Chapter 225
Chapter 225:
He scanned it briefly, then tucked the device away. But Helena had caught a glimpse of the alert. Her heart sank.
Was Alden’s family striking back already?
She wanted to ask, but Alden’s calm, composed expression made her hold her tongue.
In the business world, she was of no help to him—not truly.
The least she could do was trust him, not weigh him down with unnecessary concern.
Alden shifted gears and cast a glance at Albert in the rearview mirror. “It’s nearly lunchtime. How about we grab a bite to eat first p>
Albert, still stiff with indignation, gave a grudging nod.
“Any restaurant recommendations, Mr. Ellis?” Alden asked, still offering respect where none was returned.
Albert’s reply came coated in venom. “Someone of your stature surely wouldn’t lower themselves to eat at the places I frequent. If you caught food poisoning, my daughter and I would have to sell everything we own just to pay the hospital bill p>
“Dad!” Helena snapped, unable to bear the pettiness.
But Alden, unbothered, offered a small, pleasant smile. “Then allow me to take the liberty of choosing. I’ll find something I think you’ll enjoy, Mr. Ellis.” His repeated concessions only deepened Helena’s heartache. He shouldn’t have to keep making room for her father’s bitterness.
When their eyes met, hers were soft and full of emotion. Alden reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze—quiet reassurance that he was fine. The car wove through a few turns before stopping in front of a modest street restaurant.
Helena’s face lit up the moment she spotted the familiar sign of Marcus’s restaurant. Albert, however, recoiled like he’d been insulted. “This is where you’ve brought us? Do you think this is all we’re good for p>
“Dad!” Helena tugged at his arm, half exasperated, half amused. “If you’re mad at Alden, fine—but don’t insult someone else’s hard work p>
Albert’s lips pressed into a tight line. He hadn’t meant to insult the restaurant—and now he looked a little embarrassed.
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Alden, lips twitching with faint amusement, led them to a table.
When the menu arrived, Albert started browsing, but Alden had already ordered. The old man glanced over and frowned—then paused. Everything Alden had picked was Helena’s favorite.
Just then, the restaurant owner stepped out with a grin stretching ear to ear. “Well, well, Mr. Wilson, you’ve brought Ms. Ellis here again! And lucky you—it’s my wife’s p>
“Birthday, so you’re getting the half-price special today!” The cheerful familiarity in the man’s voice gave Albert pause.
Albert gazed at the restaurant owner for a moment before it hit him—it was Marcus, the chef who once owned a restaurant near the orphanage years ago! Before Albert adopted Helena, he often visited the orphanage out of care and love, just to see her.
Each time, he would stop at Marcus’s place to grab some barbecue skewers and ask one of the orphanage staff to deliver them to her.