Chapter 1106

Forty minutes later, Helena helped the half-drunken Jeremy into the Hughes Residence. The place was empty; no maid was present. She initially intended to leave him at the door, but noticing the lack of staff, she asked Jeremy which floor his bedroom was on. He was too intoxicated to answer, leaving her no choice but to guide him upstairs. After opening a door and finding a bedroom, she laid him on the bed, regardless of whether it was a guest room.

Just as she was about to leave, Jeremy's heavy body pinned her down. "Mr. Hughes? Mr. Hughes?" she called out, attempting to push him away, but he remained immobile. A kiss silenced her before she could speak further.

The room was dark, the lights unlit. In the dimness, she saw Jeremy's deep-set eyes gazing intently at her. His compelling expression trapped her. Helena's heart pounded; she forgot to speak or resist. Then, Jeremy murmured softly, "You're finally back…" The rest was lost in a passionate kiss.

The next morning, Helena awoke, blinded by sunlight. Disoriented at first, she focused to see Jeremy standing by the window. The events of the previous night flooded back. "Mr. Hughes—" she began. Last night, they had crossed a line.

Jeremy didn't turn when she spoke. He held a cigarette, took a puff, and exhaled several smoke rings. His silhouette conveyed a profound loneliness, lacking the warmth or tenderness one might expect after their shared night.

Helena sensed this shift, her face paling as she recalled the previous night. His words, "You're finally back," hadn't registered fully then. Now, it was clear they were meant for Natalie. He'd awakened to find Natalie replaced by her—a profound disappointment.

A burning shame flooded Helena. "Name your price. Let's pretend last night didn't happen," Jeremy finally said. His words caused a dramatic shift in her expression.

She forced a self-deprecating smile. "How about ten million?"

"Deal."

Ten minutes later, Helena dressed and prepared to leave. Jeremy remained at the window, his back to her. "There's no need to see each other again," he stated.

Helena stiffened, biting her lip. "Okay," she replied.

Three days later, after settling Viola's funeral arrangements, Skylar spent several days with Gloria at Pearlhall Residence. There were no updates regarding Viola's brother, Kevin Zindel. This elusive man remained untraceable despite knowing he was in Jipsburg City.

Skylar and Joe anticipated his imminent move. Harvey had been busy preparing for his college entrance exams; Skylar promised him a short trip afterward.