Chapter 105
Chapter 105:
Alden offered a soft, subdued smile, his voice soothing and quiet. “Mm-hmm p>
The other day, he had provided coffee for the Nexus TV team, but Helena had been in the studio and missed it. This gesture was his way of compensating her.
Helena retrieved a card from her pocket. “Did this come from you as well?” She had kept the card a fan had sent along with the coffee that day.
A flicker of recognition crossed Alden’s eyes. “You figured that out p>
Helena tapped the smiley face on the card, looking rather pleased with herself. “Obviously! This smiley face is identical to the ones I draw. I’d recognize it anywhere p>
She sampled a piece of the rosemary shortbread. The herb’s rich scent and subtle sharpness surprisingly complemented each other. She offered a piece to Alden. “Try this p>
“I’m not really into sweets—” Alden started to decline, but Helena’s elegant fingers were already pressing the shortbread against his lips. He remained silent, yet a sweet warmth spread through him.
“Buying coffee for everyone… and these treats—they must have been expensive, huh?” The delight from the desserts quickly waned. Helena bowed her head, her tone gentle. “Did you ever consider leaving the Wilson Group? Escaping all this turmoil p>
Helena struggled with the notion of using the money Alden earned without feeling remorseful. Luxury was never something she sought in life.
Alden stopped, his voice growing cold and firm. “What if I asked you to leave Nexus TV today, would you p>
Helena looked up to meet his challenging, cold look. Before she could formulate a reply, Alden added, “You wouldn’t leave. Because like everyone, you strive for what you believe you rightly deserve. And I am no different. I’ll secure what I want by any means necessary, even if it requires underhanded tactics p>
A sharp, defining intensity briefly flitted across his usually reserved demeanor. Helena found herself momentarily unable to recognize him. “Alden, what brought you back to the Wilson family? What is it that you truly seek p>
This was her first time broaching such direct inquiries.
Alden’s face grew cold. “You said you’d wait until I was ready to discuss it p>
𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙡: 𝙜ⱥ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘴⫽𝙘𝙤𝙢
He was not yet willing to unpack those distressing memories with Helena. Previously, if he resisted discussing something, Helena would not push further. However, today, her persistence was uncharacteristic. “It was supposed to be Emily marrying you, yet I ended up in her place. Was that merely by chance, or did you plan it from the start p>
A hush fell over the room, and Alden remained silent.
Helena chuckled ruefully to herself. For some time, she had genuinely thought she had found a place in Alden’s heart. Apparently, she was mistaken.
“Alden, I need to say this—I don’t aspire to a life of luxury. What we have now is more than sufficient. I can’t offer much help, and I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Helena said. All she desired was their mutual honesty and a modest, peaceful existence.
As she started to walk away, she heard quick steps behind her. Alden reached out and embraced her from behind, his arms securely around her shoulders. “I’m sorry for the concern I’ve caused you p>
Helena’s gentle and reassuring words had immediately soothed Alden. A deep protective instinct welled up inside him. Helena’s longing for him was evident—how could he not reciprocate her feelings?
They had no reason to concern themselves with individuals who mattered little in their lives. Alden wrapped his arms around Helena tighter, his lips curling into a subtle grin.
She had no time to react before he pressed his lips to hers—forceful, commanding, and utterly compelling. Hesitant in their earlier kisses, Helena now instinctively responded to his touch.
She was unsure if the sweetness was from the desserts they shared or the deliciousness of his kiss.
The atmosphere around them thickened with desire, their breathing deepening and synchronizing.
Suddenly, Helena’s phone interrupted the moment.
From the device, Betsey’s frustrated tone emerged. “Helena, why are you taking so long? I’m out here freezing in front of Wilson Group’s building! Move it p>
Helena peered down from the expansive window and identified a small figure below; it was definitely Betsey. Initially, Betsey had planned to wait inside for Helena, but was quickly ushered out by security once Helena was brought upstairs. Meanwhile, Gianni kept urging her to speed up. Betsey stood in the cold, not daring to depart.
A laugh escaped Helena.
She then feigned misery. “Mr. Wilson just reprimanded me severely. He demands that I find the source of the leak or else. I even tried dropping Emily’s name to soften him, to no avail. He’s really intimidating p>
She added a slight sniff for effect.
Just as Betsey was about to reprimand her, Alden disconnected the call. He found the performance amusing. “You really exaggerated that well p>
Helena casually responded, “It works perfectly on someone as gullible as her. Looks like I’ll need to cry all the way out p>