Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Death_2
Helen's family had been among the top households in City B for many years. After Sebastian Carter's expansion and development over the years, they received much respect and deference wherever they went.
Sebastian gave a noncommittal grunt, not even bothering to glance at the manager, who didn't mind and led the three of them into a luxurious private room.
As soon as the three entered, the manager's face darkened, he looked in the direction of the private room and spat out softly, "Isn't he just a climber holding onto women's skirts? What's there to be proud of?"
The luxurious private room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows along one entire wall, offering a clear view of the outside scenery. A middle-aged couple sat at the long table by the window, and upon seeing them, they stood up and enthusiastically greeted the Carters.
This middle-aged couple, of course, were Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman.
Sebastian Carter exchanged pleasantries with them for a while, then looked around the private room and asked, "Why isn't your distinguished son here?"
Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman's faces became awkward. Mrs. Hoffman gave an awkward laugh and said, "Oliver has a last-minute emergency, he may be a bit late."
Amelia Walker smiled and said, "Our distinguished gentleman is a busy man, Mr. Walker's talents are obvious to all, being a little late is normal."
The words comforted Mrs. Hoffman, who smiled and took Amelia in, looking her up and down before saying, "Everyone says that President Carter has married a good wife, and indeed it's true upon meeting her today."
Upon hearing those words, Helen Blair's heart felt a touch of melancholy. Nowadays, no one remembers Isabella Blair...
However, she did like Amelia, and seeing her receive praise, she felt happy for her.
After the two parties seated themselves, Helen sat next to Amelia, facing Mrs. Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman smiled as she looked at her and asked her some casual questions—such as where she had studied, her major, and other aspects of her life overseas.
Mrs. Hoffman asked with a smile, "I heard that Miss Blair returned half a year early, instead of coming back after graduation?"
Helen's face changed slightly, her hands hidden beneath the table grew icy cold.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and held hers, its warmth and softness giving her some strength.
It was Amelia's hand.
Helen felt a warmth in her heart, she looked at Mrs. Hoffman, smiling politely, and said, "At that time, my father was not feeling well, so I returned early."
Amelia added, "In fact, Helen has already earned enough credits. Not being able to finish school doesn't hinder her."
Mrs. Hoffman exclaimed, "So Miss Blair is so talented and capable."
Helen gave a faint smile and lifted the teacup in front of her, taking a light sip.
Her father had spent quite a bit of money for those credits...
As they chatted, Hoffman's prince still hadn't arrived, and the smiles on Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman's faces grew more strained. Sebastian Carter continued to chat indifferently with President Hoffman about business matters. He was not happy in his heart, but considering the other party's financial strength and the fact that their current cooperation was heavily dependent on them, this small matter was insignificant.
Business comes first.
Helen grew impatient. The other party's tardiness showed that they didn't take this blind date seriously and didn't respect her. She would have liked to walk away, but she didn't want to offend her father, who held her entire life in his hands. Rebelling was an option, but she couldn't bear the consequences.
Annoyed, she turned to Amelia and whispered, "Auntie, I need to step out for a moment."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Helen shook her head, said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, grabbed her LV bag, and left the private room.
She left the private room, turned a corner planning to go to the stairs for a smoke, but ran into Ruby Carter face to face.
Ruby was one year older than Helen, and unlike Helen's delicate beauty, Ruby was radiant and gorgeous, always the focus of attention wherever she went.
She was wearing a Dior gown from their latest collection, which wasn't even available in City B yet. It had been air-shipped from Paris. The top-tier tailoring perfectly accentuated her tall and exquisite figure.
Upon seeing Helen, Ruby smiled, then walked over. Her long waist-length curls swayed passionately and energetically with her steps, attracting the attention of everyone around in a matter of seconds.
This sister was not related to her by blood, and although they couldn't be considered close, Helen respected Ruby due to her relationship with Amelia.
Helen looked at her and smiled, "Sister, what are you doing here?"
Ruby came up to her, flicked her long hair over her ear, and struck a flirtatious pose. Her flawless features took on a charm with her smile.
"A friend invited me to dinner here. How about you?"
"Didn't sister forget? We're having dinner here with the Hoffmans today."
Ruby uttered an 'oh' as if just remembering, "Ah right, today's your blind date with Hoffman's prince." She looked at Helen with a glint in her eye. "How is he?"
Helen shook her head, "I haven't met him yet. I just needed some fresh air, so I stepped out."
Ruby took her by the arm: "Well, in that case, come and sit in my room."
Helen followed her to a smaller private room. Upon entering, there was no one else inside.
Ruby smiled and said, "They must be in the restroom." She motioned for Helen to sit down, then picked up a glass of wine from the side and handed it to her. "I just ordered this; it's a new fruit wine. Give it a try."
Helen took it and took a light sip—it was fragrant and delicious, with a hint of fruitiness. Not bad. She took a few more sips.
Ruby sat beside her, her beautiful face wore a gentle smile.
Suddenly, Helen's hand loosened and the crystal glass fell to the floor, shattering. She stood up, one hand propping herself on the table, the other clutching her chest, feeling as if something was lodged in it, suffocating.
Her face turned ghostly pale, her mouth gasping for air, she moaned in pain. Then she grabbed Ruby's clothes for help: "Sister... I can't... I can't breathe... Hurry..." Unable to continue, her body collapsed to the ground.
Ruby looked as if she had been frightened by the sight, hurriedly crouching beside her, her beautiful face full of worry. "What's wrong with you? Don't worry, I'll call for someone right away."
Helen's face was covered with sweat, her consciousness gradually fading.
Ruby stood up, walked out of the private room, and closed the door behind her with a gentle touch, a cold smile flickering at the corner of her mouth.
She walked away nonchalantly, as if nothing had happened.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone