Chapter 136
Chapter 136:
Without acknowledging Rylan’s presence, Alden fixed his attention firmly downward, gently caressing Helena’s slender fingers.
He let Rylan run his mouth for a while before finally lifting his gaze, his eyes cold and unreadable. He gave Rylan the faintest smirk and said, “When did I say I’d treat the Simpsons as family? Since you’re so desperate to rescue them, then go all in—be their savior. Think of it as charity work p>
Rylan’s expression twisted bitterly.
His eyes darted toward Frida, hoping their grandmother might speak up in his favor, but seeing her remain silent, Rylan clenched his fists in barely-contained frustration.
Yet, given the urgency of the moment, Rylan was forced to contain his fury and continued, “Alden, believe me, if I had the means to handle the Simpson family’s disaster alone, I wouldn’t trouble you. But right now, assisting them will affect Wilson Group directly. I’m doing this solely to protect our family’s interests p>
Though Rylan painted himself as noble, Alden merely responded with a sharp laugh, “Oh, so if I refuse to clean up the Simpson family’s catastrophe, I’m the selfish one who doesn’t care about the Wilson Group? Is that your logic p>
“No, you’re twisting my words!” Rylan hurriedly countered. “My intentions are purely for Wilson Group’s benefit p>
“If the Wilson Group truly means so much to you, then simply abandon the Simpson family’s issues,” Alden replied smoothly, without a trace of concern. “You’re only standing up for them because of me, right? So if I don’t care, what are you still stressing about p>
“But—” Rylan was momentarily speechless.
There was no way he could confess, not while Frida was right in front of him. If she ever found out that every failing project of the Simpson family was now under his name, he’d lose her trust in an instant. Frida had always measured her heirs by their loyalty and results. The moment she learned about his massive loss, he knew his inheritance would be gone for good.
After a tense pause, Rylan changed tactics, redirecting his attention toward Helena. “Helena, even though you’re not biologically a Simpson, they still raised you. Surely, you’d agree that’s worth some gratitude. Knowing your good heart, I’m certain you wouldn’t stand by while Simpson Group collapses p>
Gratitude?
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Hearing that word triggered a vivid surge of memories that Helena desperately wished to forget—being locked alone in that suffocating basement.
Pain, humiliation, coldness, hunger—every traumatic moment flooded back sharply, making her breath catch in panic.
She began to tremble, her fingertips shaking uncontrollably.
Suddenly, a strong, comforting grip surrounded her hand, its warmth pulling her back to the present. Lifting her gaze, Helena met Alden’s steady, comforting eyes.
He didn’t say a word.
Yet his silent look clearly said, “You’re safe. I’m right here.” Instantly, her heart calmed.
“Helena, did I upset you?” There was a flicker of malice in Rylan’s eyes, though his tone stayed deceptively gentle. “Since the Simpson family raised you, I figured you’d want Alden to help them. But the way you’re reacting, it almost feels like you don’t like them at all p>
Moments ago, he’d praised the Simpsons’ supposed kindness, yet now he deliberately highlighted Helena’s discomfort.
He was subtly portraying her as ungrateful before Frida.
Just as worry crept into Helena, afraid Frida might take things the wrong way, Frida spoke first. “Helena, would you join me privately for a moment? There’s something important I’d like to discuss p>
At that, Rylan’s expression flashed triumphantly.
“Grandma, Helena’s still so new to the family. What could you possibly need to discuss privately? Perhaps I should join you both p>
Without hesitation, Alden moved protectively in front of Helena. Following Alden’s lead, Helena softly said, “Frida, please let Alden come too p>
Frida’s gentle demeanor abruptly shifted, authority replacing warmth, irritation flickering briefly across her eyes.
Rylan jumped at the chance to cut in. “Alden, I know you care about Helena, but come on—there’s no reason to be this guarded around Grandma p>
Rylan’s subtle instigation caused Frida’s gaze to grow colder toward Alden.
Witnessing Frida’s cold stare, Rylan felt satisfaction swell within him. Today, he’d successfully implied Alden disregarded family interests, painting Helena as ungrateful and disrespectful.
The couple, who often played victims to gain Frida’s sympathy, were finally falling out of favor.
An uncomfortable silence hung heavily as Frida stared sternly at Alden. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she said, “Fine. Both of you, follow me to my study p>