Chapter 352
Chapter 352:
Eleanino had been thorough to a fault, making sure she’d put a camera in the vehicle—one that could be checked at any time.
Since Helena’s life was on the line, Alden had to stay cautious. Nothing could fall through the cracks.
He didn’t miss a beat. With a steady voice, he said, “You’re making this out to be more than it is. This trip isn’t about Helena. I just have to go sign an urgent contract out of town p>
While Alden spoke, his gaze darted for a split second, as if trying to drop a subtle clue.
Dario felt his chest tighten as his heartbeat quickened. Then Alden snapped at him, “My travel schedule’s online. If you think I’m lying, look it up! I’ve got no time for this—get your car out of the way p>
That did it—Dario finally shifted his vehicle to the side.
But the moment Alden sped off, Dario wasted no time. He jumped straight onto the Star Wish Investments website.
Just as Alden had said, the travel schedule was right there. But the place listed for today’s trip? It was completely in the opposite direction of where Alden had actually gone.
Right then and there, it clicked. Alden had been sending him a message. He didn’t wait around. Without hesitation, he veered onto a side road and began tailing Alden from a safe distance.
The space around the old, rundown factory felt empty and grim.
Eleanino stood near the crumbled entryway, weeds sprouting wildly at her feet and thorny bushes curling all around.
She had squeezed herself into a white dress that looked too tight, making her appear even rounder than usual.
As soon as Alden laid eyes on her—or more precisely, on that dress—a deep crease formed between his brows.
“You remember this dress too, don’t you?” Eleanino looked at him with soft eyes, her tone drenched in bittersweet memories. “It was the very first thing you gave me. I was just fourteen. More than a decade has passed, but I never let go of it p>
Back when she was a teenager, Eleanino had soft, fine features that made her resemble how Helena looked as a little girl.
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Everyone used to call her “Nyno,” and that nickname led Alden to mistake her for Helena. He took her in, thinking she was someone she wasn’t, especially since she needed help.
Those early months were the happiest days she ever had with him. That white dress had been one of his gifts during that time.
But after a while, Alden started digging into her past. The truth came out. He didn’t kick her out, but everything changed. He stopped being warm. The closeness faded, replaced by formality and distance.
Thinking back to that time, Eleanino let out a twisted smile and said, “I know this dress was always meant for Nyno—it was never truly mine p>
Out of nowhere, her tone spiraled into desperation, wild and unhinged. “But it doesn’t matter! Alden, I don’t care if I’m just a substitute—as long as I can be near you! Why won’t you look at me? I’m just as good as Helena! Whatever she’s done for you, I can do too. And the things she can’t p>