Chapter 100

"No need," Corey said, walking to the desk and sitting down. He clasped his hands, a smile lingering in his eyes. "This request is a gift, simply because I admire you. Miss Rowland, tell me what you want to do and whom you want to target. I hope it's not someone too esteemed; otherwise, it could—"

Thea smirked, unwilling to believe his flattery. She mentioned Emmalie's name.

Corey looked surprised. "Emmalie? That could be tricky. Her reputation is solid domestically and internationally. Her fans could easily drown us in criticism."

Thea was amused. "Are you afraid of that?"

Corey crossed his legs, relaxing his posture while maintaining an air of noble elegance. He resembled a gentleman from the last century, distinct from current wealthy youths, but his gaze was too dark. After prolonged eye contact, Thea felt a cold, sticky sensation, as if a venomous snake had locked eyes on her.

"But your words have been a wake-up call," he continued. "My recent business has been dwindling, and I hadn't considered negative reviews. Our organization needs to be mindful of its reputation."

Thea stood up. "Then that's fine. If we can't reach an agreement, I won't proceed."

Seeing her resolute, Corey asked, "Did you really investigate us before coming?"

Thea nodded seriously. "Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come alone." I'm not a fool, she thought.

Corey's gaze intensified. "So you don't know our rules?"

Thea smiled. "Of course I do. If I approach you for a deal and we can't agree, I can't return for confidentiality reasons. You'll blacklist me. If someone later targets me, you might act against me. I've seen how petty your organization can be." Her words were pointed, and Corey's face stiffened.

He'd thought this rule saved him trouble, keeping indecisive people away. He never imagined Thea would portray it as petty. She seemed genuinely curious and impulsive. He began to believe she had her own methods, perhaps finding it convenient to approach them for help, or for other reasons. The discomfort of being controlled was unsettling.

Corey's eyes flickered. "Miss Rowland, we can still discuss this. After all, I admire you, so my request isn't demanding. We can talk calmly."

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Chapter 100

Thea thought, This should have happened earlier. Corey noticed her sit back down, finding it amusing. It seems she prefers gentle persuasion over force, he wondered.

"I've seen your driving skills. Though rusty, you're talented. How about you compete for me? In return, I'll fulfill three of your requests," he offered.

Thea was taken aback. "Just compete?" Something felt off.

"Yes, just a competition. No other demands. Even if you lose, it won't matter. I believe in your abilities. You won't let me down, will you?"

Thea leaned back, avoiding feeling overpowered. "Today was a whim. I'm no longer a professional racer. You have better choices; there's no need to pick me. My identity is unique. If things go wrong, it might not be good for you."

Corey yawned, tears glistening on his eyelashes, enhancing his striking appearance. "Don't worry. Just tell me if you're willing. There's only one opportunity."

Thea almost lost her balance, her eyes narrowing. A group of burly men in suits surrounded a woman in the center. They all looked menacing. Strange glances were thrown her way. Thea, wanting to avoid attention, swallowed her anger.

Stepping aside, she examined the woman. It was a slender woman with long hair, delicate skin, wearing a mask and sunglasses—someone familiar. A casual hair flip allowed Thea to recognize her: Stephanie, the woman she'd been watching. She remembered Stephanie's distinctive red mole on her neck.

Stephanie seemed to notice Thea's gaze, but found nothing there. Relieved, Stephanie thought that since she didn't have many fans in Reasnatan, she didn't want to be recognized.

Once the group departed, Thea emerged, puzzled. Why is she here? Is she also looking for Corey? Thea wondered. She pulled out her phone, opened her chat with Nicolas, and paused before typing.

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Chapter 100

"This is his business and has nothing to do with me. I might as well pretend nothing happened and go back," she thought. She couldn't stay at the hotel forever, so she packed and returned to Elysian Abode. Her hope vanished when she saw Nicolas sitting on the sofa. Hearing the noise, Nicolas looked up, their eyes met, that strange emotion bubbling up again. Thea opened her mouth, but felt there was nothing to say. She nodded slightly, grabbed her belongings, and returned to her room.

The atmosphere was deathly silent, yet Thea felt uncomfortable. After a moment, she decided to maintain a facade of politeness. She stepped out, noticing Nicolas lighting a cigarette. She knew he smoked but was always disciplined, rarely doing so in front of her.

Keeping her expression neutral, Thea sat beside him, her tone polite yet distant. "Mr. Hendrix, you didn't show up at the last family gathering. Stefan was displeased. I made an excuse for you, thinking it's better to communicate about this in case he—"

"Is that so?" Nicolas raised an eyebrow, his tone cool. "You don't need to worry. The butler informed me. I had an urgent matter and forgot to let you know. I apologize."

This communication followed their usual pattern, yet Thea felt the coldness radiating from Nicolas. Her heart tightened. "May I ask what the important matter was? Don't misunderstand. If Stefan brings it up, I can respond."

(End of Chapter)