Chapter 181
Chapter 181:
Helena’s pulse raced; she knew she had to keep moving, or she would be overwhelmed by her intense emotions.
Dario had the equipment ready, and without hesitation, Helena grabbed the microphone. With his assistance, she made her way through the crowd, aiming it at Alden.
Alden’s gaze fixed on her immediately, his eyes narrowing. He was about to speak when Helena’s clear, authoritative voice broke through the noise of the gathered journalists.
“Mr. Wilson, you’ve maintained a very private existence since your return from abroad, living discreetly as someone with a hearing impairment. The sacrifices you’ve made during this period of quiet resilience must be significant. Could you share insights into what that was like p>
Each of her words landed with the force of an accusation—incisive, cutting, and tinged with irony.
Antonio, partially aware of the truth, saw Alden’s face grow stormy. He quickly intervened, attempting to halt the interview and guide Alden away. Yet Alden paused, his eyes locking with Helena’s. Breaking his silence, he said, “I will give an exclusive interview to Nexus TV. Staff from there, please follow p>
His demeanor turned cold as he summoned security to disperse the crowd. Silence enveloped the place. Helena matched Alden’s strides, following him into a secluded conference room.
“Helena, I p>
As soon as the door closed, the stern mask on Alden’s face melted into a plea for understanding. Yet Helena calmly brought the microphone to his lips, her smile polished and steady, and asked, carefully enunciating each word, “Mr. Wilson, are you ready to answer my questions now? Through all struggles, what have you sacrificed p>
“You sacrificed a woman’s true love, didn’t you p>
Alden attempted to respond, but Helena overrode him with her calm, firm voice. As soon as those words left her mouth, the fury and pain she had been holding in came rushing to the surface. She sank her teeth into her lip, trying to steady herself.
Blood trickled from the bite, yet she forcefully contained her tears, refusing to cry audibly.
Alden shut his eyes, overwhelmed by emotions and at a loss for words. He moved closer without a word, turned off the microphone, and gently reached toward her wounded mouth.
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Helena instinctively turned her head, but his fingers were firm, guiding her chin back toward him.
He softly brushed the blood from her lip, his hand hovering at the edge of her skin.
“If you’re upset, take it out on me. Just don’t hurt yourself again p>
His voice came out rough, barely above a whisper, and that quiet plea broke through the wall Helena had tried so hard to keep up.
How could he stand there now with such softness in his gaze? After treating her like a pawn, how could he dare show her warmth?
Her eyes locked with his for only a moment before she suddenly lunged forward, sinking her teeth into the flesh between his thumb and forefinger. She didn’t hold back. Blood surged beneath her bite, staining his skin red. Alden flinched, but he didn’t pull away. He stood still, letting her rage wash over him.
The more he tolerated, the harder it became for Helena to keep the ache buried. Hot tears slipped down her cheeks, falling quietly onto the back of his bleeding hand.
Eventually, her sorrow and his blood mixed, soaking the edge of his pristine white cuff.
“Mr. Wilson, keeping up this act all this time—it must be exhausting, isn’t it?” With her restraint finally slipping, Helena raised her head and locked eyes with Alden as she said, “You’ve already gotten everything you came for—so why are you still putting up with me? Is it because there’s still something you want from me p>
“Helena! You’ve got it wrong p>
“Don’t say another word! Just hear me out!” Helena interjected. “I don’t know what’s true or what’s a lie anymore when it comes from you, and I’ve had enough of trying to figure it out p>
Alden opened his mouth, then let it fall shut.
There had been a time when they shared a genuine conversation. Helena had told Alden she was fine with him keeping things to himself—she knew nothing about the business world and had no plans to meddle.
If all he had kept from her were details about Star Wish Investments or the Wilson Group, she could have tried to hear him out and forced herself to understand.
But Alden? His hearing had always been perfectly fine, yet he had chosen to lie.
Helena was well aware this was a deliberate display of vulnerability meant to lull his opponents into lowering their guards. But why lie to her?
With tear-streaked cheeks and shaking breath, Helena stared up at Alden, her voice low and accusing as she said, “Was marrying me just another calculated move in your grand scheme p>