Chapter 69
Chapter 69:
Throughout her tenure at Nexus TV, Helena had only visited the manager’s office on one prior occasion.
This marked her second visit.
As she entered, Lucas’s secretary presented her with a steaming cup of coffee, which both surprised and unsettled Helena.
She pondered Glenda’s recent remarks. Was it possible that things were about to improve?
Before she could voice her thoughts, Lucas addressed her with a calm voice, saying, “Helena, you’ve faced great injustice here. I asked you to be here today so that Laurence can offer you an apology in person.” He signaled to the secretary, who then opened the inner room.
From it emerged a disheveled man.
Standing up abruptly, Helena gasped in disbelief. “Mr. Palmer?” She barely recognized him without his distinctive belly.
His suit looked like it hadn’t been changed in several days.
His face bore evidence of a recent scuffle; one eye was swollen, and scratch marks were visible. His usual hairpiece was absent, revealing a prominent bald spot.
Lucas, still seated, casually stirred his coffee. “Laurence is no longer holding the position of deputy manager at Nexus TV p>
At these words, Laurence’s legs gave way, and he nearly collapsed.
The situation was surreal. Laurence had initially tried to shift all blame onto Cassandra, but after spending two days in custody for assaulting Helena, Cassandra had had enough. She retained a prominent divorce lawyer and exposed his tax fraud.
Consequently, authorities confiscated Laurence’s home and vehicle, and his accounts were frozen.
Lucas had escorted him back to Nexus TV, suggesting Helena was his last hope for redemption.
Lucas gave Laurence a stern look. “Don’t plead with me. Helena is the one you need to convince.” Laurence then turned to face Helena.
With his pride cast aside, he edged closer with a meek smile. “Helena, I’m at fault for not managing Cassandra properly and letting her stir up trouble. Also, I completely misjudged Neville. I was deceived by him. I admit my mistakes p>
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While apologizing, he extended a wrinkled piece of paper towards Helena, avoiding her gaze. Helena, uninterested in his plea, briefly inspected the paper, which unexpectedly shocked her.
It was a settlement agreement. By signing it, she would exonerate Laurence and renounce any legal proceedings.
Seeing her pause, Laurence misread her reaction, thinking he might have swayed her.
Straightening his posture, Laurence made a tempting offer. “Sign this document, and I’ll immediately transfer $500,000 to you. Considering your father’s illness, you could surely use the support p>
Helena finally understood why Alden had said that Laurence would face the consequences if she withheld forgiveness.
Now, she saw Alden’s predictions unfold as Laurence desperately presented her with a settlement agreement.
Helena accepted the document from him, and he quickly produced a pen, his eyes fixed on her with hopeful anticipation.
Instead of signing, Helena decisively ripped the paper into two, throwing the pieces at him.
Laurence stared in disbelief. “Helena, you p>
Helena’s eyes were firm, her resolve unwavering. “I have no interest in your money, nor will I ever grant you forgiveness p>
Helena couldn’t erase the memories of Neville’s attempt to assault her under Laurence’s protection or Laurence’s attempts to claim her as his mistress.
Holding onto those memories and refusing to forgive were the only ways to ensure the guilty were punished.
In the past, the temptation of $500,000 might have swayed her, but guided by Alden’s words, she found a deeper strength.
Witnessing Helena’s unyielding stance, Lucas was visibly impressed by her determination.
Helena was far from gullible. She understood that Nexus TV could have disciplined Laurence without making a spectacle of it.
It seemed clear to her that Lucas’s insistence on a personal apology from Laurence was an attempt to salvage his position as deputy manager.
While she masked her revulsion, Helena maintained a composed demeanor. “Thank you, Mr. Wright, for this opportunity to see Laurence face the consequences before I depart from Nexus TV p>
Lucas responded hastily, masking his motives with a veneer of concern. “Helena, there seems to be a misunderstanding. You’re the aggrieved party here. What would it reflect about Nexus TV if we were to dismiss you? Doesn’t our long-standing reputation matter p>
This left Helena briefly taken aback. “Are you suggesting I could stay p>
“Absolutely,” Lucas replied, offering a genuinely comforting smile.
Helena paused to let the information sink in.
“Does this stand even if I refuse to sign the document?” she inquired, seeking clarity.
Lucas explained, “I’ll be honest with you—I’ve had a longstanding friendship with Laurence and wanted to extend a final gesture of support to him. However, the decision is yours to make. There’s no pressure. You’re welcome to continue with your employment here, and Laurence will no longer be a part of Nexus TV p>
As Lucas concluded, the secretary nodded and quickly ushered Helena out.
Shortly thereafter, an official announcement confirmed the resolution. Reading through the announcement, Helena felt somewhat bewildered. The resolution was clear: Laurence was terminated, and her position at Nexus TV remained secure.