Chapter 45
Thea smiled faintly and replied, "Mr. Hendrix, what are you talking about? What do you mean by I'm happy? I'm just doing my job.
"She made a mistake that delayed my partnership, and I'm expected to just swallow that? What kind of reasoning is that? "Besides, the order with Ms. Maddox is a long-term deal. You can't possibly be unaware of how much profit that brings. "The fact that Madelyn ruined it all for her selfish reasons is a trih I've already acknowledged. Honestly, I've given her enough leeway by not demanding compensation from her or alerting the industry about this situation."
Jake fumbled for words, unable to retort. His irritation was mounting, and he finally burst out, "Why she did that is your fault! You've been pushing her too hard.
Just look at how you've targeted her all this time. Can you honestly say you're blameless in this?"
Thea felt a surge of anger, her smile turning icy. "Of course, I'm at fault. My mistake was allowing her to join Avon Ventures. in the first place. I should have filtered her out during the interview,"
"Your" Jake exclaimed, clenching his fists. Suddenly, he seemed to have an epiphany, and the look in his eyes shifted to something more sinister.
Then Jake said coldly. "You've got a bad relationship with your fimily. They must have ways to threaten you
"So let me be clear: if you don't go to headquarters and get Madelyn reinstated, I'll tell my dad to cut off all cooperation with the Rowland family. "You're forcing me into this.
Thea's gaze turned dangerous. She suddenly realized how naive she had been in the past, how she had blindly trusted this man, exposing her vulnerabilities.
Grinding her teeth, Thea wasn't ready to give in. Jake, do you even know what you're saying? You're threatening me using my weaknesses to force me into a fight with you?"
Jake's pupils flickered slightly, and his expression changed a bit. But he still insisted, "It's just a concession, not like I'm asking you to give everything up. Thea, don't be so selfish."
Thea averted her gaze, determined not to look at him again. "I get it. With that, she turned and walked away.
Jake felt an inexplicable sense of panic. His phone vibrated, and it was a call from Madelyn.
All his complicated emotions cleared away in an instant. When Jake looked up again, he saw that Thea had already gotten into a car and left. Was it just his imagination, or did that car look a lot like Nicolas'?
But Jake dismissed that thought quickly and felt his anger flare up again. A limited-edition Maybach, and not many people could afford a car like that. It was clearly a man's car.
The Rowland family didn't have a good relationship with Thea Jake clenched his fists, feeling a bit guilty about her over the past few days.
Jake thought he'd try to ease Madelyn's emotions and then make amends with Thea, maybe woo her a bit. But now it seemed he had been too presumptuous.
It turned out Thea had already been involved with another man. No wonder she had been so distant with him lately. A flash of bitterness crossed Jake's eyes.
Jake glared in the direction Thea had left. He could do without Thea, but she had no right to be involved with other men. On the other hand, Thea stareil out the window, lost in thought, her furrowed brows full of worry.
Nicolas caught a glimpse of her expression and pursed his lips into a straight line, a hint of displeasure crossing his handsome face. "Did you have a conflict with Jake?"
Thea replied instinctively. "It was a bit unpleasant, but just a minor issue" She didn't notice the coldness around Nicolas intensifying.
Nicolas lowered his gaze, concealing the chill in his eyes as he twisted the ring on his finger absentmindedly, his tone turning cold. "Is it about Madelyn?"
Thea was slightly surprised and glanced at him. He's truly omnipotent, and nothing escapes his eyes, she thought. Seizing the opportunity, Thea spoke up directly. "Mr. Hendrix, can I withdraw the complaint and get Madelyn reinstated?" Darwin, who was driving in front, co Nicolas smiled slightly, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. His deep, calm gaze seemed to radiate coldness. "You're asking for a favor for Madelyn?"
"Yeah." Thea kept her head down, feeling nervous under his gaze.
Thea was furious with herself. Nicolas probably thinks I'm super weak. But there's no need to offend the Rowland family since I haven't yet fully established my own standing, she thought. Moreover, Thea was sure Jake had more say in the Rowland family than she did.
In fact, Thea had thought about asking Nicolas for help. But on second thought, this marriage had already benefited her. And she had gained plenty of resources just by being with him. It seemed selfish to bother him with these small matters.
Even with her head down, Thea could feel Nicolas' gaze lingering on her as if he wasn't really angry.
But for some reason, Thea felt immense pressure, like a heavy stone was sitting on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. Gritting her teeth, Thea continued, "I know this request is a bit unreasonable, and a complaint can't just be withdrawn like that.
"If there are any penalties, just impose them. Just don't let me get fired. I can accept anything."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Nicolas chuckled softly, but the coldness in the car thickened. Just then, the car came to a stop. He said coldly, "Get out"
Thea looked up in shock. Nicolas' handsome features were still as indifferent and dignified as ever
Nicolas usually kept his emotions hidden, but Thea sensed he was genuinely angry, And the sharpness in his eyes had intensified. Thea felt a pang of anxiety and wanted to explain herself instinctively. But at that moment, Darwin had already opened the
door for her, gesturing for her to step out.
"Ms. Rowland, Mr. Hendrix Jus a few meetings left. If there's anything, please wait until he's done," Darwin said.
Thea felt helpless, but she was still very irritated. She didn't want him to be angry. That was the first thought that popped into her mind.
After getting out of the car, Thea watched Nicolas' vehicle disappear into the distance gradually while she stood there, kicking at the stones on the ground.
Thea decided to wait until he came back and find a chance to apologize properly. That request had indeed been a bit excessive.
Nicolas seemed to be looking out the window casually, but his gaze lingered on the rearview mirror. He could see that Thea looked somewhat downcast Nicolas hesitated, his lips moving slightly, but in the end, he chose to say nothing,
Darwin couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Hendrix, weren't you supposed to have dinner with Ms. Rowland tonight?"
Nicolas smiled coldly and said, "Right now, she probably isn't in the mood to have dinner with me. And her mind is all on Jake"