However, Helen''s ns went south.


    Chaz''s involvement and his leverage forced Helen to go against her own wishes.


    She had to sacrifice herself to keep Frank safe...


    "Quit gawking. Frank is mine," Aria suddenly said coolly beside her.


    As a fellow woman, she could certainly see the intent in Helen''s eyes and quickly asserted dominance.


    "What?"


    Helen stared at Aria, stunned. She was just a college student dressed in risque fashion and with


    modest looks, depending entirely on makeup.


    And given her earlier outbursts, she clearlycked tact.


    Why would Frank be interested in her?


    Naturally, Helen''s skeptical reaction left Aria''s inferiorityplex ring.


    Helen was a natural beauty with a stunning figure, but she would still beat Aria despite her haggard


    looks after all the recent stress.


    There was just no way Aria could win—not even ten of her would.


    There was even less need to borate on style, when one was a in Jane and the other a strong,


    independent woman.


    "Frank and I did it, and he promised to take responsibility for me." Aria red at Helen haughtily


    nheless. "Also, did you really think those bigwigs who visited you earlier came because of your


    new boyfriend, Chaz Graves? No, it''s all thanks to Frank. They even called Frank soon afterward—if he


    just says the word, your family and the Graves would be all dead."


    Smirking, she shot Helen a look of pity as she continued, "What a shame. You have the looks but


    couldn''t even keep him. See this dress? Tailor-made and worth over five million dors, but most


    importantly, Frank bought it for me. This ne too. thirty million dors and a joint project by over a


    dozen master craftsmen. It''s handmade too. Shame you have no such luck."


    With that, she smiled and left with Frank.


    Helen remained where she was, watching Frank and Aria leave.


    Her emotions were a mess and her heart hollow, as if missing a chunk.


    Aria''s bragging would not have stung that much before, but it did now—her words sharp des that


    stabbed into the heart.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    The money was not the problem—Helen would not care whether Aria''s gifts were five million or five


    trillion.


    What mattered was that Frank bought it for Aria!


    "They slept together too..." she murmured, almost fainting from heartbreak. "Three years, and we never


    consummated our marriage."


    Chaz entered just then and quickly caught Helen as she wobbled, frowning, "What''s wrong, Helen?


    What did that bastard do to you?! Don''t worry—if he harasses you again, I''ll have Mr. Quill arrest him!"


    "That''s Mr. Graves for you!" Gina promptly showered him with ttery. "You''re so well-connected, even


    in Riverton!"


    "Oh, it''s nothing." Chaz chuckled. "Don''t worry, ma''am—I''d never let that bastard hurt Helen ever


    again."


    Helen nced at Chaz fake smile, only feeling disgust.


    Meanwhile, Frank had left Lane Manor.