Chapter 21 Jake took a deep breath, softening his tone as he looked at Thea with what seemed like affection. Look, I understand youre upset about me bringing Madelyn. But think about it youve got the Rowland family behind you. Youre going to be my wife. Bait Madelyn has nothing no background, no connections. Letting her take the credit wont hurt you at all. Its actually a kind thing to do. Dont be so selfish, Thea Thea let out a bitter laugh. Youre right. I dont need the recognition, but Im not giving it away, Id rather toss it in the trash than let the two of you steal it. With that, she shoved past Jake and stormed back into the private room. Madelyn was still sniffling, surrounded by a group of people offering comforting words. When they looked at Thea, their expressions were full of disdain and judgment. Theas instincts kicked in, and she sensed something wasnt right. to protect your fiancée, how can Sure enough, as soon as Jake entered, someone raised their voice. Jake, even if you want to prote you cover up the fact that she sold company data? What are we supposed to think? Weve been loyal partners with Avon Ventures for years. How can we trust you now? Exactly, another one added. She should be in jail. If you cant do that, at least fire her. If Avon Ventures doesnt, Im pulling out of our contract. Count me in, said another. The accusations hit Thea like thunderclaps. Madelyn looked up, tears streaming down her face as she whimpered, Miss Rowland, if you hadnt done something so terrible, the company wouldnt have had to let me use Chloes identity. What you did was shameful, so naturally, I had to step in and help Mr. Ive been working overtime to clean up your mess, and now, youre accusing me of stealing from you. If youre going to be unreasonable, then I cant stay silent any longer All eyes turned to Jake as they waited for him to make a decision. Jake clenched his fists, avoiding Theas gaze. After a brief pause, he finally said, Everyone, please rest assured. From now on, Thea will no longer be with Avon Ventures. The data leak incident wont happen again. A cold shock ran through Theas body. She stared at Jake in disbelief. Youre kicking me out of Avon Ventures, huh? Jake feigned concern. The situation is getting out of hand. The only way I can protect you is by letting your go. Thea, this is what happens when you cause a scene. You brought this on yourself. Thea let out a bitter laugh. The investigation hasnt even been completed. Theres no conclusion, but Madelyn has been spreading rumors nonstop. I brought this on myself, huh? You two are unbelievable. Her chest rose and fell with anger as a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. Without a second thought, she swung the wine bottle at Jake Jakes face flashed with fear for a split second. The crash of shattering glass echoed through the room, followed by panicked gasps from the crowd. But the bottle had only broken against the wall above Jakes head Shards and wine splattered across his expensive suit, 1/3 11:36 Fri Oct 25 Chapter 21 leaving him disheveled-His expression darkened with fury, 69 11 Thea clenched her jaw, her icy gaze sweeping over the crowd. Ignoring Jakes livid glare, she raised her voice. Now that Jakes shown his true self, let me set the record straight. Without me, Jakes nothing Every major contract signed under his name? Im the one who closed those deals. The strategies everyone praises him for? I wrote them The crowd looked on in disbelief, their disdain for Thea unwavering. But a flicker of panic crossed Jakes face. He quickly signaled for security to remove her Before they could act. Thea spun around, gripping a jagged piece of the broken bottle. Her eyes glinted with fury, giving her beauty a dangerous edge. What are you afraid of? Let me finish what I have to say, she said, her voice low but threatening. Anyone who tries to stop me will leave here with a permanent reminder. Test me if you think Im bluffing Jake put on a wounded expression. Thea, are you really willing to destroy the last bit of love I have for you? For a moment. Thea appeared to hesitate. Jakes lips curled into a smug smile. He knew it after seven years, Thea wouldnt be able to let go. But then Theas expression hardened, and she looked at him with nothing but disgust. You know, she said, tapping the shard of glass lightly against his chest, when I walked in here. I had this small hope that we could end things amicably. Now I see. Our seven years together were nothing but a waste. She pulled out her phone. It contained all the evidence of her contributions to Jakes success over the past seven years, She had never imagined that her habit of recording her work would one day become a weapon. With a few taps, she sent the files to their business group chat. Everyone in the room, including Jakes business partners, eagerly opened the documents. As they scrolled through the evidence, their faces shifted from confusion to shock. The smugness drained from Jakes face. His lips quivered, and he paled as he stared at Thea in disbelief. Thea, do you realize what youve done? Youre really cutting all ties between us. He looked heartbroken, his eyes reddening and his voice shaking I wanted to start over, forgive and forget But now you ve ruined any chance of that. For years, after the brief honeymoon phase of their relationship, Thea had longed for proof of Jakes affection. But now, faced with the very words she had once desperately wanted to hear, all she felt was a wave of nausea. Madelyn, unable to contain herself, dug her nails into her palms and shouted, Even if thats true, you still sold the data! You might be capable, but whos to say you wont betray your partners next? Her outburst broke the brief moment of uncertainty among the gathered partners. Oh, I almost forgot about you in all this mess, you homewrecker, Thea sneered, her eyes locking onto Madelyn. Sarah and Braden have been caught. Madelyns face drained of color. She stumbled back, staring at Thea in horror. Thea stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Who really sold the data? Im sure the police will clarify that soon enough. Dont you think? Jake took a deep breath, trying to regain control. Thats enough Ever since that party, Theas been mentally unstable. I can explain the documents. Im sorry you all had to witness this. 2./3 11:36 Fri, Oct 25 Y Chapter 21 69% His tone turned cold as he motioned to his bodyguards. She found out about me and Madelyn attending this event and somehow snuck in. Please escort her out and arrange for her to be admitted to the Hendrix familys mental hospital for treatment Four bodyguards quickly moved in, restraining Thea. She struggled but was no match for their strength. As they dragged her away, she caught a glimpse of Madelyn, who stood next to Jake with a smug, victorious smile. Theas heart sank in despair.