Chapter 163
Chapter 163:
Alden hadn’t expected Helena to confess this—it threw him off for a second.
That CEO had wrestled the redevelopment project away, and Helena figured Alden probably harbored some resentment towards him. Quick to justify herself, she said, “I didn’t meet with him for anything else. My only aim was to persuade him to relinquish the redevelopment project p>
Alden was already aware of this information. Witnessing Helena’s candidness and visible unease only deepened his sense of guilt. His gaze flickered with a complex blend of emotions.
Misinterpreting his silence as judgment, Helena hurried to correct any misapprehensions. “I think you might be misunderstanding the CEO. He’s not a villain. He refuses to abandon the development area, but he’s committed to preserving the original architectural designs. Having him at the helm assures that the project won’t fall into disrepair. That’s surely a more favorable outcome than if someone like Rylan took over, right p>
“You seem to hold this CEO in quite high regard,” Alden remarked lightly, his curiosity piqued.
With a resigned smile, Helena responded, “He’s a prominent figure—and shrouded in intrigue! We’ve only met a couple of times, and I never caught a glimpse of his face or heard his voice. How, then, could I possibly have any real impression of him p>
Helena’s words hung in the air as she paused, her thoughts deepening. “But p>
“But what?” Alden interjected, his voice laced with intrigue as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes locked on hers.
Helena’s brow furrowed in concentration. “It’s just… there’s something oddly familiar about him p>
She had confided in Alden about her hypnosis sessions before—the ones about the young boy and the yellow roses.
Now, she continued more slowly, her voice tinged with wonder, “It may sound bizarre, but I’m beginning to think that CEO might actually be the boy from those buried memories. I’ve attempted to dig up information on him. But he’s so elusive, maintaining such a low profile that there’s absolutely nothing substantial about him online. It’s like he’s a ghost p>
As Alden absorbed her words, his expression shifted into a deeper frown, a mix of concern and an unexpected hint of jealousy stirring within him. When he caught himself feeling jealous, a dry, incredulous chuckle escaped him.
Helena eyed him with a mix of confusion and concern. “What’s so funny p>
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“It’s nothing,” Alden quickly said, his laughter fading into a weary sigh. He then fixed her with a serious, reassuring gaze. “Really, Helena, I’m okay. From this point forward, forget about the redevelopment project p>
Helena nodded her understanding, her expression somber.
Yet, despite her reassurance, Alden remained uneasy. The moment she disappeared into her room, he slipped onto the balcony and dialed Dorian without hesitation.
Dorian, aware that Alden had seen Helena earlier as the CEO of Star Wish Investments, said with a lighthearted jab, “How was your rendezvous with your wife today? Are you two dabbling in any new marital escapades p>
“Enough with the humor—this is critical,” Alden interjected sharply, his voice laced with frustration. “Helena’s been wiretapped p>
“Who did it p>
The amusement drained from Dorian’s voice in an instant.
Alden rubbed his temples in frustration, his voice dropping to a tense whisper. “No confirmation yet, but it’s probably Rylan p>
Dorian paused, his tone turning contemplative. “That’s unlikely, isn’t it? He’s already tied up with Star Wish Investments through a formal contract. Besides, the redevelopment project isn’t even registered under your name now. He’s got no reason to keep tabs on your wife p>
Alden let out a derisive snort. “You’re seriously underestimating Rylan. He’s more paranoid than Chadwick ever was. His desperation to close the deal with you earlier was only because he was nearly swallowed by the turmoil caused by the Simpson family’s projects—he was reaching for anything that would keep him afloat. Now, with his crisis averted, he’s likely regained his composure p>
Dorian remained skeptical.
Alden pressed on. “Sooner rather than later, Rylan will want to meet Covey. He’s definitely going to start digging again p>
Both Chadwick and Rylan had previously mistaken Dorian for the elusive CEO. However, when the deal was sealed, they found the contract bore the name Covey Russell.
Rylan had probably seen the name and fallen right back into his spiral of doubt.