Chapter 120
Chapter 120:
“Alden, what are you doing p>
The moment the hospital room door shut, Helena wrested her waist free from Alden’s grasp, her tone full of indignation.
With a steely gaze, Alden’s expression remained impassive, his voice laced with irritation. “Are you questioning me? It seems I’m the one who needs answers—what exactly are you attempting p>
He clasped Helena’s wrist firmly, peering into her eyes with intense scrutiny. “Haven’t I made myself clear, Helena? You are to avoid all contact with anyone from the Simpson family. Do my instructions mean so little to you p>
Feeling the oppressive weight of his presence, Helena couldn’t help but recoil.
Regret flickered across Alden’s face as he prepared to soften his approach, but Helena interjected defiantly, “This matter is mine to handle, Mr. Wilson p>
Her statement left no room for misunderstanding—she was telling him to back off.
A scornful smile twisted Alden’s lips. “Really? If it hadn’t been for Dr. Lopez, do you think you would have managed to evade Xavier and get here by yourself p>
Helena inhaled sharply, her voice quick and earnest. “Please, don’t blame Dr. Lopez. I implored him for his assistance p>
Concern etched her features, betraying her fear of repercussions befalling Atticus.
Her anxious expression stoked a fire within Alden, tightening his hold unintentionally.
As his demeanor turned colder, Helena’s pained gasp broke his reverie.
Realizing his grip, he promptly released her wrist.
“Have I caused you pain? Please, let me look p>
Alden extended his hand toward her wrist, but Helena swiftly withdrew, her tone firm. “Mr. Wilson, you’ve demanded respect for your boundaries, which I’ve honored. Now, I ask that you respect my personal space. Moving forward, I expect you not to meddle in my affairs p>
She hesitated before continuing, her thoughts turning to Atticus, “And, I’d appreciate it if you refrain from venting your frustrations onto others who are innocent p>
Alden’s mouth set in a thin line, his voice hardening. “If you’re concerned for your friend, then don’t disobey me. The Wilson family is going through a turbulent time right now. I can’t afford further complications stemming from you p>
𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓮:
Helena’s eyes widened slightly as she absorbed his demand. “What are you suggesting p>
“We need to present a united front. Rumors of marital discord would not only tarnish the family’s reputation but could adversely affect my grandmother’s well-being p>
Helena took a moment, her gaze narrowing as the implications sank in. “So, your request is for me to keep the peace and avoid causing you trouble, correct p>
Alden inhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. That wasn’t the truth he wished to convey. Yet, he kept his response controlled and simply nodded.
Helena gave a hollow, mocking laugh in return and replied sharply, “Understood p>
She walked away without looking back.
On her way back to her room, Helena’s spirits were downcast. She pondered over the strained dynamics with Alden. Had they gone back to the way things were right after they got married, or was it colder now than ever? Was the intimacy they had shared nothing more than a fleeting mirage?
Alden watched Helena’s retreating figure in silence until she was out of sight. Turning with a hardened expression, he marched to Gemma’s room and threw the door open with a bang. Gemma jolted, nearly falling from her bed.
The air around Alden was charged with fury, each breath seeming to fan the flames of his rage.
As Gemma struggled to find her voice amidst her fear, she finally stammered, “Mr. Wilson… I admit my mistakes. Please, for Helena’s sake, show some leniency p>
“Helena?” Alden’s voice dripped with cold derision. “You dare invoke her name as a plea for mercy p>
Gemma was petrified. His tone dropping to a dangerous whisper, Alden said, “Don’t pretend your intentions were ever noble. Had you not schemed for Helena to replace Emily and marry the ‘deaf man,’ as you so kindly labeled me, you would have gladly handed her over to that despicable old man willing to offer a price p>
His words came out as a venomous hiss.
Gemma’s breath hitched in her throat from sheer terror. Alden was referring to a notorious, wealthy businessman from the neighboring city—a man nearly fifty with unsavory plans, who had business ties with the Simpson family.
Indeed, Gemma and Douglas had once hoped to secure their family’s fortunes by marrying Helena to this man. But that was before Alden stepped into Helena’s life.
It turned out that even before Emily ran away from her wedding, Alden had already been paying attention to Helena. Recently, that very businessman had suffered a dramatic fall from grace—his company crumbled, and he was now battling a severe illness in the hospital.
That had to be Alden, working his magic from the shadows. And he’d done every bit of it for Helena.
Gemma’s heart raced as the pieces fell into place. Alden’s commitment to Helena was deeper than she had feared, and his methods more severe than she’d ever imagined.
Considering all that had transpired against Helena under their roof, what hope did the Simpson family have?
Gemma was struck with a chilling thought—perhaps their family’s misfortunes were only beginning.