Chapter 126
Chapter 126:
After his close encounter with Helena that night, Alden thought they had moved past their previous awkwardness.
However, by the next morning, Helena had returned to her usual formal and aloof behavior.
For years, Alden had been accustomed to wielding control from behind the scenes.
Yet, Helena consistently made him feel utterly helpless.
The coverage of the flower exhibition proceeded as expected. True to Helena’s prediction, the final day of the exhibition overlapped with her assessment for the news anchor position.
Feeling anxious the night before her assessment, Helena called Valeria to share her concerns.
Concerned for her, Valeria immediately said, “Why don’t you ask Alden for assistance p>
“There’s no need,” Helena responded quickly, then outlined her strategy. “The assessment is scheduled for the afternoon. I plan to head there right after the flower exhibition wraps up. I’ve timed it—if traffic cooperates, I’ll arrive just in time p>
Valeria expressed her skepticism, saying, “Don’t count on everything going smoothly! Your manager assigned you the flower exhibition deliberately to jeopardize your chance at the assessment p>
Helena was all too aware of this.
She had attempted to discuss it with Lucas, but he dismissed her concerns, accusing her of lacking professionalism.
Over the phone, Valeria heard Helena sigh and couldn’t resist suggesting once more, “Why not turn to Alden for help? Considering all that has transpired, you don’t still see him as powerless, do you? Believe me, he definitely can assist you p>
“I’m aware of that,” Helena retorted softly.
“Then why not reach out to him? Are you still upset with him p>
Helena experienced a sharp twinge of bitterness.
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Did she even have any grounds to be upset with him?
After all, their relationship was merely a contractual arrangement.
With a resigned sigh, Helena explained calmly, “I’m not upset. I just believe Alden has his reasons for concealing his capabilities. A lot has happened recently—he’s been cautious, but people might start suspecting something. I don’t want to inadvertently expose him by seeking his help p>
Valeria understood that Helena disliked imposing on others. Realizing further persuasion was useless, she let the matter rest.
The following day, Helena resumed her coverage at the flower exhibition, while Valeria returned to her duties at the hospital.
She hadn’t anticipated that her first patient would be Dorian.
“It’s working hours. You need to go,” Valeria said, her tone sharp and to the point.
“If you keep that up, don’t be shocked if I lodge a complaint, Dr. Clark,” Dorian retorted, lounging in his chair with his typical flirtatious confidence, smirking provocatively.
Valeria inhaled deeply, her patience wearing thin.
Dorian placed a hand over his chest, as if trying to steady something unsettled. “Are you avoiding me because of Leonino? The Prescott family’s already moving ahead with the wedding preparations—are you truly going to marry him p>
He scrutinized Valeria’s face, attempting to gauge her reaction.
She gave an exasperated eye roll, her tone cold as she said, “Marry him? That arrangement with Leonino is nothing more than a short-term gig. It’s done. Even if I were flat broke, I wouldn’t drag myself into someone else’s mess p>
Valeria was an accomplished doctor, which meant she earned a substantial income.
Dorian wondered about her urgent need for money and was about to inquire when her phone interrupted.
He noticed that the caller ID didn’t display a name.
Valeria’s face turned grim as she moved to the office corner to take the call.
Though Dorian couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation, he heard Valeria’s distressed and frustrated words. “I told you, the last time I sent you money was the final time! Don’t contact me again! I don’t have a parasitic brother like you p>
After ending the call, she massaged her temples, visibly distressed.
Dorian had always perceived Valeria as strong and self-reliant.
However, today he witnessed her vulnerability for the first time. His usual playful demeanor turned serious, and he asked cautiously, “Are you dealing with some trouble? Let me assist p>
“This is a family matter, and it doesn’t involve you,” Valeria responded sharply, closing her eyes to shut him out.
Dorian’s expression hardened, determined. “What if I insist on helping p>
“I know of someone else who could really use your help p>
Valeria offered him a smile that carried more weight than it let on. Then, without hesitation, she laid out all of Helena’s struggles for Dorian to hear.
And if Dorian was aware, it meant Alden would likely be informed soon.