Chapter 96
Chapter 96:
Emily’s expression darkened. “What’s different, Helena? I heard Alden’s grandmother adores you. Did she give you something precious p>
Helena hesitated, the words forming on her lips, but before she could speak, Alden’s deep voice resonated from behind her. “What my grandmother gave her is precisely what she deserves. This is a family matter—outsiders need not interfere p>
Helena spun around, her heart skipping as Alden’s imposing figure appeared before her.
Emily’s breath caught in her throat. “A-Alden p>
That night, she had only seen shadowy outlines of his form in the darkness. Whispers had claimed he was difficult and completely deaf. She never expected that, up close, Alden would command such attention, his presence impossible to ignore.
His regal posture and striking features drew attention away from the cochlear implant at his ear. He exuded a magnetism that surpassed most men, even without physical limitations.
With a single glance, Emily found herself captivated, unable to look away.
However, Alden dismissed Emily entirely, gripping Helena’s arm and pulling her upright.
“Didn’t you say you were finished with the Simpsons permanently?” His tone was cold, sharp as ice, leaving Helena momentarily speechless under the weight of his intensity.
Since beginning their life together, Alden rarely addressed her with such severity.
A shadow of unease crept through her veins. She could sense from the reactions of both Alden and Emily that this wasn’t their first encounter.
But why had Alden never mentioned knowing Emily? And why had Emily kept silent about it?
Emily slowly rose, her voice trembling slightly. “Mr. Wilson, misunderstandings prevented our marriage previously, but now that I’ve returned p>
“Miss Simpson, your personal affairs hold no interest for me,” Alden cut her off with brutal efficiency. “Whatever schemes the Simpson family harbors, Helena is now my wife p>
His gaze pierced Emily with the same cold indifference he had shown that fateful night.
𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 g𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧿𝖼𝗈𝗺
Emily trembled involuntarily. Whatever pleas she had prepared died in her throat. She could only watch helplessly as Alden guided Helena away.
Emily’s phone trilled. Gemma’s anxious voice spilled through the receiver. “Well? Did Helena agree to the divorce p>
Emily snapped, “Alden appeared out of nowhere and swept her away before she could agree p>
Gemma exhaled heavily. “Emily, fleeing that wedding was foolish. Alden may be deaf, but he could have rescued our family from financial ruin p>
Emily’s teeth clenched. “Mom, you understand nothing p>
The evening before her escape, Emily had met Alden once. He had provided a substantial sum and facilitated her departure from Cheson, extracting her promise of absolute secrecy.
Emily never fathomed his motives, but marriage to him had never been her desire. Who could have predicted that her parents would thrust Helena into Alden’s arms—or that he would accept so readily?
By the time Emily had squandered Alden’s money and returned home without remorse, the Simpson family had crumbled. Now, her desperate family pushed her to grovel before Alden for assistance. They clung to the belief that, even if Alden’s pockets weren’t deep, the Wilson family could still save them.
After leaving the cafe, Helena gently withdrew her hand from Alden’s grasp. Questions swirled in her mind like autumn leaves. She had to address them methodically.
Helena’s brow furrowed. “Why did you come p>
Alden cleared his throat, his answer forthright. “I was worried about you meeting a fan, so I came immediately p>
He had suspected that someone might be posing as him to lure Helena. However, Emily’s presence had blindsided him completely.
Helena probed the tender spot. “You’ve encountered Emily before p>
Without hesitation, Alden replied with practiced calm, “The Simpson family originally intended her as my bride. I’ve seen her photograph—what’s unusual about that p>
His explanation left no room for doubt to take root. Helena wondered if paranoia was clouding her judgment.
“Have you finished your interrogation? Then allow me my request,” Alden said, reclaiming Helena’s hand. “Don’t waste another precious moment on the Simpsons’ absurd demands. I’ll handle everything p>
Helena nodded her agreement. Still, intuition whispered that the Simpsons wouldn’t give up that easily.