C6 Despicable and Vulgar

Lena was taken aback by Edna's decisiveness.

Just moments ago, she had seemed so hesitant, yet Mr. Andrews had swayed her with just a few words.

Lena had always been confident in Helmer's capabilities.

But this woman was unmistakably Mr. Andrews's lover. While Mr. Andrews had a number of women, he allowed none but Edith to intrude upon his business at the company.

It appeared that Edna held a special place in Mr. Andrews's heart.

"May I make changes to the contract?" Edna inquired, looking at Lena.

"No," Lena replied with a smile, "Each clause has Mr. Andrews's approval. Without his directive, the employee contract is not to be altered by anyone."

"In that case, why bother reviewing it?" Edna signed her name and handed the document back to Lena. "You can report back now."

"Ms. Richards, we appreciate your cooperation. Are you available to start work tomorrow?"

"If I'm still around tomorrow, sure."

The Andrews Group boasted a legal team of the finest minds in law, offering Edna a prime learning environment.

She was fond of the job, yet not of Helmer, her boss.

Content with the signed contract, Lena departed from the villa.

Edna washed her face and headed downstairs, ready to leave. Approaching the villa's entrance, she was abruptly halted by two bodyguards.

Elroy's voice followed, "Ms. Richards, where might you be headed?"

"Can't I go home, Butler?"

"Ms. Richards is certainly free to go home. I just hope you're wise enough to avoid any foolishness."

Foolishness? Was she foolish enough to consider suicide?

Hanging would leave her tongue grotesquely protruding.

Poisoning was far too agonizing.

Drowning would bloat her body, a ghastly sight.

Disregarding Elroy, Edna brushed past a bodyguard and exited the villa.

Stepping away from Rosemary Mansion, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had endured Helmer's past mistreatment, but his current behavior was intolerable.

After three years abroad, enjoying a decent life in Paris, she hadn't expected to encounter him within a week of returning home.

It seemed for the best now; there was no need to keep avoiding Helmer. She could return and visit her mother and Uncle Dalton.

Upon arriving home, Dora was engrossed in a TV show. Edna caught a glimpse of the screen—a live broadcast of a banquet where Edith sweetly clung to Helmer's arm. Edna's gaze was drawn to the necklace Edith wore, the very one Helmer had famously bid a hundred million for. Were they still a couple after all these years?

Edna's initial thought was that she must be on a lucky streak—having encountered Helmer in person earlier, and now here he was on her television screen. Frustrated, she walked over and switched off the TV. Only then did Dora look up. "You look upset. Did your date not go well?" she asked, tossing an apple to Edna nonchalantly.

Catching the apple and taking a bite, Edna gave Dora a sidelong glance. After a moment, she spoke up calmly, "Dora, I saw him today."

"Who?" Dora asked, her tone disinterested. Then it hit her, and her expression changed dramatically. "You don't mean Helmer, do you?"

With a nod, Edna confirmed.

At the mention of Helmer, Dora's interest was piqued.

A smile flickered across Edna's face, tinged with a subtle bitterness. It had been ages since they last saw each other, and yet, upon their reunion, Helmer had already committed such a low act.

Had it not been for Helmer, Edna might never have left Jongvale—a fact Dora was well aware of. Edna had fled to Paris, running from Helmer's demeaning treatment, the pressure he exerted, and her own heart's foolish stirrings.

The Andrews Group's headquarters dominated the bustling heart of Jongvale's city center with its opulent decor and impressive stature, rivaled by few.

As Edna entered the company, Edith recognized her instantly and greeted her warmly, "Edna, it's been so long."

Hearing her name, Edna turned to find the source and was momentarily taken aback. "Edith?" she questioned, puzzled.

She hadn't expected to encounter Edith at the Andrews Group, especially not with the company's work badge proclaiming her the CEO's secretary, right there on Edith's chest.

It was indeed her, the woman Edna hadn't laid eyes on in three years!

The soft lighting in the hall illuminated her features, highlighting her gentle sweetness.

"It's me, Edna. Helmer sent me to pick you up," Edith said with a smile, which sent a sharp pang through Edna's heart. She was with Helmer, and they saw each other every day.