Chapter 44
Chapter 44:
Eleanor was stunned for a second.
When she realized it was Helena walking toward her, the look in her eyes shifted, soft uncertainty replaced by sharp hostility. “What are you doing here, Helena p>
Helena gave a short, biting laugh. “I’m the one who called the police. I also requested the tests on the stained clothing p>
A nearby officer stepped forward, confirming Helena’s identity with a nod. “Since both Ms. Ellis and the store are involved, we’ve asked you both to come in for questioning p>
The shop manager had recognized Helena too.
Regret tugged at him as he recalled how he and his sales associate had threatened to involve the police. Ironically, it had been Helena who reported the incident and helped uncover the truth.
“We owe you an apology, Ms. Ellis,” he said. “Whatever you decide, we’ll respect it p>
With that, whatever sympathy he’d held for Eleanor quickly vanished. Eleanor, seething, could no longer keep up the facade. Her voice turned shrill, each word laced with venom. “Why does she get to call the shots? Aren’t you the shop manager? You’ve already been reimbursed—what, now you want to get paid twice p>
The sudden change from pitiful to combative stunned those around her.
But Helena had seen through her long ago. She remained steady, unaffected.
“Why? Because I’m the one who was actually wronged,” she said, her voice cold and unyielding. “And this isn’t the first time. Remember the pearl necklace you took from me? I should’ve had you arrested back then p>
The officer’s expression shifted at once. “Ms. Ellis, are you saying this woman has committed theft before? Could you clarify what happened p>
A flash of panic crossed Eleanor’s face. She turned away from the officer. “Stop throwing out baseless accusations, Helena! Just say what you want. What will it take for you to leave me alone p>
“You can repay the store yourself. I won’t hold the boutique accountable for their error, but I’m keeping the option open to file charges against you.” Helena’s tone remained steady as she laid out her terms without a hitch.
The shop manager didn’t hesitate. “Thank you, Ms. Ellis. We’re more than willing to comply. The refund will be sent to Mr. Morrison before the day ends p>
𝕋𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖘𝖙 𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖔𝖓
Eleanor’s expression contorted with fury. She didn’t have the funds to cover the damages. She was already scrambling to meet Nexus TV’s demands.
“You’ve spent a few nights with Dorian, haven’t you? Don’t tell me you’re short on clothes. You even got a chance to be in the news anchor selection. What’s a bit of compensation to you? Why are you trying to ruin my life—” The outburst was cut off sharply.
Helena’s hand had lifted, fast and deliberate.
Eleanor flinched and staggered backward, her eyes squeezed shut in alarm, expecting the slap to land.
She never thought Helena would raise a hand to her, least of all with so many eyes watching.
But nothing came.
Helena let her arm fall, her expression calm and composed. “Just because you stoop that low doesn’t mean the rest of us do p>
She no longer saw any reason to justify herself or let Eleanor’s words rattle the confidence she’d fought so hard to reclaim.
Her worth had already been proven when the news anchor selection results were leaked. Her position there had been earned. That truth had never changed.
Eleanor blinked in stunned silence. Then her eyes landed on the elegant ring glinting on Helena’s finger.
A cold suspicion flickered through her mind. If it wasn’t Dorian backing Helena, then who was it? Could she have secretly married into power? And why had Rylan pushed her to steal that necklace in the first place? Something about it all felt wrong. Eleanor began to wonder if she’d been nothing more than a pawn.
Helena, meanwhile, was done playing these games.
She had groceries waiting and dinner to cook.
“If Eleanor refuses to settle, I’ll let the police take it from here.” With that, she gathered her bags and walked out.
Eleanor’s frantic yelling behind her faded into the background. Helena didn’t bother looking back.
Not far from the station, Rylan sat in a parked car, watching as Helena exited the building. His secretary, Caleb Blair, leaned in slightly.
“Mr. Wilson, Miss Murphy keeps calling—she’s begging for your help p>
“What’s the point of keeping someone that useless around?” Rylan answered coolly.
Caleb gave a sharp nod. “Understood. I’ll handle it quietly p>
Rylan’s gaze remained on Helena. “Alden’s wife is turning out to be far more intriguing than I thought p>
Caleb pulled out a few candid photos of Helena and Alden. In each, there was a noticeable distance between them.
“Doesn’t seem like Alden is all that invested in his so-called wife,” Caleb observed.
Rylan’s expression hardened. “Helena came from nothing, just like Alden—that pathetic fool. He’s always trying to win over our grandmother with his charades. If Eleanor has outlived her usefulness, then get someone else to keep an eye on Helena p>
He wasn’t finished yet in this little game—not with Alden.