Chapter 49
Chapter 49:
As Helena was about to clock out after delivering the evening weather forecast, a message from Laurence arrived on her phone.
The text instructed, “Tonight, our team will have a get-together in Room 809 at Nightfall Bar. Helena, please head there first and get some drinks ready,” and included a map pin for the location. Direct messages from Laurence to Helena were uncommon.
She scanned through Nexus TV’s main group chat and noticed there was no mention of this event, which she found unusual.
Just then, Betsey and several interns passed by her.
Helena inquired, “Have you received a notification from Mr. Palmer about tonight’s gathering?” She showed them Laurence’s message.
For a brief moment, Betsey’s face changed. An intern next to her seemed eager to comment, but Betsey quickly interjected.
“Mr. Palmer had me arrive early last time to arrange everything, claiming it was meant as a surprise for other colleagues. Maybe his secretary is unavailable tonight p>
Helena remained skeptical despite the explanation.
Betsey added, “There’s no reason for Mr. Palmer to mislead you. Everyone else will be there shortly. Remember, I was late last time and failed to finish preparing on time, and Mr. Palmer was quite upset about it p>
Helena ceased her inquiries and exited the office.
Watching Helena walk away, Betsey couldn’t hide the smug smile that crept across her face. She had previously been caught in a scheme orchestrated by Laurence and Neville. The humiliation of that night was something she hoped never to experience again. This time, she was pleased it was Helena who would endure it…
On the second floor of Nightfall Bar, within the dart-playing area, Dorian and Alden were engrossed in a game of darts.
Dorian was slightly less skilled than Alden at darts. Switching his approach, Dorian attempted to distract Alden. “Do you think Helena is actually considering Valeria’s suggestion for exposure therapy p>
Alden kept his cool, responding only by landing his dart precisely in the nine-ring. He figured that Helena must have seen some merit in the idea; otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken the document home.
Dorian’s next attempt was less successful, his dart hitting the eight-ring. He then nudged further, saying, “Couldn’t you volunteer to assist her? If there’s anyone who could really make a difference for her, it’s you. You’ve almost been a complete ascetic p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s﹒𝒸оm opens doors to fiction
Alden gave him a cold stare. “That’s enough. We’ll end this after another round p>
As he reached for the critical dart, he was distracted by a figure downstairs that resembled Helena, causing his throw to go awry. Unfamiliar with the venue and it being her first visit, Helena paused, waiting for a server to guide her to Room 809. The gloomy ambiance did little to lift her spirits; absorbed in her thoughts, she failed to spot an observer from the upper floor. Meanwhile, Dorian, wholly absorbed in the game and confident of victory, couldn’t suppress a triumphant grin.
Alden, disregarding Dorian, directed his question to a server who had just appeared. “Which room is the lady downstairs headed for p>
The server responded with a knowing laugh, “You might want to hurry if you’re interested in her. She’s got a guy waiting for her in that room already p>
Dorian turned abruptly, removed his sunglasses in astonishment, and squinted hard. “Is that Helena? Is she possibly about to…” Alden’s cold gaze cut Dorian off mid-sentence.
Earlier, Helena had informed Alden that she would be late because she was attending a Nexus TV gathering. Such events typically involved both male and female colleagues.
Alden asked, “Are you certain it’s just one man in that room p>
The server’s response came with an awkward, suggestive grin. “You know, some parties involve… special arrangements. We usually don’t discuss the specifics p>
The cold intensity in Alden’s eyes sent a shiver down the server’s spine.
Dorian interjected suddenly, “Is that gathering in Room 809 p>
With a quick nod from the server, Dorian gave him a stern look, prompting the server to scurry away.
Dorian speculated, “Room 809 is often used by Nexus TV for their events, but it’s notorious for being a place where male executives lure women with deceptive invitations for…” Alden had heard enough.
Without another word, he rose and hurried downstairs.