Chapter 129
Chapter 129:
The moment Helena disappeared from view, the helicopter’s pilot swiveled in his seat, flashing a cheeky grin at Alden. “You know, I didn’t file a flight plan for this trip,” he quipped, his voice dripping with mischief. “The manager of Nexus TV is infamous for milking every situation for profit. If they slap me with a hefty fine for this, you’re picking up the tab, Mr. Wilson p>
Alden, unfazed by the financial implications, was singularly focused on Helena’s chances in the competition. Money was no object when it came to her prospects.
He met the pilot’s eyes briefly and said in a dismissive tone, “Account number p>
The pilot quickly recited the digits. Moments later, a million-dollar transfer landed in his account—more than enough to cover any fines tenfold.
Bathed in gratitude, the pilot lavished Alden with praise as the latter stepped off the helicopter and onto the rooftop with a determined stride.
Making his descent from the rooftop, Alden dialed Xavier’s number.
Xavier picked up immediately, his voice carrying a tone of deep respect. “Mr. Wilson, as per your directions, we’ve halted Lucas’s car en route. He’s just pulled into Nexus TV’s parking lot p>
“Excellent work,” Alden responded, his voice cool yet appreciative. He was known for his stringent standards with his team, often opting for hefty bonuses over lavish praise.
Xavier, slightly taken aback by the acknowledgment, felt a warm surge of pride.
He now fully grasped the depth of Alden’s commitment to Helena and made a silent vow to exceed expectations in her regard.
Meanwhile, at Nexus TV, Lucas was greeted by an eagerly waiting Betsey at the entrance, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
As the elevator doors slid shut, she seized the moment to report, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. “Sir, there’s still no sign of Helena. She’s definitely going to be late! She’s always been a thorn in our side, even going so far as to undermine the vice manager you held in such high regard. Missing her shot at the news anchor position this time feels like poetic justice—she’s finally facing the consequences p>
Earlier, Lucas had been ensnared in traffic, hemmed in by four massive trucks on his route, each maneuver seeming more aggressive than the last. He had swerved and dodged, his heart thumping wildly as he narrowly avoided sliding off the overpass. It was an unmistakable, orchestrated setup.
Lucas’s thoughts spiraled into a whirlpool of anxiety and fear. He wracked his brain, trying to figure out which influential figure he might have inadvertently crossed to deserve such a harrowing experience.
Ł Ŧ ¢ħ∆₽ŧ€Ř$ įŋ g𝒶l𝑛ovєl𝑠𝒸o𝓂
Unable to endure another word, he cut Betsey off with a sharp, dismissive gesture, telling her to shut up.
Betsey, stunned into silence by his sudden rebuke, pressed her lips together and turned away, her mind reeling.
The final assessment was an interview—one that would unfold live, with the entire station watching. The pressure couldn’t be higher, and it was all happening in Studio Two.
Already behind schedule, Lucas hurried toward the studio, his steps quick and determined.
Just as his hand reached out to push open the studio door, a clear, gentle voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Mr. Wright p>
It was Helena!
The very person Betsey had insisted was still stuck in traffic was now standing right in front of him—flawlessly dressed, her hair done to perfection, radiating calm as she offered him a composed smile. Lucas stiffened, completely thrown off, while beside him, Betsey’s jaw nearly hit the floor, her eyes wide in stunned disbelief.
Time seemed to stand still, yet with the interview looming, they had no choice but to follow Helena into the studio, each lost in a tumult of thoughts.
In the station’s grand lobby, a massive screen broadcast the live feed in high definition, drawing a crowd with its magnetic pull.
Dominick had arrived ahead of time, brimming with anticipation to witness Helena’s performance. Tessa, after finally navigating past a gnarled traffic jam, hurriedly joined him.
Helena hadn’t stepped into the spotlight yet, but both Dominick and Tessa were already on edge—leaning forward, trading anxious glances as they waited for her name to be called.
In the middle of their exchange, Dominick’s gaze drifted across the room and settled on Alden.
There he sat, relaxed in demeanor yet exuding a commanding presence that was hard to ignore.
Alden’s formidable aura cast a palpable unease around him, and Dominick often found himself unnerved in his presence.
However, today, driven by a blend of curiosity and newfound courage, Dominick approached him, breaking the ice with an apologetic tone. “Mr. Wilson, it seems we failed to welcome you properly. Please accept our apologies p>
Alden’s response was a silent, stoic presence. Trying to lighten the mood, Dominick chuckled awkwardly and ventured further, “Are you here to watch Helena’s interview by any chance p>
This time, Alden offered a terse “Yes,” breaking his silence briefly. Dominick’s mind raced back to the swirling rumors that Alden’s wife was none other than Emily.
Helena and Emily, despite being half-sisters, shared a strained and distant relationship.
Even so, Alden showed up to catch Helena’s live broadcast.
His presence alone said more than words ever could—it was clear how much he cherished Emily.
Moved by this thought, Dominick said, “It’s clear you and your wife share a deep bond, Mr. Wilson. I mean, for you to personally show up for her sister’s assessment? That’s some serious devotion p>
For the first time, Alden turned sharply towards him, his brows furrowing. “Who did you say my wife is p>
Dominick blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift in tone. “Emily Simpson, of course p>
“Emily Simpson?” Alden echoed, his voice dipping with disdain as a bitter chuckle escaped his lips. His eyes narrowed, gleaming with frost. “She’s not even close to being worthy p>