Chapter 8 Jakes eyes darted around nervously as he cleared his throat. Madelyn has put in a lot of effort. Thea, why dont you help her out this time? Think of it as mentoring a newbie. With a sweet smile on her tear-stained face, Madelyn looked at Thea with a hint of challenge in her eyes. Thank you so much. Miss Rowland Anger burned in Theas chest, making her eyes sting. Madelyns Effort, huh? Then what about all the sleepless nights I spent working and the endless client dinners to secure deals? she thought. She recalled how Jake had come to her, desperate, telling her this deal was crucial. Nicolas had given him an ultimatum from overseas either close this deal or pack up and return to the Hendrix family. That was why Thea had pushed herself so hard. And now, it all felt like a cruel joke. nt to pl Her face hardened as she tossed the files she was holding onto the floor. So this is how you want done with this project. You said it was all Madelyns hard work, right? Let her finish it. play it, huh? Fine. Im Jake clenched his jaw and grabbed Theas arm, dragging her toward the door. His grip was harsh, and Thea stumbled in her heels, struggling to keep her balance Thea. I know Ive been distant, and thats my fault. But I told you that Madelyn has nothing to do with this. Cant you just leave her alone? If youve got a problem, take it up with me, he said. Thea yanked her arm free, wincing at the red marks his fingers left behind. She stared at him coldly. All I want is for my hard work not to benefit someone else. Is that too much to ask? Jake took a deep breath, gripping her shoulders as he tried to look sincere. Im ready to let the past go. Tomorrow, Ill announce to the whole company that youre my fiancée. Youre the daughter of the Rowland family, respected and accomplished Madelyns got nothing. Cant you just give her a break? Thea felt a wave of dizziness. Shed waited so long to hear those words. Since she had started working at the company, Jake had insisted he hated office romances and didnt want anyone thinking he was relying on her. Even when rumors spread about their relationship, he never publicly acknowledged it. Then Madelyn appeared, and some people even speculated that Thea was using her position to try to break them up. Now, Jake was finally willing to claim her publicly- the very thing he had avoided for so long- but only to protect Madelyn. Instead of the joy and excitement she had once imagined, Thea felt a knot in her stomach as she processed everything. Announce what? I thought we didnt have a relationship, right? A dangerous glint flashed in Jakes eyes as he tightened his grip on her shoulders. My patience has limits. Keep this up, and it really will be over between us. He seemed so confident, so sure that Thea would back down, just like before when she would beg and plead, terrified of Josing him A bitter smirk tugged at Theas lips, but before she could respond, there was a knock at the door. Jake Hendrix, sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Nicolas Hendrix is here. Hes called an emergency meeting and wants you and Miss Rowland there right away, an employee announced. Thea reacted first, shaking off Jakes hands and walking out of the door with a blank expression. Chapter 8 In the meeting room, Nicolas sat at the head of the table, cold and dignified as ever. He flipped through the companys financial reports, absently tapping his fingers on the table. Everyone else held their breath. Avon Ventures was just a small subsidiary under Nicolas, and in a year, one could count on one hand the number of times hed even set foot in the office. Everyone was on edge, nervously reviewing their recent work decisions. Thea and Jake entered one after the other, with Madelyn trailing behind Jake. Darwin didnt hold back. Didnt you see the memo? We dont need anyone serving refreshments. What are you doing here? Madelyn stood frozen, her eyes red and watery, looking at Jake with a helpless expression. Jakes face darkened. Darwin, shes with Miss Rowlands team. Whats wrong with her sitting in to observe? Theas eyebrow twitched, but before she could object, Nicolas painted toward the door. Grab a chair and listen from outside. The executive seats are full. Theres no room for you here. Madelyn swayed on her feet, biting her lip in humiliation as she kept glancing at Jake. But Jake could only clench his fists in frustration; he didnt dare to challenge Nicolas. Nicolas provided a brief overview of the companys situation Toeveryones relief, he didnt seem upset. Then he turned his attention to Jake. Your work performance over the past six months has been impressive high quality and high volume. It must be a lot for one person to handle, so Im considering promoting someone to deputy manager. At this announcement, most people perked up, excited about the opportunity. Thea wasnt surprised; she had already heard rumors and planned to go for the position herself. After all, she had done all of Jakes projects. A promotion seemed more than reasonable, Jake cleared his throat and stood up, his eyes gleaming with confidence. Well, I actually have someone in mind for the deputy manager position Everyone assumed he was about to name Thea. Even Thea believed it for a moment. But Jake turned toward the door and said slowly, I think Miss Terell would be an excellent choice. Shes been by my side, helping secure all these projects. The recent partnership with the company from Wintoland was all thanks to her. I know what she can do. This promotion is well-deserved. His words felt like two sharp slaps to Theas face. She had tolerated Jakes shifting loyalties, but she never imagined he would erase their history so easily. Maybe it was the intensity of Theas gaze that made Jake avoid her eyes as he continued, Miss Terell has worked tirelessly, and its taken a toll on her health. Becoming the deputy manager has been her dream, and hope you guys can find it in your hearts not to take that away from her The room fell silent. No one dared object. Then, as if twisting the knife further, Jake turned to gaze lovingly at Thea and added, I have one more announcement. Miss Rowland and I will be getting married soon, and wed love for you all to attend the wedding The crowd was stunned for a moment before they started offering congratulations. But with each passing second, Theas expression grew colder, like she was on the verge of snapping. She wanted to expose 2/43 ||| Thu, Oct Chapter 8 the truth and tear down Jakes facade in front of everyone. 「白菜$42%公 But when her eyes met Nicolass, she hesitated. Jake was still a Hendrix, and humiliating him could be seen as an insult to the family itself. She couldnt afford to risk provoking Nicolas. Nicolas said, his voice cutting through the room. The chatter instantly ceased.