Chapter 15
Chapter 15:
While in a meeting, Alden’s phone buzzed with a text from Helena, saying, “I’m sorry. I won’t cross the line again p>
A crease formed on his forehead, making the already tense air in the room even thicker. Uneasy looks were shared among the executives around the table.
The presenter, sweating under pressure, dabbed his forehead discreetly. Everyone had assumed Alden was an easy-to-deceive executive, thinking his visit was merely ceremonial.
Yet, to everyone’s surprise, Alden swiftly identified significant discrepancies in the financial reports. His insights were incisive.
The room fell into confusion as Alden’s gaze hardened.
“We’re done here for today,” Alden said, effectively ending the meeting. Soon after, Xavier’s call came through. “Mr. Wilson, I’m sorry. I screwed up. Your wife didn’t accept the flowers p>
As he rubbed the bridge of his nose, Alden’s face grew serious. “Just ensure her safety p>
He hung up and pulled up Nexus TV’s live broadcast replay.
Helena appeared on the screen, reporting the news with dedication. As he watched her, the tension in Alden’s expression eased.
Reflecting on his earlier words, Alden acknowledged they might have been overly harsh.
The apology was supposed to be symbolized by yellow roses. Had her fondness for them faded?
Gemma requested Helena’s presence at the Simpson family’s residence on the fifth day of Alden’s business trip.
Helena pondered if this was related to her father Albert’s shift to a premium room in the nursing home, suspecting a negotiation ploy by the Simpsons.
She braced herself for potential unpleasantness.
Should this be another manipulative tactic by the Simpson family, Helena resolved to relocate Albert to a standard room. Conversely, if that proved not to be the case, she was at a loss as to who else might have financed the expensive room.
Upon entering the living room, Helena was struck by its unexpectedly vibrant vibe.
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The room held not just her stepfather, Douglas Simpson, and Gemma, but Stacey was there too.
Gemma, clutching Helena’s arm, turned to Stacey with an apologetic smile. “I understand there was some upset at your wedding because of Helena. I’ve asked her to come today and offer her apologies p>
Helena quietly extricated herself from Gemma’s hold, the realization dawning on her.
It became clear that Gemma’s intention was to coerce an apology from Stacey.
Douglas adopted a paternal tone, counseling Helena. “You might bear the Ellis name, but your marriage into the Wilson family was in place of Emily, which is an honor. You ought to display the dignity and manners befitting our family’s standards p>
Honor? Helena’s response was a scornful chuckle.
Emily had escaped the marriage arranged for her, yet Gemma and Douglas had forced her to replace Emily. Now they dared to call it an “honor p>
When Helena was only twelve, her real father, Albert, suffered a devastating car crash, leaving him in a coma.
Without a second thought, Gemma left them to marry into the wealthy Simpson family, already pregnant with Emily by three months.
Diagnosed with leukemia as an infant, Emily required constant transfusions, and Helena, a perfect match, became an involuntary donor.
No matter Helena’s circumstances, at any sign of Emily’s illness, that merciless couple would haul her to the hospital for blood donations. And they still considered themselves figures of respect?
Struggling to contain her anger, Helena inquired coldly, “Just one question. Did either of you cover the costs for my father’s latest medical treatment p>
Douglas’s expression turned grave. “Gemma, have you been covering your ex-husband’s medical expenses p>
Gemma responded defensively, “How would I have the funds for that? Helena, you’re making unfounded claims. We agreed that any compensation from the Wilson family would be yours to manage as you see fit. I haven’t got a dime to spare p>
Before Helena, Gemma and Douglas started bickering, on the verge of producing bank records to prove their points.
At that moment, Helena recognized the futility of her visit.
She had overestimated them.
Just as Helena turned to leave, Stacey stepped in front of her, blocking her way. “Helena, you haven’t fulfilled your purpose here. Where do you think you’re going p>
Stacey’s face contorted with malice as she addressed the room, “Uncle Douglas, Aunt Gemma, didn’t you promise that Helena would apologize in whatever way I see fit p>
Douglas gave a series of quick nods.
His ongoing reliance on Stacey’s father for two crucial projects meant he was inclined to cater to her demands.
Gemma kept quiet, weighing her options. The potential detriment to the Simpson family’s interests outweighed her concern for Helena’s discomfort.
She signaled to two household staff members, who promptly approached and seized Helena’s arms.
A wave of dread washed over Helena. “What are you planning p>
Stacey smirked wickedly and, raising her hand, delivered a sharp slap across Helena’s face.