleep a little longer,” he murmured. “I’ll take care of bringing things in. I still need to get Mom’s supplements from the storage room. I’ll call you when I’m finished.”

She didn’t fully register his words, drifting back to sleep the moment he settled her.

Chase donned a coat and they arrived at the residence by eight o’clock. The butler opened the door.

“Ms. Queen, Mr. Goodman, you’re back early,” he announced, summoning maids to take their bags. “Madam Mandy has just begun breakfast.”

Mandy sat in the dining room, the cat still perched on the table. Wendy frowned at the sight of it but refrained from comment on Christmas Day.

“Slept in, huh? It’s already eight,” Chase said warmly, seeming even more at ease than Wendy.

Mandy waved a hand, signaling a maid to prepare breakfast for them. “I was up late playing cards with friends. That’s how Christmas should be—cards and games. Lost a diamond necklace last night.”

Wendy remained silent. Mandy wasn’t a skilled card player; her youth had been dedicated to work, leaving no time for games. Now, retired, she was still learning, while her friends were seasoned players. Consequently, she lost frequently.

“If you can’t win, maybe stop playing,” Wendy suggested.

“I get so bored staying home alone,” Mandy replied. “They only started inviting me out last month. It’s just for fun. The necklace wasn’t valuable.”

As they walked toward the kitchen, Chase softly inquired about the lost necklace.

Wendy snapped, “The one Mom calls ‘not valuable’ is from the Quinn Group’s latest collection. It sold for thirty million last quarter and requires exclusive access to purchase.”

Chase said nothing. He muttered to himself, “Yeah, I really don’t understand women sometimes.”

Mandy, newly enthralled by the game, pulled them into a post-breakfast game to improve her skills. To her surprise, Chase proved an expert. Wendy and Mandy lost consistently, while Chase accumulated wins.

“Not bad. When did you learn to play?” Wendy asked, handing him more cards. The sight of Chase, usually in a white lab coat, playing cards was quite a contrast.

“My mother taught me,” Chase explained. “She enjoys playing, but sometimes lacks partners, so she’d ask me. Over time, I picked it up. Mom, you should have played…”

They spent the entire morning at the table. The butler assisted Mandy, yet even together they couldn't beat Chase. Finally, Mandy conceded after further losses.

The doorbell rang. “Who would come at this hour?” the butler muttered, heading to the door.

He opened it, his smile faltering. He glanced back, remaining stationary, his voice cold.

“Mr. Harrison, what brings you here?”

Wendy, poised to begin another round, froze at the name. She rose instantly. Chase restrained her hand, shaking his head subtly.

Leaning toward Mandy, who was already frowning, he whispered, “Mom, Henry’s still a junior. If he wants to pursue Wendy, he’ll start with you. It makes sense he’d come to wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Mandy scoffed. “Even if you two weren't doing well, say you divorced, it still wouldn't be Henry's place to enter my house. Throw him out. I don’t want to see him.”

Since Chase and Wendy reopened the investigation into her husband's death, Mandy often reflected on those early days of grief, feeling utterly hopeless. She had strived to protect the man she loved, yet was ultimately outmaneuvered, rendering her efforts meaningless. Time dulled much, but the loneliness remained profound. Though not directly responsible, Henry had sided with those who were. That was enough.

“Come on, it’s Christmas. Let’s not throw anyone out. How about this? I’ll go talk to him. If he just wants to say a few words, don’t get upset. Afterward, I’ll keep playing with you and even teach you how to beat me.”

Mandy’s tone softened slightly. “Fine. But it’s best if he doesn’t step inside.”

“Got it. I’ll handle it.”

Wendy stood with Chase, holding his arm. “You always know how to handle things. Just hearing Henry’s name upsets Mom. Why does he have to stir up trouble on Christmas?”

“It’s bound to happen,” Chase said, suggesting she remain while he and the butler dealt with it. “But I’m guessing Henry has a reason for coming.”

Worst-case scenario, they would let Henry in briefly.

Inside, the warmth and cheer felt starkly at odds with Henry’s unease as he stood at the doorway.

“I came to visit Mandy. I figured the house would be crowded later, so I thought I’d come early,” Henry explained with a polite smile. He had been the company's executive secretary, handling all matters large and small, before stepping back to remain at the residence in his later years.