Chapter 270
Chapter 270:
A heavy nod, his voice taut with reluctant truth. “The previous damage was too severe. This relapse… it could push things over the edge.” The implication hung in the air, thick and heavy. Total hearing loss.
Alden said nothing, unmoving, as if the news had turned him to stone.
Leonino grew even more worried. He leaned in, urgency threading through his tone. “You’ll need a far more involved treatment this time. And there’s no hiding this from Helena—not again. Don’t lie to her. Tell her everything. Bring her with you. I need her to understand the daily precautions, the routines… everything.” Still, Alden didn’t respond.
Leonino’s patience gave way to frustration. “What are you so afraid of?” he snapped, louder now. “You think she’s fragile? Helena once carried so many burdens while her father was in a coma. She’ll have the courage to face this with you too p>
Of course Alden knew that. Better than anyone. Helena was fierce beneath her gentleness, unshakable beneath her grace.
It wasn’t her strength he doubted. It was the truth he dreaded.
Because once he told her, once she learned what had truly caused his old injury, the questions would come—and the answers would lead her straight to the memory he’d kept hidden for years, that he had been hurt protecting her. And Helena, with that impossibly tender heart of hers, would never forgive herself.
Could she really handle that kind of guilt?
Alden eventually chose not to tell Helena about his hearing loss returning. Still, he made sure Helena’s interview with Eleanino was arranged without delay.
When the day arrived, Helena showed up at Star Wish Investments as planned and was escorted straight to the office of the vice president. Just like before, Alden took the time to properly introduce Helena to Eleanino.
With genuine warmth, Helena said, “Getting everything back in order after returning to the country must be keeping you busy. This might not be the best time, and I hate to bother you, but your story moved me deeply. I truly believe you could inspire women from all walks of life, and that’s why I was so eager to meet you. I hope you don’t mind, Miss Haynes p>
“Oh, don’t be so formal! You’re Alden’s wife, so that makes us more than acquaintances. Just call me Eleanino when it’s the two of us,” Eleanino said with a warm, easy smile. “This interview? It’s great publicity on my end. I’m more than happy to do it—why would I have any reason to mind p>
Watching their pleasant exchange, Alden felt more at ease and politely stepped away, giving them space for the interview.
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“Eleanino, shall we get started?” Helena asked with a smile after Alden left.
The shift in Eleanino’s mood came without warning. Her smile disappeared as she slid back into her chair, her voice flat. “Something urgent came up. I need to take care of it. You can wait here p>
Though the sudden coldness caught Helena off guard, she didn’t show it. After all, Eleanino had a demanding role. She gave a small, unsure smile and settled into the sofa near the front of the room.
Half an hour passed in silence. Eleanino didn’t acknowledge her presence during that time. She remained glued to her work, as if Helena didn’t exist. Only after several more minutes did she finally speak in a distant voice.