Chapter 161
Chapter 161:
Helena didn’t hear the whole sentence, but what she did catch was more than enough to spark her interest.
Dario sucked in a sharp breath and quickly tried to cover it up. “Oh, it’s nothing! Really! I just meant… if something happened to you and you couldn’t work, I’d lose the best co-host I have. The show would tank, and so would my bonus p>
Helena was amused by his statement and smiled.
While they kept talking, her phone buzzed with a fresh notification. The second she read it, her face brightened. Her whole expression came alive with excitement.
“Did something good happen?” Dario asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Helena held up her screen for him to see and spoke with excitement bubbling in her tone. “Antonio just messaged. The CEO of Star Wish Investments wants to meet me—at four this afternoon p>
Helena could hardly sit still. She was convinced this meant the CEO had had a change of heart and was ready to return the project to Alden. But Dario’s expression tightened. Something about it didn’t sit right with him.
Before long, the clock struck afternoon.
Helena stepped out to make it to the meeting, unaware that Dario had quietly slipped out after her.
Their destination was an upscale restaurant that clearly showed its luxury. A server met Helena at the door and led her straight to a private room.
When Dario tried to enter right after, he was stopped short. The staff informed him the whole place had been closed off for a private booking, and no other guests would be allowed inside.
Left with no option, he moved over to the tall glass windows and tried to get a look at what was happening inside. But all he could do was stand there and wait.
Inside the private room of the restaurant, a bouquet of yellow roses sat on the table, their sweet scent gently filling the air.
The CEO, still hiding behind his mask, sat at the table, completely still. Helena found herself momentarily dazed again, but thinking of Alden, she pulled herself back, determined to stay focused.
“What a lovely surprise to see you again, sir!” she said brightly as she extended her hand toward Alden. Without wasting another breath, she asked, “Did you finally decide to let go of the redevelopment project?” Her enthusiasm was hard to miss. She was determined to help Alden reclaim that project.
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Alden studied the sincerity in her eyes. Beneath the table, his hands had curled into fists. The truth clawed at his throat, ready to break free. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a voice broke through the earpiece he wore. It was Xavier, reporting, “Sir, there’s a bug on Mrs. Wilson. It’s hidden in her backpack p>
The last thing Alden wanted was to frighten Helena. There were scanning devices installed in the restaurant, but to pinpoint the bug’s exact location, he needed to find it first.
To avoid alarming Helena, he stretched his fingers lightly and masked his concern behind a charming grin. “Come now, Ms. Ellis. There’s no need to get right into business matters, don’t you think p>
Helena looked at him, momentarily caught off guard.
He stood up slowly and made his way to the polished piano standing in the center of the room. Turning slightly, he asked in a gentle tone, “Would you mind if I played something for you? It would mean a lot p>
There was something about the offer that made Helena wary. Was this something more than just a kind gesture?
Helena had always been wary of any behavior that crossed the line with men. But this CEO wasn’t just the TV station’s sponsor—he also held sway over Alden’s most important project.
After gathering herself, she stood and approached the piano. “That’s very kind of you. I’d be happy to listen,” she said with poise.
Alden’s hands, long and poised, began to move fluidly across the keys. Each note floated out with precision and grace.
Helena tried to keep herself guarded, but as the music filled the room, her shoulders began to loosen.
There was undeniable talent in the way the CEO played. Even so, beneath the elegant phrasing, there was a sorrow that lingered in the melody.
Suddenly, Helena thought of Alden again.
No matter what he did, this CEO reminded her so much of her husband.