Chapter 101

Nicolas narrowed his elongated eyes. An unspoken meaning flickered in his gaze. "Why have you been unreachable since you left the Hendrix family?" Thea didn't expect the question.

She wanted to respond, but hesitated. She didn't want to mention Jake or the ambush. Partnering with Corey, she saw no reason to stir up trouble. The words almost slipped out, but she changed course.

"It was raining heavily," she said, "and I had a minor accident. My phone fell and broke. I'm sorry; I've been busy and forgot to get a new SIM card. I didn't realize you were trying to contact me."

Nicolas chuckled softly, thinking, Is she blaming me? He extended his hand. "Come here."

Confused, Thea walked over and sat beside him. As soon as she sat, Nicolas gripped her wrist tightly. Thea winced in pain, meeting his cold, piercing gaze. His expression was devoid of emotion; his aura of authority made her heart tremble.

"I'll ask you one last time. What exactly happened that day? I dislike being deceived."

Thea stared, her eyes wide. Initially wronged, she quickly shifted to anger. She offered a cold smile, the first truly icy one she'd ever given Nicolas.

"Mr. Hendrix, since you already know, what's the point of asking? I'll reiterate: there's no possibility left between Jake and me. He helped me out of a guilty conscience. Mr. Hendrix, our engagement is a partnership, not a hierarchy. I appreciate your assistance and mentorship, but that doesn't mean I have to submit to you."

Nicolas's brow furrowed in confusion. "Submit? What do you mean?"

Thea pulled her hand away, rubbing her wrist. "I know your first crush has returned to Reasnatan, and divorce is inevitable. I hope we can be straightforward and avoid unpleasant conflicts. After the divorce, I still hope we can interact normally."

After finishing, Thea stood and left. A rare look of confusion crossed Nicolas's face before he regained his composure and called Darwin.

"Why does Thea know about Stephanie? Who's been whispering in her ear? What does she mean by calling Stephanie my first crush?" This was absurd.

Darwin replied helplessly, "Mr. Hendrix, you should check online news. Since Ms. Ralap returned to Reasnatan, rumors about you two have spread like wildfire. I figured you were too busy with the Flaminshire project to notice."

This was widely accepted in their circle, a fact Darwin chose not to mention. It wasn't anyone's fault; Nicolas had always been cautious about his reputation. At over thirty, he'd avoided scandals. Now that a woman had appeared, people assumed a relationship.

Nicolas rubbed his throbbing temple, his voice frosty. "Have someone take down the online rumors immediately. Hold the media outlets accountable." He paused, then asked, "Is it possible Miss Rowland is upset after finding out?" Nicolas’s side fell silent, and he hung up.

Darwin regretted the question.

Thea was furious, seething with anger. She wanted to smash something; she picked up a vase, then put it down. No, this isn't my place, she thought. Frustrated, she punched her pillow.

After a while, she calmed down and listened. It was quiet. Her heart felt squeezed, a bitter ache washing over her. Does he really think I don't need to explain anything? she pondered.

She heard a faint rustling, someone getting up. Impulsively, Thea pressed her ear to the door. The anticipated knock never came; instead, she heard the front door close. Silence fell. Thea's eyes dimmed; she offered a bitter smile.

Her phone vibrated. It was Joyce. "Hi, Thea! I'm in Key Biscayne! Come out and play!"

Feeling suffocated, Thea replied, "Send me the address."

Once there, Thea regretted her eagerness. In the dimly lit bar, Joyce pulled her to sit down. "Want to drink?"

"Drinking is fine," Thea said, glancing at the line of men. "Who are these?"

Joyce made a playful face. "Emotional support! No one's following me this time. I didn't tell my dad, so I can have fun for a few days."

Thea stood to leave. No, I'm a married woman, she thought.

Joyce quickly grabbed her arm. "You misunderstood! They're people I know, not call boys." She coughed, giving Thea a knowing look. "I've done my homework. Jake is a jerk, but after eight years, it's not easy to let go. You can't escape that emotional shadow. So today, pick someone. Let's drink, have fun, and dance. It's not an unhealthy relationship."

Thea forced a smile, pressing her temples. "Send them home. I'm not interested in men right now."

Joyce was resolute. "Pick someone! Jake cheated. Why deny yourself the chance to meet other guys like Nicolas? Why should only you get hurt?"

Thea thought of Nicolas, close to Stephanie, their body language intimate. What am I to him? she wondered. Recalling the day's events, a surge of emotion hit her. It's a marriage of convenience. Joyce is right. There's no need to suffer for a man like that.