Chapter 160
Augustin’s POV
he image showed Helena bound, with my father Nathanael and Bryloch’s father Gregory both violating her. The photo appeared to have been taken by Adryx’s father Albert.
I flipped the photo over. On the back was a handwritten note:
“Nathanael, Albert and I wanted to thank you for letting us share elena. It was a wonderful experience. You’re a lucky man to have such a woman. Perhaps we can share again sometime.”
I felt sick. The three of them, my father, Bryloch’s father, and Adryx’s father, had forced themselves on Helena? Or had my father shared her willingly? Either way, it was revolting.
“What the fuck is this?” I growled, my stomach turning.
“I’m sorry,” Bryloch said quietly. “I didn’t want to believe it either.”
I tossed the photo aside in disgust. Suddenly I remembered that sometimes Bryloch, Adryx and I would share women, which made me feel deeply ashamed. I had to thank Juno for her arrival once again. And it appeared that Helena was my father’s woman; he had merely “loaned” her out for one night. It was despicable.
Juno picked up the discarded photo, examining it with Scarlett and Freya.
“Augustin,” Juno said carefully, “Helena looks like she’s in pain in this photo. She doesn’t seem willing.”
“I don’t care,” I snapped, then immediately regretted my tone. I mean–it doesn’t change what they did.”
“It changes everything,” Juno insisted. “Look at her face. This wasn’t consensual.”
Juno handed the photo back to me. “Look again.”
I took a second look at Helena’s face. Juno was right, Helena wasn’t happy. Her eyes showed fear and pain, not pleasure. Why would my father do this to a woman he supposedly cared about?
“You’re right,” I admitted. “This looks like… something else entirely.”
“Maybe that explains some of her behavior,” Scarlett suggested. If she was being abused by your father…”
“Let’s look through her diary,” I said to Juno. “Maybe we’ll find some answers there.”
As I continued searching through Helena’s papers, I found another letter, this one from Helena to my mother, written in a hurried, angry scrawl.
**Amelia,
How could you? You set Nathanael up in Fireland. You got him killed. I’ve apologized for sleeping with your husband. I helped make sure Chris didn’t inherit your family’s elder seat. But this? This is too far.
I hope you have the courage to tell your sons what you’ve done.
1/2
Chapter 160
Helena
My mother’s reply was attached:
Jelena,
Your accusations are absurd. If I had planned to kill Nathanael, would have killed you too. Don’t drag my sons into this
feud.
As for Chris, you didn’t help me keep him from the seat for my Bake. You did it for the Holbrooke family. Sebastian is your brother’s son, and you love him dearly.
This is the last time you will try to accuse me of anything.
Amelia“”
“My mother denied setting up my father,” I said, handing the letters to Juno. “And I believe her. If she had wanted him dead, Helena would never have survived either.”
“Your mother is many things, but she’s not stupid,” Juno agreed. This exchange is interesting though–Helena accused your mother of getting your father killed, but your mother says Helena only helped block Chris from the elder seat to benefit her nephew Sebastian.”
“Everyone has their own agenda,” I muttered. “And I’m starting to think no one in this story has clean hands.”
Among the files, I found a letter from Helena to Chris:
*“Dear Chris,
I’ve sent the Five hundred thousand Nexum as you requested. I hope it’s enough for you and your mate to settle anywhere you choose.
Please don’t come to Goldenvale. Your half–brother is now the lord, and he’s looking to kill you. I’m sure you’ve heard of Augustin’s reputation. For your own safety, stay away.
Keep in touch if you need anything.
Helena“*
Chapter Comments
Visitor
BTW something is going on with those guards. They knew better that to leave their posts. Let’s watch and see what happens.
Visitor
Surely Helena didn’t believe saying I’m sorry for sleeping with your husband would make up for the betrayal. It’s a wonder Amelia didn’t slit her throat.
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