Chapter 32 69%% Nicolas couldnt ignore Theas intense gaze. He glanced at the document, then cleared his throat softly. Though his face remained stern, his tone softened noticeably. Youve put in some effort to understand it. Theas face lit up with a radiant smile at his words. Just then. Darwin returned, having finished dealing with the previous woman. Hendrix, everythings ready. We can leave whenever youre set. Nicolas nodded and stood up. Before heading out, he glanced back at Thea, who looked puzzled. I need to head back for some business. Youll stay here for now. Theres a gathering tonight, and I want you to attend on behalf of the Virtuex Group. Darwin will send you the details Thea nodded, then impulsively called out, Mr. Hendrix- She hesitated, unsure whether it was appropriate to ask when hed be back. Instead, she simply said, Take care on your trip.. Nicolass eyes remained calm and detached, and his presence seemed almost ethereal in the sunlight streaming through the window. To her surprise, Thea realized she had started to rely on him. Nicolas pressed his lips together and added as he reached the door. I wont be gone long. Ill be back the day after tomorrow Arriving at the Rainbow Hotel in Bangolware, Thea stepped out of the car to find a sea of media crews outside. The entrance was packed, making it nearly impossible to get inside. Other invitees stood around, helpless, but no one dared to complain. Eventually, with staff assistance, Thea and the others managed to slip through a side entrance into the hotel. Curious about what had drawn such a large crowd. Thea quickly found her answer. Inside, Emmalie stood in the center of attention, wearing a fitted ivory gown that fell to her ankles. Her hair flowed elegantly down her back, and a sparkling blue gernstone necklace adorned her neck. She was breathtaking. Though the event should have been about the Chancellor of Aurelia University, the central screen displayed Emmalies portrait instead. Overhearing bits of conversation from the crowd, Thea learned more. I heard shes the youngest pianist, one woman said. Shes stunning and has won so many awards, and shes even the royal pianist of Yurtinas. Talk about winning at life. Youre right, another person chimed in. Shes coming to teach a week-long course at Aurelia Universitys music school next week Oh man, what an opportunity! I regret my kid didnt go to Aurelia University, someone else added. Thea listened quietly, feeling a sense of unreality. All those compliments should have been hers, Shed shown talent with instruments from an early age. But Emmalie had thrown a fit, claiming that growing up in the poor countryside without access to such refined things made seeing Theas talent painful. The Rowland family hadnt hesitated they canceled all of Theas lessons and gave them to Emmalie. Even when an international master had wanted to mentor Thea that opportunity was given to Emmalie instead. 1/3 Chapter 32 As these memories resurfaced. Thea felt oddly indifferent. She glanced briefly at Emmalie, who was basking in the attention, and deliberately distanced herself. It wasnt that she was avoiding Emmalie; she just wanted to complete the task Nicolas had given her and leave. However, it seemed Emmalie wasnt going to let things go smoothly. Thea eventually found an opportunity to speak with Alan Kimmons, the Vice Chancellor of Aurelia University. Approaching him confidently, she introduced herself and explained the purpose of her visit. Her bright and professional demeanor made a positive impression, and Alan seemed enthusiastic about potential collaboration. Just as Thea was about to continue the conversation, a sweet, familiar voice interrupted from behind her. Thea? Emmalic approached, her heels clicking on the floor as she moved gracefully, still trailed by a group of admirers. A knowing smile played on her beautiful face as she asked, What are you doing here! Alans demeanor changed the moment he saw Emmalie. His face lit up with a friendly, almost sycophantic smile. Rowland, do you know her? Emmalie batted her eyelashes and nodded. Yes, shes my sister, Thea. The expressions of everyone around them shifted instantly. Most people had heard about Thea, the eldest daughter of the Rowland family how she was supposedly arrogant and difficult, with a long history of rebellious behavior. The stark contrast between Theas rumored unruliness and Emmalies elegance couldnt have been more obvious. Emmalie stepped closer and took Theas hand in a seemingly affectionate gesture. Thea, you didnt come here just because you knew Id be here, did you? The crowds curiosity piqued. Rumors about Thea bullying Emmalie when Emmalie was first brought into the family had circulated widely. Now, it seemed suspicious for Thea to show up where Emmalie was the center of attention. Emmalie had expected Thea to brush her off or react awkwardly, but Thea simply smiled and held Emmalies hand in return. Tm way too busy for that, Thea said. Working at the Hendrix Group keeps me crazy busy. Im here on official business to discuss a partnership with Aurelia University. Then, she added with a hint of irony, But seeing how well youve done, I feel like all my hard work hasnt gone to waste. When Mom and our brothers sent me to work for the Hendrix Group, it was to pave the way for you, right? Im glad youre living up to it. Emmalies smile faltered, frozen on her face. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Wait, I thought they didnt get along, right? someone whispered Even if they dont, that makes sense. The Rowland family is pretty biased. Emmalie definitely gets the best of everything. another person replied. Thea is pretty pitiful then. She didnt get many resources or traning just to make way for Enunalie, someone else comumented Emunale pulled her hand back, and tears welled up in her eyes. She said in a wounded tone. Thea, are you blaming me? But you chose to go to the Hendrix family. You were jealous when you saw jake had a new assistant, and you even hired thugs to harass that poor girl. I told you to let it go, but you refused to listen! 2/3 Chapter32 P Thisrevelationsentshockwavesthroughthecrowd.Thosefamiliarwiththeincident beganmurmuringaboutthe scandal. TheRowlandfamilyhadtriedtokeepthestoryunderwraps,andnoonehadexpectedEmmalietobringitupsopublicly. Sensingthetension,Alan decidedtoexcusehimself,thoughhisgazetowardTheahadcooled.Withapolitesmile,hesaid , Tlleaveyoutwotoyourcatchup. Beforeleaving,heturnedtoEmmalieandaskedeagerly.Aboutyourplanstomentorstudentsatouruniversitythisyear ,wouldyou considerallowingmorestudentsfromotherschoolstostudyunderyou? Emmaliesmiledgraciously.Tlllook intoit,dependingonmyschedule. Duringthisentireexchange,AlanignoredTheacompletely,signalingtoeveryonethatanypotentialcooperationbetweentheVirtuexGroupandAureliaUniversityhadbeenruinedbecauseofher. ButThearemainedcomposed.WhileAlanwasstillwithinearshot,sheturnedtoEmmalieandasked,Itsfunny.NeithertheHendrixfamilynorMadelynheldmeresponsibleforthatincident,soclearly,itwasamisunderstanding.Whyareyoustill spreadingthisstory?Inarushtotarnishmyreputation,huh? 0