Chapter 98
Chapter 98:
Tessa and Dominick hunched over the news photos, eyes narrowed in scrutiny.
Helena tensed up, her words caught in her throat.
Dominick sighed, disappointment lacing his voice. “The background is shrouded in darkness. The face is completely obscured. They could claim it’s anyone with that kind of shadowy evidence p>
Darkness? Helena was confused.
Yesterday, when she was with Alden, twilight had bathed them in soft, golden light—nowhere near nightfall.
It was only then that Helena truly examined the photographs.
Alden reclined in the vehicle, acting intimately with a woman, even escorting her out of the car afterward with unmistakable tenderness. Though there was merely the woman’s side profile, Helena recognized her instantly. It was Emily.
Helena’s blood turned to ice, her mind stuttering to comprehend.
“That’s definitely the same car that came to collect Betsey at Nexus TV last time, no question about it. Word is these photos were taken four months ago—precisely when whispers of Alden’s clandestine marriage began circulating p>
Dominick continued his enthusiastic analysis, but Helena’s heart plummeted like a stone through deep water.
Four months ago—before she had stepped into Emily’s place at the wedding. Alden had already met Emily at that time?
Yet he’d maintained a perfect silence about their connection.
“Helena, you look pale. What’s wrong? Has seeing photos of Mr. Wilson’s wife shattered your little fantasy?” Betsey’s venomous words sliced through her thoughts.
Helena lacked the stamina to parry with her, but Betsey pressed on relentlessly.
She continued, savoring each syllable, “Mr. Wilson’s wife is Emily from the illustrious Simpson family. Pure strategic alliance—to secure that prime development area. But Mr. Wilson evidently cherishes Emily deeply—sequestering her away from media vultures p>
Tessa muttered skeptically, “His protection doesn’t seem airtight, though. Otherwise, why would these photos suddenly surface now p>
Betsey skewered Helena with a razor-sharp glance and curled her lip. “Perhaps it’s a warning for you p>
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙖𝙩:
Certain individuals seemed determined to abandon hopeless pursuits. “Helena, I’m meeting with Ms. Simpson this afternoon. Perhaps she might advocate for me with Mr. Wilson. Care to join us p>
Helena paused for a moment, then replied with practiced indifference, “I’ll accompany you p>
Betsey blinked in surprise—she had anticipated refusal. Dominick raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. After Betsey left, he leaned in.
“Helena, you’re really going? This reeks of an ambush p>
Helena hadn’t wanted to see Emily again. But those damning photographs still haunted her, and Alden had offered nothing but evasions. Emily remained her only path to the truth.
That afternoon, Betsey dressed with calculated modesty. Her attire was deliberately understated, a transparent strategy to appear non-threatening next to Emily.
Emily had recovered in the forty-eight hours since their last meeting. She now radiated vitality, every trace of vulnerability vanished. Draped in luxurious designer pieces, she exuded effortless confidence. The moment Betsey caught sight of Emily’s handbag, envy flashed across her face.
“That limited edition bag—just launched. Ms. Simpson, your fashion instincts are impeccable p>
Emily absorbed the praise with practiced indifference. Without a flicker of emotion, she carelessly tossed her exquisite bag aside. “Ms. Avila, you possess quite the discerning eye p>
“Not remotely comparable to yours, Ms. Simpson,” Betsey gushed, her desperation perfuming her flattery. “Or should I address you as Mrs. Wilson p>
Emily’s expression hardened imperceptibly. She offered no response, instead shifting her gaze to Helena.
Betsey seized the moment to make introductions. “This is Ms. Ellis. I mentioned her before—she and Mr. Wilson share a peculiarly close relationship, and he specifically requested her for the exclusive interview. I brought her today to preempt any… misunderstandings p>
But misunderstandings were precisely what Betsey cultivated.
If Emily truly claimed the title of Mrs. Wilson, Betsey’s insinuation about Helena and Alden’s relationship was dripping with calculated malice. Helena arched an eyebrow, easily reading Betsey’s manipulative intentions.
Betsey’s desire to undermine her was clear at every turn.
As expected, Emily’s expression froze.
Betsey masked her satisfaction, expecting Emily’s fury to turn on Helena, allowing her to reclaim the exclusive interview.
But to her surprise, Emily’s cold stare was directed squarely at Betsey.
“Ms. Avila, is this how you routinely treat my sister p>