Chapter 237
Chapter 237:
No—not off.
The way Alden looked at her… He didn’t say a word, but his stare pinned her like prey caught in the path of something hunting on instinct.
Unsettled by the awkwardness, Helena gave him a fleeting glance—then ducked away, retreating to her room without a word.
Alden narrowed his eyes at the door shutting behind her—his stare turning sharper, more dangerous than before.
Dario quickly arranged a meeting between Helena and her biological parents for the very next day.
When Natalie and Kareem heard the news, excitement overtook them. They couldn’t even sleep.
By five in the morning, they were already up—pacing before their mirrors, nerves buzzing.
Natalie chose a modest camel-colored coat, hoping its warm hues would make her appear approachable, unassuming—anything to ease the tension for Helena. Kareem, on the other hand, tore through his closet like a man defusing a bomb. A suit felt too stiff. Jeans felt too plain. The cardigan? Too grandpa.
“Enough! You’re overthinking it!” Natalie laughed, watching him go in circles. “You weren’t even this worked up when we were dating p>
Kareem rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “This is different… We are meeting our daughter, Natalie. Our daughter. I—I p>
He couldn’t even finish the sentence. A man who’d negotiated million-dollar deals—reduced to fumbling words.
Natalie felt her heart clench. She grabbed his hand tightly. “I get it! I totally get it p>
The hours dragged like centuries, anticipation stretching every second, but at last, Helena arrived.
“She’s here?” Natalie hurried to the door. “Come in, Helena. Sit, rest—” She reached out instinctively to touch her daughter’s hand, then caught herself, hesitating. Instead, she motioned toward the sofa and urged her to take a seat.
Kareem stood dazed for a second, blinking as if he were still processing the moment. When his eyes met Helena’s, he jolted into motion and disappeared into the kitchen.
He came rushing back with coffee halfway to a cup when he blurted out, “Wait—do you even drink coffee? I can grab something else! Juice? Tea? The fridge is full p>
brings fresh updates
The way the couple floundered made Helena’s chest tighten. The awkwardness wrapped around her like fog.
She didn’t know how to navigate this reunion. It felt fragile, like one wrong word might crack it. Finally, after stopping Kareem’s well-intentioned fussing, she hesitated, as if searching for strength. “I… I came to ask you to please stop targeting Alden p>
Natalie, who had just been debating what snacks to bring out, froze.
Slowly, she straightened, eyes glossing over. Her voice wavered as she stared at Helena. “You came here… just for that p>
Helena faltered, her voice caught by the weight of Natalie’s expression. Seeing her biological mother—usually such a composed and commanding businesswoman—look so devastated made her words stick in her throat. That silent ache lodged itself in her chest. She wanted to speak, to offer some comfort, but she just didn’t know how. Her lips parted, then closed again.