Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 169: You can be unbearable at times

[Glorious International]

As soon as the elevator doors slid open, Daniel stepped out with his usual composed stride, followed closely by Henry — who couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.

Seeing his boss in such a good mood was rare enough to be considered a global event.

After all, the last time Henry saw this expression was never.

He had fully expected Daniel to storm into the café yesterday and tear down the walls after learning about Anna and Kathrine’s little meeting. But, thankfully, Doctor Jaden had managed to talk some sense into him before that could happen.

Daniel might have ruled the business world with ruthless precision, but when it came to matters of the heart — especially Anna — he was, in Henry’s words, "a complete amateur with an overpowered temper."

Just the mention of Kathrine’s name had been enough to make him nearly abandon a board meeting mid-sentence.

But today?

Today, Daniel was smiling.

Henry’s grin widened as they entered the office. That cheater Kevin might’ve refused to spill the gossip, but I don’t need him, he thought smugly. Just look at the boss. That smile says everything.

He practically giggled like a giddy schoolgirl as Daniel settled behind his desk, adjusting his tie and scanning a few documents.

Finally, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Henry cleared his throat. "Boss, you seem... quite happy today," he said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

Daniel looked up briefly, one brow raised, and gave a simple nod. "Mm."

That was it.

Just mm.

But to Henry, that one syllable was a divine sign.

’Yes!’ he screamed internally. So does that mean I can finally ask for a half day? I even managed to coax my wife into going on a date tonight. Thank heavens!

His face lit up like a child who’d just been promised a trip to the amusement park.

But before he could open his mouth, Daniel’s deep voice interrupted his silent celebration.

"Henry."

The grin vanished. "Y-Yes, Boss?"

Daniel looked up, eyes sharp but calm. "Cancel all my meetings after lunch."

Henry blinked. "Cancel? But—"

Daniel’s gaze turned slightly toward the window, his smile faint but unmistakable. "I have somewhere important to be."

Henry’s jaw went slack. Somewhere important? Don’t tell me...

’Is my boss going on a date too?!’

Henry’s soul practically squealed in joy — spinning, leaping, and doing a full tap dance around the office — before slamming right back into his body.

"Sure, Boss," he said, managing to sound professional even as his grin threatened to split his face in two. He quickly handed Daniel the morning schedule, still giddy from his internal celebration.

But his excitement dimmed a little when he noticed Daniel wasn’t even glancing at the papers.

Instead, the man who was usually sharper than a blade sat there... staring at his phone.

Henry squinted suspiciously. Is he seriously daydreaming right now?

Trying to sound casual, he ventured, "Boss, since you plan on rescheduling your afternoon plans, how about I, uh... take a half day too?"

Daniel’s eyes flicked up immediately, pinning him with that unreadable stare that could make even grown men confess to crimes they hadn’t committed.

"O-Only if you think it’s okay, of course!" Henry stuttered, raising his hands defensively.

For a second, the silence was deafening. Henry could feel the sweat forming on the back of his neck. Maybe he had pushed it too far. Maybe the universe was punishing him for getting too greedy.

After all, Daniel’s good mood had nothing to do with him — it was all because of Anna.

Just as he was about to take his words back, Daniel spoke.

"Okay."

Henry blinked. "...Okay?"

Daniel nodded without looking up.

Henry stood frozen for a moment, trying to process what he just heard. Then, as if the heavens themselves had parted and angels began to sing, his eyes filled with tears.

"Boss," he whispered dramatically, "you are so kind. Truly, your generosity knows no bounds!"

Daniel’s brows lifted slightly at the sudden emotional outburst.

"Even though you can be unbearable at times," Henry continued earnestly, "and despite giving me endless anxiety on a daily basis, you still agreed to give me a half day. That’s— that’s just so great of you."

Daniel’s expression flattened. "Henry."

"Yes, Boss?"

"Stop talking before I change my mind."

Henry shut his mouth instantly, nodding like a scolded puppy. But the sparkle in his eyes didn’t fade one bit. He turned away, humming triumphantly under his breath.

Behind him, Daniel finally exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips as he looked back down at his phone — the screen lighting up with one unread message from Anna.

***

After meeting Anna, Kathrine decided to stop by Bennett Enterprises to see her father. It had been far too long since she’d last set foot in the building, and as she walked through the sleek marble lobby, every employee she passed greeted her with polite smiles and respectful nods.

She returned them with grace, though her expression remained carefully composed.

It felt strange being back — familiar yet foreign. The corridors hadn’t changed, but the atmosphere felt heavier, more restrained, as if even the walls remembered the fracture between father and daughter.

Though Hugo Bennett had never spoken of it openly, Kathrine knew the truth — their relationship was no longer what it once was. Time, pride, and her choices had left cracks that neither of them had been willing to mend.

Still, there were matters that couldn’t be ignored. Now that she had returned, it was time to face them.

As she approached his office, voices carried through the half-open door.

"How can they suddenly stop the supplies and not even inform us?" Hugo’s voice thundered through the room, cutting sharp and clear.

Kathrine froze just inside the doorway, her hand resting lightly on the frame as she watched him from afar. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Her father stood by the window, back turned to her, his shoulders tense. His usually calm composure was replaced with frustration — the tone of a man trying to hold an empire together with his bare hands.

For a moment, Kathrine hesitated. He hadn’t noticed her yet. Part of her wanted to quietly turn away and leave things as they were — detached, distant. But another part of her knew this conversation, however difficult, couldn’t be avoided.

She took a slow breath, steadying herself, and stepped forward.

"Is it regarding the Anderson’s Project?" she asked breaking the tension inside the room that instantly made Hugo turn to see her.