“You said that you have no way out. So tell me, how is it that you’re left with no choice?”
Wiping her tears, Helen continued, “I was happily studying in the capital when my dad suddenly called me to come home. After I went back, I found out that he wanted me to drop out of my studies and return so he can marry me off.
“A few girls back home married early so I didn’t think too much into it. I told them that marriage wasn’t in my plan yet and asked them to wait until I graduate.
“Who would have thought that my dad would bring a man back the next day. The man was pushing fifty and a president of a listed company. My dad said that our company is facing a huge deficit and owes people a large debt. Our entire family will be left cold and hungry in the streets if I don’t say yes.
“Cousin, Sister-in-law, I really ran out of options so I snuck out of the house. I have no family in the capital except for the old madam and you guys. I don’t have a fourth person to ask for help.”
Nell gave her an intriguing look, and her eyes feigned a smile.
“You’re saying that your family business is facing a huge deficit and your dad is forcing you to marry?”
“Yes.”
“What does it have to do with you seducing your cousin?”
Helen was speechless.
Having been put in the spot, her pale face gradually pigmented into red, with the flush creeping to her ears and her neck too.
Nell sat there, unfazed.
As Nell toyed with her slender and tender fingers, she threw a remark. “It’s really not a huge deal if you just came to us for help. From what I know, it’s not the first or the second time the Leiths have bailed your family out over the years.
“Of course, we won’t just sit by and watch because we’re relatives and you’re Mom’s niece. However, you’ve crossed the line with your actions today. Wouldn’t that make me a fool, playing into your hands if I were to help you?”
Helen’s body trembled.
Once again, she dropped down to her knees and heavily kowtowed.
“Sister-in-law, I was wrong! I was wrong! It was a moment of weakness! I was shameless! Please forgive me! I was really wrong.”
Nell frowned as Helen choked with sobs.
She was not one to set herself high above the masses. Nell would, at most, give the cold shoulder if she came across someone she did not like.
Where did Helen learn the habit of kneeling before others at every turn?
She said in a gruff voice, “Quit bowing. People would think we did something to you if they see you.”
Nevertheless, Helen turned a deaf ear and kept on kowtowing. Soon, her forehead swelled up.
As the furrow between Nell’s brows deepened, she turned to tip the wink at a nearby maid. Immediately, someone went ahead to help Helen up.
“Miss Wilburn, stop kowtowing. Our Young Missus is your peer. What would outsiders speak of our Young Missus if they saw you?”
Helen stood up in tears. Although her pretty forehead had swollen to a huge bump, her beautifully weeping face could tug at heartstrings.
“You mentioned earlier that your company is facing a deficit? What happened?”
With a glint in her eyes, Helen stammered, “I... I’m not clear on the details. Dad and Brother are the ones who manage the family business.”
Nell turned to Gideon. “Do you know?”
Gideon frowned. He resided in the capital while the Wilburns were rooted in Yuncheng. He did not have a clear picture of what was happening in Yuncheng.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Spoiled by the President