Chapter 398
Chapter 398:
As she read, Meredith’s voice resumed, now tinged with a warning. “Just because you’ve helped land a few sponsors doesn’t mean you’re above protocol. We play fair here. And if you keep testing the limits, they’d rather cut those sponsorships loose than bend the rules for you p>
That last remark hit harder than expected, and Helena felt a knot tighten in her stomach.
Still, the thought of Alden facing such a dangerous surgery without her made it impossible for Helena to walk away.
After wrestling with her indecision, she finally spoke in a low voice, “Ms. Sutter… I’ll have to request another extended leave in two days p>
The warmth that had briefly returned to Meredith’s expression vanished the moment Helena spoke.
“Did you not hear a word I just said, Helena? One more leave request, and you can kiss that anchor role goodbye—the one you fought tooth and nail to earn p>
Meredith’s voice was sharp and authoritative. Helena didn’t flinch. What she felt wasn’t fear—it was guilt.
Still, for Alden’s sake, she softened her tone and quietly replied, “I’m sorry. My husband is scheduled for surgery abroad, and I have to go with him p>
“Mr. Wilson has a team of experts around him. Are you telling me he needs you personally to hold his hand through it p>
There were things Helena knew she could never fully explain to others. So she simply met Meredith’s gaze and said firmly, “I’m his wife. That’s reason enough p>
Meredith tightened her jaw and gave a curt nod. “If that’s your decision, I have nothing else to add.” She lifted a hand and motioned toward the door. “You can get back to work now p>
“I’m sorry.” Another soft apology left Helena’s lips. She inhaled deeply, then turned on her heel, pulled the door open, and stepped out.
The moment she emerged into the open office space, cheerful voices and curious glances greeted her return. A few coworkers were already rising from their desks, smiles on their faces, ready to welcome her back.
But as soon as they caught sight of the somber look in her eyes, the mood shifted—words froze mid-air, and the buzz of excitement faded into a tense hush.
“Dominick, what’s going on?” Tessa leaned in, nudging Dominick’s arm as she whispered.
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩:
With a quiet shake of his head, Dominick signaled that he was just as clueless—but the worry in his eyes as he glanced at Helena was unmistakable.
Trying to ease their concern, Helena mustered a faint smile and said, “Don’t look at me like that, you guys. I promise I’m fine. Let’s all get back to work, okay p>
Yet the more she tried to brush it off, the more unsettled her coworkers seemed.
Roughly a dozen employees stood rooted in place, exchanging anxious glances while their eyes remained fixed on Helena.
The moment Meredith appeared, her—
Meredith’s expression turned cold. “Why is everyone loitering around? This isn’t break time—get back to your stations!” When Meredith spoke, no one dared disobey. At her command, the group scattered instantly.