Chapter 40
Chapter 40:
Valeria and Helena whirled around simultaneously as a stylish figure cut through the crowd—a man sporting designer sunglasses and a black leather jacket over a crimson shirt.
“Dorian,” Valeria gasped, recognition flashing across her face.
Dorian froze, equally startled to see Valeria. The stunning woman who had repeatedly rebuffed his advances was apparently his friend’s wife’s confidante. The pieces clicked into place instantly. She’d merely been asking about Alden on Helena’s behalf.
Among the gathered onlookers, only Helena was encountering Dorian for the first time. He had been rumored to have helped her multiple times. Studying this man, whose flamboyant appearance contrasted sharply with Alden’s understated elegance, Helena felt emotions knotting inside her.
The store manager accepted Dorian’s card with a deferential bow.
“Clear everyone out,” Dorian commanded, gesturing lazily toward a display of new arrivals. “For these two ladies, bring one of each new piece in their sizes p>
The manager and sales staff scrambled to comply, dispersing the curious spectators and rushing to gather the requested garments.
Eleanor, sensing the situation spiraling beyond her control, attempted to slip away unnoticed, but a sales associate from the neighboring boutique approached her.
“Sorry, miss,” the sales associate said, tossing two bags of clothing at Eleanor’s feet, “these items are too outdated. They don’t meet our recycling standards. You’ll need to try elsewhere p>
Eleanor stood paralyzed with humiliation. Still drowning in debt from the Nexus TV compensation case, she’d desperately brought her old designer pieces to sell for quick cash. She never imagined facing such public shame—especially with Helena and Valeria as witnesses.
Understanding dawned on Valeria. “So that explains your presence here. You weren’t shopping at all p>
Eleanor attempted to defend herself, but the sales associate interrupted with a contemptuous sneer. “Shopping? This lady has been here daily for a week, trying to return ancient clothes and counterfeit bags p>
“If you won’t take my things, just shut your mouth!” Eleanor erupted. “Why must you keep talking p>
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Valeria’s laughter echoed deliberately through the boutique. “How ironic—the woman who constantly accuses others of being broke is hardly better off herself p>
Helena observed Eleanor with glacial detachment, finding her simultaneously pitiable and absurd. Even in desperation, Eleanor sought to entangle others in her misfortunes—a pathetic yet almost comical trait.
With a bitten lip and a venomous glare toward both women, Eleanor stormed away.
Though Valeria released her pent-up hostility, Helena’s expression remained stony.
Dorian flashed a charming smile at Helena. “Helena, select whatever catches your eye. I’ll have everything delivered to your residence p>
Helena’s face remained impassive, not a hint of appreciation softening her features. “I don’t need anything,” she stated firmly, shaking her head. “Thank you for intervening today. Regarding the money you covered, I’ll ensure the responsible party reimburses you p>
Her mind was already set—when authorities arrived, they could analyze the lipstick marks on the damaged clothing. Eleanor’s DNA would be present. Even without surveillance footage, the truth would eventually surface. It might require patience, but she refused to allow others to shoulder a debt that wasn’t hers.
Nevertheless, Dorian had rushed to assist her during their very first encounter, and her gratitude was genuine.
Dorian sensed an unsettling composure in Helena’s demeanor. “Did I do something wrong?” he ventured cautiously.
“Were you involved in securing my position in the Nexus TV news anchor selection?” Helena questioned, her voice barely audible.
“Why take this so seriously?” Dorian replied with lightness. “Your becoming a news anchor benefits Alden’s image too. It’s certainly preferable to reporting weather forecasts indefinitely. Besides p>
Valeria drove her heel forcefully into his foot before he could continue. Dorian’s confession died abruptly as Helena’s heart plummeted.
Her father had been transferred to a premium room. She finally had her chance at becoming a legitimate news anchor. Everything she’d ever dreamed of seemed within reach.
Yet now she wondered—was it merely an elaborate illusion that Alden had constructed around her? And one question haunted her the most: why would he go to such lengths?