Chapter 272
Chapter 272:
“Naturally, I admire Helena’s independence too. I only meant to test her—for your benefit. I hope that’s alright p>
Wrapping an arm gently around Helena’s shoulder, Alden replied in a calm but clear voice, “No one needs to test her—I know Helena well enough on my own. I know her better than anyone, and I’d prefer this sort of thing doesn’t happen again p>
After Alden finished his words, he and Helena left the office together.
Immediately after the office door shut, Eleanino threw herself onto the sofa in despair, her fists tight with vexation.
No one knew better than her that Nyno always occupied a place in Alden’s heart.
When Eleanino met Helena for the first time, she thought his marriage to Helena was just a tactical move. Yet, it now seemed evident that his feelings for Helena were real.
This realization left Eleanino increasingly unsettled. Resolving to clear her mind, she made dinner plans with Dorian after work.
They met at one of Dorian’s favorite dining spots. Right as they settled into their seats, Eleanino wasted no time inquiring about the history between Alden and Helena.
Dorian momentarily compressed his lips, taking a pause. Eleanino, growing restless, swiftly made an offer, saying, “I’m aware you’re trying to find your footing at Morrison Group. It’s challenging. In exchange for what I need to know, I’m willing to lend you a hand p>
Her urgency made Dorian scrutinize her more closely. After carefully considering her true motives, he eventually understood that Eleanino’s interest in Alden was more than just collegial or casual.
He sighed internally and replied earnestly, “Eleanino, I don’t require your assistance. It would be wise for you to disengage from Alden’s personal affairs p>
All this while, unbeknownst to them, Valeria and Leonino were eavesdropping from a table nearby.
Valeria was hesitant to accept Leonino’s invitation initially, yet he claimed he needed psychological advice, prompting her to agree with reluctance. Throughout their meeting, Valeria found her attention repeatedly drawn to Dorian, who was dining with another woman. Leonino noticed her distraction and asked with a hint of suspicion in his deep voice, “Are you really that interested in him p>
Caught off guard while gazing at Dorian, Valeria quickly responded, “What? No way p>
𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝: g𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗈𝗺
“Really?” Leonino questioned further, keeping his eyes locked on hers.
A sudden panic surged through Valeria, but she firmly denied, “Really, I’m not p>
Before she could finish speaking, Leonino shot up, leaned over the table, and pressed a kiss to her lips.
She let out a startled gasp and reached up to shove him off, but the kiss was over in a flash. He was already back in his seat, calm as ever, before she even had time to react.
Valeria recoiled in shock, her mind reeling from the unexpected gesture. Dorian, who had been observing the interaction, felt his pulse quicken with anger. Compelled by intense emotions, he nearly confronted Leonino. He knew he had to leave, or else he might publicly challenge Leonino and forcibly take Valeria away.