Chapter 293
Chapter 293:
With another sigh, Leonino calmly explained, “It’s not at an extreme stage yet. If it’s treated promptly, there’s a solid shot at recovery. But I have his hearing aid. Without it, his auditory nerves aren’t stimulated, and that could lead to long-term loss. If those nerves shut down, there’s no turning back p>
“Isn’t he under medical care now? Surely they’ve provided another hearing aid?” Helena asked hopefully.
Leonino shook his head. “His case is more complex than standard ones. A custom aid could take weeks, even months. And temporary hearing aids don’t always align well and might cause further harm p>
The more Leonino spoke, the more Helena’s anxiety mounted. She had to get the hearing aid to Alden without delay.
The following morning, Helena returned to her job. As soon as Meredith saw her, she called Helena into her office and asked, “Ms. Ellis, how’s Mr. Wilson holding up? And is the report ready p>
Helena simply shook her head. “No updates at the moment p>
“Isn’t he your spouse? You don’t have any inside scoop?” Meredith’s tone was unrelenting. She tapped the desk sharply. “Remember, if you expect me to bend the rules so you can take that news anchor seat, you’ll need to prove your worth p>
“I understand, Ms. Sutter. I won’t let you down,” Helena replied, steadying herself.
But her thoughts remained elsewhere—on Alden, and the condition he was quietly enduring.
Two days passed, and Alden was discharged from the hospital.
Helena only learned about it through Natalie.
Without hesitation, she applied for leave, hailed a ride, and made her way to the hospital gate, waiting where patients exited.
An hour later, she finally spotted Alden.
Eleanino walked beside him, her usual serene smile in place.
“You’re still healing. It’s risky for you to drive alone. Let me take the wheel,” Eleanino said softly as they arrived at the parking area.
Alden’s ability to hear had declined further. He avoided wearing the device in public to keep attention away, making it dangerous for him to drive himself. Though he had resolved to create distance between them, he had little choice but to silently agree.
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻
Helena caught sight of him just as he settled into the passenger seat.
“Alden! Please, wait!” she cried, racing over to rap on the window.
Eleanino glanced around, then leaned closer to Alden. “Someone’s snapping pictures. We need to go p>
Alden noticed the photographers too. He turned his head and met Helena’s eyes—red, moist, pleading. Her face trembled with unspoken emotion. For a brief moment, he faltered. Her look tugged at him, but eventually, he lowered his gaze and murmured, “Drive p>
Helena slammed both palms against the car window, but in the blink of an eye, the vehicle surged forward, tearing away from her in a burst of speed. A sharp cry escaped her lips as her footing slipped. She hit the pavement hard, pain exploding through her body the moment her knee slammed into the ground. A searing jolt shot up her leg, but she bit it back. That pain could wait.