Chapter 585
Chapter 585:
Bonnie, ever poised, extended her hand with effortless charm. “Helena, it is a pleasure p>
Helena returned the gesture with practiced grace. “It is lovely to meet you, Ms. Luna p>
Bonnie’s eyes lit with admiration. “You are stunning, Helena.” Then, turning playfully toward Delaney, she added, “Did you not promise to take me out and show me around? But after so many years away, you are practically a tourist yourself. Why not let Helena be our guide for the next few days? I would love the company p>
Helena hesitated, visibly caught off guard. Her lips parted slightly, and she was ready to decline—but she paused.
It was not fear that held her back, but consideration. Delaney’s emotional fragility was no secret, and refusing her now, in front of company, felt unkind. Helena looked to Delaney, silently seeking her opinion.
Delaney noticed the hesitation. And in that brief moment, she decided to accept Bonnie’s suggestion—not out of warmth, but with quiet calculation.
But before she could speak, Alden stepped in. “Helena’s work schedule is demanding,” he said flatly. “It would not be appropriate to pull her away for this. If you need someone to accompany you, Mom, I will make time. That is my role as your son p>
The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Delaney’s jaw clenched, but she did not respond.
Instead, Alden reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek card. He handed it to Bonnie with deliberate courtesy. “Thank you for everything you have done for my mother. This is a small token of my appreciation.” Then, his gaze turned slightly sharper. “I also heard your daughter is back in the country. Do not worry about her career—I will see to it that she is well taken care of p>
Bonnie blinked, clearly not expecting the offer. She did not reach for the card, so Alden handed it to Delaney instead.
Bonnie, composed as ever, smiled faintly. “Monique is a remarkable woman—just as independent and capable as your wife, Helena. She will manage her own path, Alden. No need to trouble yourself p>
The name “Monique” drifted through Helena’s thoughts, soft as a breeze stirring a quiet lake. She brushed it aside, assuming it was just a coincidence. But she admired the girl’s independence, despite the faint sting of rivalry.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁
Delaney, wrestling with a twinge of guilt toward Bonnie, said with a warm smile, “Bonnie, your daughter’s something else. I’m downright jealous of you for raising such a sharp, caring kid p>
She pivoted to Alden, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Alden, you haven’t met Monique yet, have you? I’ve got her picture right here p>
“We’re all in Cheson,” Alden cut in smoothly, steering the conversation away from dangerous waters. He flashed a grin at his mother. “Plenty of time to cross paths, Mom. Why don’t you and Ms. Luna keep catching up? Helena and I will whip up something in the kitchen for you both p>
Without waiting for their reply, Alden clasped Helena’s hand, his touch firm yet gentle, and guided her out of the living room.