Chapter 138
Chapter 138:
Standing with his back to Helena, Alden caught every word—each one clear and unmistakable.
He was aware that Frida’s interrogation was a facade, a test of Helena’s loyalty rather than a true challenge.
Yet, the palpable tension in the air made him itch to intervene, to shield Helena from the weight of Frida’s scrutiny.
Just as he pivoted, ready to come to her defense, Helena’s voice cut through the silence with unwavering determination. “Even if Alden were to topple the entire Wilson Group, my place would still be firmly by his side p>
Her words lingered in the room, a testament to her resolve. After a brief pause, her sincerity shining through, she continued, “Perhaps this isn’t the response you hoped for, Frida, but it’s my heartfelt truth. I trust that Alden wouldn’t take such drastic measures without just cause p>
Finishing her declaration, Helena felt a chill of nervous sweat coat her skin.
She steeled herself for Frida’s wrath, but instead, the harsh lines of the older woman’s face softened, thawing into a gentle warmth that Helena had come to recognize. The unexpected kindness in Frida’s eyes was disarming, her smile slowly spreading, leaving Helena bewildered. “You—you’re not upset with me p>
With a tender grasp, Frida took Helena’s hands in hers, her touch firm yet comforting. “Silly girl,” she murmured, her voice quivering with emotion. “Your deep care for my grandson fills me with joy. How could I possibly be angry with you for that p>
Helena, momentarily stunned, soon smiled in understanding, her earlier apprehension fading into relief.
Before she could utter a word, Frida noted, her voice tinged with resignation, “Yes, I was testing you just now p>
She then continued, her tone soft yet earnest, “Helena, it’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just that Alden bears such heavy burdens. Not many could embrace a husband harboring so many secrets. Can you forgive me for that p>
Helena’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How could you think that?” She clasped Frida’s hands too, giving them a warm squeeze. “Seeing how much you care about Alden just makes me even more glad he has you p>
Acknowledging the kindness, Frida nodded, her eyes glistening with the threat of tears.
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She gave Helena’s hand a series of soft, affectionate pats before releasing a long, weary sigh. “Good girl, I’ve been aware of the troubles you’ve faced with the Simpson family for some time. You’ve endured much, and as someone who holds you dear, I regret not being more supportive p>
The empathy radiating from Frida’s gaze was palpable, striking a chord within Helena.
Her heart tightened, a sudden insight dawning upon her—even within the echelons of wealth, one could feel utterly helpless against destiny. Compelled by a surge of solidarity, Helena found herself voicing her concern. “Is it the same with Alden? Watching him suffer, you feel powerless to intervene p>
Frida’s eyes welled up, her lips quivering, but no words came.
Helena read the silent sorrow in her gaze, her heart swelling with compassion for the venerable woman before her, whose wisdom was tempered with poignant helplessness.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Helena threw her arms around Frida and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Her voice was thick with hope as she whispered, “Things will get better! You, Alden, and I—we’ll all make it through, I promise p>
In comforting Frida, Helena found a measure of solace herself.
They clung to each other, sharing a moment of mutual reassurance. Eventually, Frida dabbed at her eyes, a wobbly smile breaking through her tears. “Look at us, getting all teary-eyed over this!” she chuckled, her voice tinged with both amusement and exasperation. “It’s all Alden’s doing, getting us worked up like this p>
With a playful glint in her eye, she grabbed a pen from the table and playfully tossed it at Alden’s shoulder, feigning annoyance.
Alden slowly turned to face them.
The weight of Helena’s words had stirred a tempest of feelings within him, each wave crashing harder than the last.
Now, faced with the two women’s concerned eyes, he had to feign ignorance. He put on his cochlear implant and asked innocently, “What’s going on p>
“You rascal! Upsetting Helena and then playing dumb about why I’m upset?” Frida scolded, her tone light yet stern. “Listen closely, Alden. You must treasure her with all your heart from this moment forward. Should you ever disappoint her, remember—you won’t like what’s coming from me p>
Her stern words were softened by the warmth and affection shining in her eyes.
Alden responded with a rueful smile, fully aware of the love and concern that lay behind Frida’s chiding.
After a few more lighthearted rebukes, Frida’s expression grew solemn. “Enough of that. I didn’t ask the staff to make extra lunch today, so the two of you need to head home. I need to sort out some family matters on my own p>
Her expression turned steely, the light in her eyes sharp and resolute once more.
As soon as Alden and Helena disappeared through the gate, she called out Rylan in a clear, commanding voice.
Rylan had been silently observing Alden and Helena as they exited. Catching sight of Frida, he asked tentatively, “Alden p>
“Enough about Alden!” Frida snapped, her tone ice-cold as her gentle facade vanished. “Remember, you volunteered to clean up the Simpson family’s mess. Alden has no part in this. Whatever mess you’re in now, you’re on your own to fix it p>
“But, Grandma! You—” Rylan began, his voice rising in frustration.
But Frida didn’t even look at him. Instead, she pulled out her phone with an air of finality and dialed Chadwick’s number without hesitation.
“Come get your precious son, Chadwick. I’m done watching him put on this ridiculous show in front of me.” Her voice was unyielding, a sharp rebuke over the line. “And don’t forget your debt to Alden. Don’t push your luck p>
With a decisive click, she ended the call.
Rylan stood frozen, utterly stunned. Whatever sliver of hope he had that Alden might step in and save him had been shattered. Now, even Frida had turned on him.
Fury flared in his eyes. His fists clenched at his sides as he demanded through gritted teeth, “Aren’t Alden and I both your grandsons? Why are you always on his side p>
Frida turned to face him slowly, her eyes calm but filled with quiet disappointment. A faint snort escaped her lips, and she shook her head. “There’s a lot you don’t understand, Rylan,” she said evenly. “If you really want to know why he holds a special place in my heart… then go ask your parents p>