Chapter 94
The matter escalated rapidly online, causing Edwards Group's stock to drop. Helen, at Edwards Villa, saw the trending news. Her best friend gleefully shared it, making Helen tremble with anger.
Helen dismissed her "best friend" and went home. There, she searched the internet, her face growing grimmer with each article. Meanwhile, Michael, downstairs at the gym, remained unaware, continuing his workout.
With a grim expression, Helen went to the gym, found Michael, and slapped him. The sound echoed loudly. Stunned, Michael saw her raise her hand again, instinctively grabbed it, and pushed her back. Helen fell, grabbing the treadmill's handrail. Michael then slapped her.
A vivid handprint appeared on her face. Tears welled in her eyes. "Did you just slap me, Michael?" she asked incredulously, her voice breaking.
Michael frowned. "You slapped me first! I haven't even asked why you're acting insane!" Remembering why she'd lashed out, Helen's heart ached. "Michael, we've known each other since childhood. What did I do to deserve this?"
Agitated, she charged at him, shouting, "Michael, tell me why! Why?!" He restrained her. "What are you talking about? What's gotten into you? Why are you acting crazy?"
"Crazy? Michael, tell me about the three mistresses and three illegitimate children!" she cried. "How long have you been supporting them?"
Michael's expression shifted. "When… when did you find out?"
She chuckled bitterly. "When did I find out? Michael, soon the whole community, the whole world will know!"
Michael panicked. "What do you mean?" His phone rang. It was Pamela, saved as "Peter" to avoid detection by his wife.
Helen saw the name Peter, confused. She'd thought it was a male friend. Now, a whirlwind of thoughts hit her. What kind of relationship did Peter have with Michael? Why was he calling now? She reached for the phone, wanting to answer it. She wanted to know who Peter really was.
Seeing her move, Michael panicked, pulling the phone away. Helen, recognizing his deception, lunged for the phone. He pushed her away, snapping, "Have you had enough, Helen?" He turned to leave. Helen, furious, pursued him, desperate to get the phone. Her desperation was powerful. She snatched the phone. Michael's expression changed drastically; he tried to retrieve it.
Helen ran off, but the call from Peter ended. Another call came in—Hector. Michael rushed over, grabbed Helen, and took back the phone. His strength easily overpowered hers.
She stood in shock, replaying the names: Peter and Hector. Pamela and Heather. Helen seemed to understand. Her eyes widened. "It's them, isn't it?"
"Michael, it's them, isn't it? Pamela, and Heather! Do you have another lover named Laura?" The second call, from Heather, ended. A third call came in—Lawrence.
Three lovers had called within minutes. Coupled with Helen's outburst, Michael felt something was wrong. He ignored her, grabbed his phone, and left.
Outside, he answered the call. Minutes later, his face darkened. He hurried to the study, checked the news online. His phone rang again—Theodore. He hesitated before answering.
Theodore's cold voice asked, "Are those things online true?"
Michael, grim-faced, showed no guilt. "Don't worry about whether it's true or not. Get it taken down! What's the Edwards Group's PR department doing?"