Chapter 968

A knock sounded at the door. Skylar frowned. Natalie's expression shifted as she went to answer. She'd expected Jeremy, but to her surprise, it was Helena.

"It's Helena," Natalie announced, turning to Skylar.

"Isn't she supposed to be filming?" Skylar checked the time. Helena's arrival, before they could exchange more than a few words after returning to the hotel, indicated she wasn't filming and had returned with them.

Natalie shook her head. "I'm not sure. Let's see what she wants." She opened the door.

"Ms. Jakeman, I apologize for disturbing you," Helena said gently. "I inquired with the set staff and learned you're staying at this hotel. I was scheduled to shoot two scenes today, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they've been rescheduled for tomorrow."

Natalie was puzzled by Helena's visit. While they were staying at the same hotel, there seemed no pressing reason for Helena to call. They were acquaintances, not close friends.

Out of courtesy, Natalie replied, "I see."

Helena noticed Natalie's lack of enthusiasm and smiled warmly. "I don't have many friends here," she explained. "Someone even sent me a birthday cake today—yes, it's my birthday. Would you join me for a small celebration, Ms. Jakeman?"

"I might not be able to," Natalie replied, her initial hesitation evident. "I have friends here. But happy birthday!"

It turned out Helena simply wanted company for her birthday. However, dining with someone she wasn't close to felt potentially awkward; Natalie sometimes experienced social anxiety.

Anticipating Natalie's refusal, Helena turned to Skylar. "Ms. Sullivan is here too? Perhaps you both could join me. Celebrating alone in a foreign country is rather lonely."

"Isn't Jeremy with you?" Natalie impulsively asked, immediately regretting her question. Knowing Jeremy for years, she understood his demanding work schedule; a conflict may have arisen unexpectedly.

Helena replied with a hint of resignation, "Mr. Hughes has a work commitment. It came up unexpectedly."

Refusal now seemed difficult; Helena's consistently pleasant demeanor made it hard to decline.

Natalie turned to Skylar. "Shall we join Ms. Hart for her birthday celebration?"

Skylar sighed inwardly. Natalie's kindness—agreeing to celebrate the birthday of her ex-husband's current partner—was remarkable.

However, Helena's friendly overture made refusal difficult, so Skylar nodded.

Helena's room upstairs was lavishly decorated, exuding a strong birthday atmosphere. A uniquely designed cake sat prominently in the center. The celebration felt genuine—hardly something a celebrity like Helena could convincingly fake.

After singing "Happy Birthday," Helena made a wish before cutting the cake. Skylar and Natalie each took a slice; though nearly full from dinner, they managed a few bites. Afterward, Helena led them to the balcony to admire the darkening night sky.