Chapter 123
Chapter 123:
Helena wasn’t in the mood to argue, so she let Betsey’s childish provocations pass.
The van arrived at the venue of the flower exhibition shortly thereafter. The filming and interviews started immediately. Helena plunged into her work, managing to stifle her negative emotions and showcase her most professional demeanor in front of the camera.
As the day drew to a close after relentless activity, Helena spotted a booth adorned with bright yellow roses.
Those flowers…
Alden had once given her identical ones.
The memory of Alden jolted her as she realized that the flower exhibition was located just next to the development area he was managing, only a short distance away.
What was he up to at the moment?
Did he think about her, as she sometimes did about him?
This sudden thought took Helena by surprise. She quickly dismissed it. Alden was a secretive, calculating man—not someone she could rely on. Having resolved to move past her feelings for him, Helena was determined not to succumb to them again.
She inhaled deeply and was about to bid farewell to her colleagues when a message arrived.
“I’m out front in the parking lot. Head over here p>
The message was short and authoritative, typical of Alden.
Helena paused and looked ahead. Indeed, there was a familiar car parked there.
The rear window was half-open, revealing Alden’s distinct eyes and brows.
Helena’s gaze met his, and her colleagues took notice.
Dominick was quick to react. “Hey, see that car? Isn’t that Alden and his secretary p>
Upon hearing Alden’s name, Betsey promptly turned to look.
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The moment she spotted the car, Helena rolled her eyes. “Dominick, are you blind or just being absurd? There’s no way Alden would ever be caught in a car that ordinary. His car is a Maybach p>
Tessa, clearly annoyed by Betsey’s materialistic attitude, burst into laughter. “Wow, Betsey, your memory is impressive. I can’t recall what Alden’s car looks like. All I remember is you dressing provocatively, attempting to charm your way into his car, only to be swiftly ejected by him p>
“You—!” Betsey was so infuriated that she was rendered speechless.
Helena ignored the banter of her colleagues. She quietly diverted her gaze, bid them farewell, and walked alone toward the bus stop.
“Mr. Wilson p>
Xavier regarded Alden with concern.
Alden massaged his temples and, watching Helena’s determined departure, sighed and instructed, “Follow her p>
Thus, Xavier drove slowly, keeping the car right alongside Helena as she walked.
Helena didn’t pay any attention to them. Upon arriving at the bus stop, she simply used her transit card and boarded the bus.
Unexpectedly, a man with long legs exited the car and followed her onto the bus.
Alden, clad in a sharp suit and radiating a cool, authoritative air, was immediately noticeable among the other passengers.
As he boarded, it seemed as though he brought with him an invisible barrier—passengers naturally moved aside to give him space on the crowded bus.
Helena was concerned he might confront her publicly, but he seemed to understand her thoughts. From a distance, he offered a resigned smile and remained quietly a few steps away.
Helena let out a sigh of relief.
Yet…
She felt a subtle pang of disappointment that she couldn’t fully dismiss.
Even after stepping off the bus, Helena was still feeling somewhat bewildered until the sudden cold raindrops jolted her back to reality.
She instinctively shrugged her shoulders and was about to use her jacket as a shield when suddenly, a large umbrella unfolded above her. Looking up, she met Alden’s intense gaze and instinctively tried to step back.
However, a firm hand quickly pulled her close.
“You p>
“Shh. We’re being followed p>
The echo of her previous abduction lingered in Helena’s mind.
Her muscles stiffened, and she froze in place.
“Don’t worry. This time, I’m here p>
Alden’s resonant voice calmed her nerves, easing the tightness in her chest.
Together, they moved silently, huddled close as they navigated a dimly lit alley in the rain.
It wasn’t until they emerged onto a broader street that Helena dared to look behind.
The alley they had left was deserted, with only the gentle patter of rain persisting.
Realizing she had been deceived, Helena spun around to confront Alden with a glare.
“You p>
“Sorry. I lied p>
Surprisingly, Alden didn’t attempt to deflect. He merely smiled slyly and confessed openly.
Helena was so exasperated she struggled to catch her breath. She gritted her teeth and continued glaring at him.
Noticing her flushed cheeks, Alden joked, “Next time, don’t be so gullible. Be sharper p>
“You p>
Helena, seething, spun around, ready to march off in a storm of her own. But before she could take a step, Alden pressed the umbrella handle into her hand, then walked straight into the rain without so much as a glance back.