Chapter 146
Chapter 146:
Dario’s voice on the phone was tinged with helplessness. “Helena, I’m at the charity gala, but I can’t find you anywhere. I don’t know anyone here. Where might you be p>
Seeking an excuse to distance herself from the enigmatic CEO in front of her, Helena hastily agreed to meet Dario in the main hall.
Once the call ended, she quickly apologized to the CEO.
Through his mask, she caught a fleeting look of annoyance on his face.
Concerned about possibly jeopardizing his potential investment in Nexus TV, he merely nodded and courteously opened the door for her.
With a silent breath of relief, Helena hurried to the main hall, feeling as though she was escaping.
Still preoccupied with thoughts of the man she had just left behind, she almost collided with a waiter pushing a food cart.
In her attempt to avoid a mishap, she misstepped and nearly stumbled.
“Be careful p>
Just in time, a firm hand grasped her arm, preventing her fall. As she regained her balance with his help, she looked up to find Dario standing there.
She opened her mouth to express her gratitude, but the unexpected warmth of his touch on her wrist caused her to recoil slightly, pulling her hand away instinctively.
“Helena p>
A flicker of hurt appeared in Dario’s eyes as he took a step back.
Noticing the change in his expression, she quickly explained, “Sorry about that. I have issues with physical contact. I didn’t mean to push you away p>
Dario’s eyes softened with concern, and she offered him a small, reassuring smile. “I’ve actually come a long way. A while back, even something as simple as handing over a tissue or adjusting someone’s microphone would’ve been impossible for me p>
A moment later, she added with genuine warmth, “Thanks for helping p>
“Don’t worry about it,” Dario replied, giving her a lighthearted wave. “Really. It’s fine p>
G3t th3 r34l st0r¥ @ g4ln0v3ls.c0m
Right after that, something clicked in Helena’s memory. “Wait. This place is invitation-only. How did you manage to get through the door p>
With an easy grin, Dario shrugged. “A friend helped me with that. Being a journalist has its perks, I guess p>
His tone dipped slightly, tinged with disappointment. “Honestly, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of that elusive CEO everyone keeps whispering about. So far, though, no luck p>
Facing Helena directly, he raised an eyebrow. “Did you see him p>
Helena gave a small nod before sharing what had just happened in the lounge.
“You’re telling me he had a mask on? Didn’t speak? Just held out his hand and danced with you?” Dario stared at her in disbelief. “That’s… bizarre, right p>
“Exactly my point,” said Helena, her brows knitting together. The memory clung to her, vague yet persistent. “There’s something about him that feels familiar, like I’ve seen him before, but I can’t place where or when p>
Her thoughts drifted back to the masked man when Dario suddenly asked, “So… how does he measure up against your husband p>
That pulled a laugh from her. “Why would I compare them? They couldn’t be more different p>
In truth, Alden had crossed her mind the instant she saw the man in the mask. But once she ruled out the possibility that it could be him, all she felt was a quiet pang of sympathy for Alden.
The masked CEO had just returned to Cheson and was already being courted by the city’s most powerful. Meanwhile, Alden—despite everything he was capable of—wasn’t even allowed in the gala.
Watching from the sidelines didn’t suit him. Helena knew that. One day, she told herself, he’d rise so high that no one would dare to overlook him again.
That promise stayed locked behind her lips. But Dario wasn’t done. His tone softened. “Helena… do you love your husband p>
“Absolutely!” The answer flew out of Helena’s mouth before she could stop it.
A second later, she realized how quickly she had responded and let out a nervous laugh. “What’s with all the sudden interest in my love life? Don’t tell me you’ve got a crush on someone at the office p>
Sliding his hands into his pockets, Dario chuckled. “Let’s just say… the person I’m interested in happens to work at our company p>
That caught Helena off guard.
She was about to press him for more when an unwelcome voice interrupted the moment.
“Well, if it isn’t Ms. Ellis. Fancy seeing you here.” It was Rylan.
His smile curled at the corners, smug and unsettling. The sight of him alone was enough to sour her mood.
Worried that she might give something away, she offered him nothing more than a cold nod and stepped away without looking back.
Behind her, Rylan’s eyes followed her retreat, his smirk deepening. Then he turned his gaze to Dario.
“I’ll give you half a million,” Rylan said, his tone as casual as someone offering pocket change. “All you need to do is keep an eye on Helena for me. Think you’re up for it p>