Chapter 22 Meanwhile, high above in the presidential suite, Nicolas stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, silently observing the chaos below. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were cold. Beside him. Marcus laughed. Your nephew is beyond saving, Nicolas. Its hard to believe your brother has worked so hard to target you behind the scenes just to set things up for someone this foolish. Nicolas ignored the remark, turning instead to give Darwin a meaningful look.. Darwin nodded, picking up the intercom and issuing quiet instructions. A minute later, a large group of uniformed bodyguards stormed into the VIP room. Jake immediately recognized them as Nicolass men. Trying to maintain his composure, Jake cleared his throat and stepped forward with an air of authority. Please thank Uncle Nicolas for his concern, but this is a personal matter. Theres no need for him to intervene. But the lead bodyguard didnt even spare him a glance. Instead, he turned toward Thea, bowing slightly, his voice polite, even apologetic, Miss Rowland, our apologies for the delay. Nicolas Hendrix is upstairs, and weve been instructed to escort you to him Thea broke free from her restraints, rubbing her slightly reddened wrists and nodding with a calm smile. Thank you. Jake was momentarily stunned. His face twisted with anger as he snapped at the bodyguard, Who do you think you are to make decisions for me? You just work for Uncle Nicolas. The lead bodyguards expression darkened as he turned to Jake, Well, Mr. Nicolas Hendrix said youre disgracing the Hendrix family by allowing this chaos. And by showing favoritism and involving yourself in a conspiracy to steal credit and expose the leak of company secrets, youve tarnished Avon Ventures. The ones who should leave are you and Miss Terell As he spoke, he didnt even bother glancing in Madelyns direction. Madelyns face paled, and she subtly shook her head, unwilling to leave. Leaving would be like admitting Theas accusations were true, and she knew that would ruin her reputation in their social circles. She clutched his hand helplessly, her voice thick with distress and frustration. But Jake had run out of patience. Shame and anger burned within him. The fact that Nicolas had sent his men to humiliate Jake publicly felt like a slap in the face. Worse yet, Nicolas seemed to be siding with Thea. Consumed by rage, Jake cast an odd, dark look at Thea. Before storming out, he sneered, I dont know what kind of game you played to get Uncle Nicolas on your side, but your actions today have really disappointed me. Even if you try to use the entire Rowland and Hendrix families to pressure me, Ill never marry a woman like you. With that, he grabbed Madelyns hand, pulling her along. He didnt care how it looked, nor did he care about leaving Thea behind to face the judgmental stares from the crowd. Some looked at Thea with pity, others with disdain, amusement or sympathy. The room buzzed with murmurs and whispers. Just as he was about to leave, Theas voice rang out, loud and clear, stopping him in his tracks. Jake turned around, his expression a mix of annoyance and impatience. Iza G 11:37 Fri, Oct 25 ?. Chapter 22 Π The held her head high, her gaze icy and defiant. You think Id ever want to marry someone like you, a man who has to depend on women for everything, huh? Should I marry you just to watch you hand over my hard-earned success to your mistress? I may have been blind before. but Im not stupid. Let me make it clear from this moment on, I have nothing to do with you One of Nicolass bodyguards, standing beside Thea, added with a polite but firm tone. Jake, youre overthinking things. Nicolas Hendrix sent us here because he found your behavior too embarrassing. He couldnt bear to watch anymore. The crowd erupted into murmurs. Jakes face turned an alarming shade of red, his jaw clenched in fury, but he was at a loss for words As Thea walked out, surrounded by Nicolass men, Jake felt a surge of panic rising in his chest. It wasnt just anger anymore he realized that the gap between them had grown, possibly beyond repair. Marcus watched the scene unfold and chuckled. Dont you think its a bit too late for you to step in now? Looks like shes had enough of being taken for granted. Nicolas remained silent, his gaze cold and unreadable. Darwin stepped forward and said, Mr. Compton, youre mistaken. Hendrix only stepped in because Jake dragged Avon Ventures internal affairs into public view. But Marcus chuckled, wagging a finger. No, no, Darwin. After all these years with Nicolas, havent you figured out how he operates? He waited for Jake to screw things up with that girl completely, leaving no chance for them to reconcile. Darwin hesitated, his lips twitching as if to respond, but he held back. Instead, he glanced at Marcus, inwardly wishing him luck. Nicolas sipped his wine, then casually glanced at Marcus, a faint smile playing on his lips. Your father shared some good news with me recently. He said your family discovered a diamond mine in Flaminshire and wanted to use my transport chain Marcus perked up, feeling a surge of pride. With this newfound wealth, he thought he could finally stand on equal footing, with Nicolas Tm willing to cooperate, Nicolas continued smoothly, but I suggest you go to Flaminshire as the mine manager. Itll give you valuable experience. What? Marcus blinked, unsure if he h had heard right. Just then, his phone buzzed. He answered, and after a brief conversation, his expression crumbled. He turned to Nicolas, wailing, Nicolas, youre heartless! You got my dad to send me off to Flaminshire! When Thea arrived, she caught sight of the usually sharp-witted Marcus being escorted away in utter defeat. His anguished cries gave her goosebumps. Nicolas, reclining comfortably on the sofa with his hands in his pockets, glanced at her. Come here. Thea approached him, her posture composed. She didnt offer thanks, knowing that Nicolas hadnt intervened out of concern for her. He acted for the reputation of the Hendrix family and Avon Ventures. Expressing gratitude would have only made things more complicated. Standing beside the window. They noticed for the first time just how clear the view was from this suite. She could see everything from the activities in other rooms to the happenings on the floor below. On the central stage of the event, a stunning hostess was delivering the opening remarks, her figure poised and elegant. 2/3 11:37Fri,Oct25T. Chapter22 BK69%%% Thestagewaselevated,makingithardforthegeneralaudiencetogetaproperview,butfromthissuite,wherepowerandprivilegeconverged,everythingwasperfectlyvisible. Asshestoodbythewindow,Theacaughtsightofafewcuriousonlookersbelowglancingupward,theirfacesfilledwithwonderandlonging Herheartracedunexpectedly.Shehadoncebeenlike themanoutsiderlookingin.DespitebeingaRowland,shehadneverstoodinapositionofsuchinfluencebefore. Nicolasnoticedthesparkofambitioninhereyes,andaknowingsmiletuggedatthecornerofhismouth.