The air fell silent for a few seconds afterward. As the scrutinizing gaze grew increasingly intense, Helena couldn’t bear to stay a second longer. Clutching Grape, she quickly stepped into the ladies’ restroom, exclaiming, “Leave it to me!”
In the end, Grape didn’t wet her pants.
“Helena, what brings you here?” Grape was delighted to see her. Helena couldn’t help but smile. “I’m staying here! Promise me, don’t call me Ms. Swear Words anymore, okay?”
Grape tilted her head in thought. “But sometimes my mommy also uses foul language. It’s not a big deal.”
Helena understood what Grape meant, but she still said, “It’s okay. Just call me Hellie.”
Grape seemed to understand but not quite, and she nodded. As she was putting on her pants, she asked, “Hellie, you’re also from Clusia. Have you ever met my daddy?”
Helena was at a loss. “I’ve never seen him before.
Grape immediately fell into desolation.
Upon exiting the restroom, those teenagers were still waiting in the same spot, their expressions heavy, as if they were discussing some serious matter.
“Why didn’t you tell us earlier that you were planning to retire?”
The one being questioned was a chubby boy. He rubbed his head, somewhat embarrassed. “My hand injury is too severe. I can’t play anymore. I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want to burden you all.”
“You can’t just up and leave like that. Injuries can be healed. Do you really have to retire?”
A few people were exchanging words, but only Michael remained silent. He leaned against the wall, his expression solemn.
Helena found herself unable to interject, her emotions a complex tangle. She placed Grape beside them and said, “I’ll take my leave first.”
She wasn’t soft, but perhaps because everyone was engrossed in their own worlds, they didn’t listen carefully, nor did they notice the presence of the little girl.
Grape’s innocent eyes were filled with confusion. She didn’t understand why the teenagers were arguing. After a moment of thought, she trotted to catch up with Helena’s figure.
At that moment, Helena had just received a message from Mallory. The text read: Come to the backyard. I’ll introduce you to an investor of Stardust.
Helena pursed her lips and replied, “Mallory, is it too late for me to change my mind now?”
A voice message came from the other end, filled with urgency. “You chose to enter the Stardust yourself. Why are you having second thoughts now?”
“L…”
“Come here first.”
Over the past two years, Mallory had also invested a considerable amount of money into various industries through her own means. However, most of the time, she was busy handling affairs for others. Matters that the big shots behind the scenes couldn’t handle themselves were all entrusted to her.
Helena was a child of her mother’s relatives. She had just turned eighteen and showed great talent in e-sports. Fortunately, Mallory had the resources to help Helena, so she lent a hand.
Helena had been staying there for two days before she discovered such a place behind the hotel. The small courtyard was filled with clusters of flowers, brimming with vitality in the spring season.
Mallory, with her radiant beauty, was listlessly watering the flowers, holding a watering can in her hand. Beside her stood a man, dressed in a suit and wearing glasses, who seemed as if he could never make a mistake.
“You’ve been in Sumanthova for too long. Mr. Barrett must be getting anxious.”
“He probably can’t wait for me to leave Wavery, considering it as his golden opportunity,” Mallory joked half-heartedly.
“I can tell that Mr. Barrett treats you quite well.”
“Larry, I haven’t asked you yet. Why did you suddenly come to Sumanthova?”
Larry adjusted his glasses, maintaining a strictly professional demeanor. “Of course, there’s a matter at hand.”
Mallory cast a brief glance over her shoulder. The atmosphere within the courtyard was oppressive. A figure, elusive as a shadow, stood by the birdcage, teasing the occupants with food. The person’s profile was hazy, making it impossible to discern the expression.
Yet, the aura was incredibly powerful.
Helena stood outside for a while, then cautiously called out, “Mallory.”
Only then did Mallory notice her.
