Chapter 7 Thea looked up at Nicolas, her voice steady. Hendrix, I want to end my engagement with Jake. From now on, I want nothing more to do with him. Nicolas raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised. Are you sure about this? Thea gripped her hands tightly on her knees. I hope you can understand my actions. No one wants to be cheated on. I didnt intend to embarrass the Hendrix family. Nicolas said nothing in response but added, his tone remaining calm. Take a few days to think it through. Dont make a rash decision youll regret. Thea misinterpreted his words, thinking he was threatening her and her face grew even paler. Hendrix, I Thelped you today, but it comes with conditions, Nicolas interrupted, shifting slightly in his seat, his presence as cold and distant as stone. I know you dont want to stay at Avon Ventures, but I need you to finish the Warren Group project youre working on. Nicolas said. Youre a valuable employee, and I stepped in today because it was the right thing to do. Thea felt her anxiety ease a little, offering Nicolas a sincere smile. Thank you, Mr. Hendrix Avon Ventures was a key subsidiary of the Hendrix Group. Thea had joined the company alongside Jake. Jake hated being bound by company rules, but his family pressured him into staying, so Thea ended up doing most of his work. She even handled several projects worth millions of dollars on his behalf, without recognition. The Rowland family hadnt objected, partly because they assumed shed eventually marry into the Hendrix family, and partly because her efforts at Avon Ventures benefitted the Rowland family, too. Now, as Thea reflected, she realized shed spent years working for everyone elses gain. How foolish shed been. Upon arrival, Thea quickly disappeared into the night. Darwin returned from a phone call, looking irritated. Hendrix, theyre not pleased with your sudden return without notice. Nicolass expression remained as cold as ice. Are the executives at the foreign office completely useless? Darwin hesitated before mumbling. You clearly dont approve of Jakes behavior, so why did you tell Miss Rowland to reconsider breaking off the engagement? Nicolass eyes narrowed. Thats enough talk. The next day, rumors followed Thea the moment she walked into Avon Ventures. Did you hear? Miss Rowland lost it at the family party yesterday She hired some thugs who almost raped Miss Terell, one employee whispered. Thats taking things too far, another replied, Well, Madelyn shouldnt have been the other woman, someone added. 1/3 2014 Chapter 7 hu, Oct 24 You cant really say that Miss Rowland and Mr. Hendrix weren married, I heard he wanted to break up with her a while ago. He and Miss Terell are truly in love, but Miss Rowland wont let go. Jealousy can make people act crazy, another person chimed in. Shes just throwing her weight around because of her money and connections. Ive never liked her arrogant attitude. If I were Mr. Id choose Miss Terell as well, a woman scolled. Thea heard these harsh comments but kept her expression neutral as she made her way to the meeting room. However, someone stopped her with a forced smile, Miss Rowland, all the meeting rooms are booked today. Did you have an appointment? I do. Thea checked the time. Warren Group is coming to review our products today. If everything goes well, well sign the contract this afternoon. Her colleague looked hesitated. Hendrix already took Miss Terell to handle that. He said you wouldnt be coming in today, so he brought her instead Theas mind went blank, her face growing tense. She rushed toward the meeting room, but it was too late. Madelyn was already showing the Warren Group representative around the product area. Since this was a major order that could be highlighted in the companys profile, the whole process was recorded and photographed. Jake stood nearby, beaming with pride as he gazed at Madelyn, like he was saying, Look how incredible my girl is eyes met often, full of sweetness. After the previous nights drama, they seemed even bolder. However, all the product descriptions.Madelyn was presenting had been painstakingly prepared by Thea over several nights. Jake didnt have an ounce of sympathy for her. People around them cast looks of either mockery or pity in Theas direction. A Wintean from Warren Group was inspecting the products on display, speaking quickly to the person beside him. That person turned to Madelyn and asked, Miss Terell, could you please repeat that in Wintean? Madelyns smile faded instantly, her face going pale with panic. She looked helplessly at Jake, her anxiety clear. She didnt speak Wintean and had only gotten the position through Jakes connections. Jake hadnt expected this situation, but he tried to calm her with silent gesture of reassurance. The client picked up on the tension and frowned. Are you serious? You cant even handle basic Wintean communication, huh? Madelyn looked as if she might cry, clearly overwhelmed. Jake scanned the room until his eyes landed on Thea, who had been watching everything unfold. His expression darkened as he strode over. Thea, are you just going to stand there and watch Madelyn struggle like this? His tone was sharp. Before Thea could respond, Jake lightly pushed her forward, saying in a low, threatening voice, The companys reputation is on the line. Dont be petty. Help Madelyn out so we can get this contract signed Thea nearly laughed in disbelief. She stood firm, crossing her arms, and gave Jake a cold look. When you handed my project over to Madelyn, did you tell her not to make things difficult for me? She spoke loudly enough for everyone around to hear. Madelyns frail frame shook as star bit her lip, fighting back tears 2/3 3/3 滷味43%备 Chapter 7 In a soft, tearful voice, she tried to shift the blame onto Thea. I not like that. My name is also on the project. I worked late on several proposals, and everyone knows that. Hendrix just wanted to give me more experience, so he asked me to handle the reception today This is all my fault. Youre the only one on the team who knows Wintean, and now Ive embarrassed myself. Miss Rowland, you must have forgotten to mention that the clients were Wintean. That has to be it. Before the project began, Jake had indeed insisted on adding a few names to the team, including Madelyns. Thea hadnt liked seeing Madelyns name there, but shed been to busy to worry about it at the time. She had seen Madelyns so-called proposals they were worthless, lacking any real content. Thea had been more than tolerant by not calling Madelyn out for contributing nothing but still accepting her share of the bonus. She never expected them to turn the situation around like this. As Madelyns tears fell, it painted Thea as the villain who bullied and overworked the newcomer. Theas chest rose and fell as she tried to contain her anger, but she didnt rush to defend herself. Instead, she looked straight at Jake. her eyes cold. Hendrix, whats your take on this? The others might not know the truth, but he certainly did.