Chapter 485
Chapter 485:
From Liliana’s point of view, though, Helena’s calm detachment was insufferable.
“Cut the act already,” Liliana retorted, her voice sharp with contempt.
“There’s really no need for this hostility,” said Helena, trying to keep her tone level. “I’ve never—” She paused, not because she cared about Liliana, but because, in the eyes of their parents, the girl still held a place as their adopted daughter. An outright feud would only throw Natalie and Kareem into an uncomfortable position, and Helena didn’t want to create unnecessary tension.
Just as she gathered herself to speak further, another voice, smooth and rich, cut through the awkward air.
“Liliana, sorry I kept you waiting p>
Helena’s head turned automatically toward the voice.
Striding toward them was a man dressed in a crisp white suit, a single red rose in hand, his presence effortlessly magnetic.
Liliana’s expression transformed at once. Her entire face lit up like someone had flipped a switch, and she rushed toward him with unrestrained glee.
“You better know how late you are!” She pouted as she clung to his arm. “You owe me ten shrimp—peeled and plated p>
Helena suddenly remembered what Natalie had once mentioned: Liliana was engaged to someone named Henrik Lawrence. This had to be the man in question.
Without hesitation, Henrik handed over the rose with a charming grin, clearly happy to play along.
Still, even as he humored Liliana, his eyes kept drifting to Helena. Something about her—she was just… breathtaking.
Though he made an effort to appear indifferent, he asked, “And who might this be p>
Liliana peeked up from the comfort of his arms, her expression cooling. “That’s Helena Ellis, my sister,” she said.
She’d suddenly taken on an air of soft grace, her tone polished as she offered the introduction in front of her fiancé. Then, she turned to Helena with a smile and said, “And this is my fiancé, Henrik Lawrence p>
As if needing to stake her claim, she quickly added, “He treats me incredibly well, and we’re getting married soon p>
“I see. Then let me wish you both the best in advance,” Helena responded with a measured nod. Her departure was quiet, but Henrik’s gaze clung to her retreating figure, only snapping back when Liliana tugged at his arm and led him toward their reserved table.
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Over dinner, Henrik casually brought up Helena, his curiosity slipping into the conversation without much effort. From across the table, Liliana kept a close eye on him. Not spotting any obvious signs of infatuation in his expression brought her a wave of quiet relief. She quickly followed up with an explanation. “She’s the daughter my parents spent years trying to find—born to them, not adopted like me p>
Jealousy was the last thing she wanted Henrik to pick up on. Showing that Helena mattered too much wasn’t an option either. So she treaded carefully. “They had big dreams for her, especially since she married Alden Wilson, the CEO of Star Wish Investments. With that connection, both families could’ve gained a powerful edge in the business world. But fate had other plans. Alden died unexpectedly in a plane crash. And as for Helena p>