Chapter 103
Chapter 103:
Betsey froze momentarily, bewilderment crossing her face at Helena’s seemingly foolish question.
“Don’t attempt to play mind games with me.” Betsey scoffed with withering contempt. “Who else could possibly hold that position but Emily p>
The news had dominated headlines for days, and Alden’s conspicuous silence served as virtual confirmation.
Betsey folded her arms defensively, her gaze cutting into Helena like ice. “Are you consumed with jealousy over your sister’s happiness?” Even if Emily weren’t Alden’s wife, Helena would never have claimed that title.
Helena abandoned the fruitless argument.
Together, they journeyed toward the Wilson Group’s headquarters.
The Wilson Group’s headquarters dominated downtown Cheson’s skyline, piercing the clouds with imperial grandeur—a colossus surveying its kingdom with detached authority.
Although Helena had lived with Alden for several months, she had never before ventured into his professional sanctuary.
The imminent prospect of confronting Alden in his domain—particularly to negotiate for Nexus TV—sent unfamiliar tremors of anxiety through her composure.
Helena harbored no illusions about persuading Alden to abandon the lawsuit, nor did she nurture false hope.
Forced into this charade by Gianni, she merely fulfilled an obligation. Betsey bristled at Helena’s apparent naiveté and unprofessional demeanor.
She announced their appointment at reception with practiced confidence.
The receptionist scrutinized both women with clinical precision, her expression crystallizing into frost upon learning their affiliation with Nexus.
“Your organization has created considerable difficulties for Mr. Wilson. I regret to inform you that your presence is unwelcome. Please vacate the premises,” she declared with clinical detachment.
Betsey’s pulse faltered—if even the receptionist at Wilson Group exhibited such hostility, confronting Alden himself promised unimaginable humiliation.
Exasperation boiled over in Betsey as she shoved Helena’s shoulder. “I specifically suggested bringing Emily along. What’s your brilliant plan now p>
𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: g⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗼𝗺
Helena remained unruffled. She had fulfilled her obligation—if Alden refused to meet them, the failure couldn’t be laid at her feet. Gianni would have no grounds for criticism.
Just then, Xavier materialized by the reception desk, drawn by the commotion.
Betsey instantly manufactured a dazzling smile. “Mr. Ashton, what a delightful surprise p>
Xavier’s countenance remained glacial, his voice stripped of warmth. “Mr. Wilson explicitly stated no representatives from Nexus TV would be received. All matters will proceed through legal channels. Defamatory reporting will not be tolerated under any circumstances p>
Betsey’s practiced smile froze on her face.
Xavier’s frigid demeanor evoked painful memories of Alden’s public rejection outside Nexus TV—a humiliation she’d rather forget than revisit.
Xavier summoned security to escort the unwanted visitors away, but as his gaze swept across Helena, recognition flickered in his eyes.
He hesitated. “Ms. Ellis? You’re present as well p>
Helena nodded, attempting a smile that died before reaching her eyes. The awkwardness hung palpable between them.
Noticing approaching security, Xavier dismissed them with a subtle gesture.
Betsey’s mind raced, calculating a strategy with lightning speed.
She immediately transferred all responsibility to her companion. “Ms. Ellis insisted on representing Nexus TV to talk to Mr. Wilson. This endeavor was entirely her initiative. I’m merely providing company p>
Helena frowned deeply, desperately signaling Xavier to remove them both from the premises.
Xavier missed her silent plea entirely. He regarded Helena meaningfully. “Then Ms. Ellis, accompany me to Mr. Wilson’s office p>
Resignation washed over Helena as she forced words through gritted teeth. “Mr. Ashton, are you certain Mr. Wilson is willing to see me?” If Alden discovered she’d come championing Nexus TV after their slanderous reporting, his rejection might prove spectacularly public.
Xavier offered no response beyond a beckoning gesture.
He understood Alden profoundly. The only person Alden ever truly wished to see—regardless of the circumstances—was his wife, Helena.
With no alternative, Helena followed Xavier reluctantly.
Betsey watched Helena’s departure with undisguised relief flooding through her. If Alden’s fury ran unchecked, he would likely disregard any familial connection and direct his wrath squarely at Helena.
With any luck, Helena would bear the full brunt of his considerable temper.
Betsey could scarcely contain her anticipation of Helena’s impending downfall.