Chapter 43
Chapter 73:
Xavier returned the phone to Alden after ending the call.
Dorian, who had overheard the conversation since it was on speaker, looked puzzled. “Was that some sort of code between you and your wife?” he asked.
A rare softness crossed Alden’s usually impassive face.
They lived on the city’s west side, and Helena had developed a habit over the past few months of messaging Alden whenever the weather shifted abruptly. He never failed to respond, regardless of how frequently the messages came.
However, their dynamic had shifted subtly since they shared that kiss. Without hesitation, Alden composed a quick text to Helena, informing her that he would be home for dinner. The message was read almost immediately.
Observing Alden’s gentle smile as he lowered his gaze, Dorian became even more confused. “You went through the trouble of hacking the Nexus TV system, retrieving the internal selection results, all to have your wife tell you about the weather p>
This scenario was far from what Dorian had anticipated.
Alden gave him a cold look. “She was bothered by the selection spot p>
Dorian recoiled slightly, holding up his hands in a gesture of capitulation. “Alright, I’ll own up to that one p>
Alden had already made moves behind the scenes, lifting the restriction that had previously barred Helena from applying.
With her talents alone, Helena was eligible to participate in the selection process.
Yet, Dorian had interfered, fearing complications, and Laurence, the conniving deputy manager, had gotten wind of it.
Fortunately, word hadn’t spread further. Otherwise, people might mistakenly think Helena was Dorian’s secret lover.
Such a misunderstanding would have been catastrophic for him. At that moment, his phone vibrated with an incoming text. His face brightened—it was a response from Valeria.
Alden was well aware of the reasons behind Dorian’s enthusiasm. It was likely that he was pursuing someone new.
With a calm demeanor, Alden inquired, “Is Valeria still fishing for information about me through you p>
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Dorian responded with unwavering confidence, “Don’t worry, she’ll find me more intriguing soon enough. Trust me to keep your secrets, just as I excel at my job p>
Alden had long decided not to intervene in Dorian’s romantic escapades. Over the years, Dorian had a string of flings, but none of the women he dated ever seemed upset afterward. Some departed with lavish gifts, others with cherished memories—everyone left satisfied.
For once, Alden couldn’t resist a playful jab, saying, “Just make sure you don’t get caught up yourself p>
Alden suspected that Dorian’s usual tactics might not be as effective this time; in fact, he could very well face a significant setback.
Helena had taken an hour off from work to do some grocery shopping. It was only after receiving Alden’s text about dinner that she felt like herself again.
With a basket brimming with groceries, she was preparing to leave when her phone rang.
The voice on the other end said, “Hello, Ms. Ellis, this is from the police department. We’ve apprehended the individual responsible for the damage to those garments. Could you please visit us to provide a statement p>
After a brief pause, Helena decided to head to the station immediately. She had only recently submitted the stained clothing to the police, urging them to start the investigation.
The investigation had yielded results: the lipstick traces on the clothes were conclusively linked to Eleanor.
Determined, Helena set out to ensure Eleanor would be held accountable for the damage to the boutique’s merchandise. Dorian shouldn’t have to pay for those garments.
By the time Helena reached the police station, Eleanor had already been detained for three hours.
Authorities had called the boutique manager as well to review the details of the incident once more.
Throughout it all, Eleanor was in tears, appearing deeply distressed.
“I admit I made a mistake. But Mr. Morrison has already settled the bill. Please, let me off just this time. I’ve been fired—I truly have no funds left to compensate,” Eleanor pleaded.
The manager seemed swayed by Eleanor’s tearful appeal.
Given that Dorian was financially well-off, the loss wouldn’t impact him significantly, and had the police not required his presence, he might have considered the issue resolved.
He was on the verge of forgiving Eleanor when Helena interjected,
“Eleanor, why don’t you explain the actual reason you lost your job p>