Chapter 102

Thea lifted her head, her gaze sweeping across the men's faces before settling on the one at the far left. Even a three-point resemblance was enough to momentarily disorient her. He retained a youthful air, his lips pursed in silent indifference, seemingly uninterested in his surroundings.

Jovie teased, waving at the young man. "He'll do; the others can go. This is Avery Xavier. He's technically your junior—you both graduated from the same university. He's currently working under my father, recently graduated, and is a university lecturer. He's single, trustworthy, and—I can vouch for his character—though not very talkative. But don't worry, nobody was forced to come; they all volunteered. Just get to know each other."

Avery approached Thea, his expression unchanged, although his ears flushed slightly. "Hello, Miss Rowland."

Snapping out of her daze, Thea quickly averted her gaze, politely replying, "Hello!" In truth, she had been momentarily distracted by his resemblance to Nicolas.

Although she had impulsively agreed to Jovie's suggestion, Thea was already regretting it. Forcing herself to remain calm, she said, "It's fine. Let's just chat casually. Since you're Jovie's friend, you're my friend too. No need to be formal."

Avery nodded slightly. Fortunately, the conversation flowed smoothly; they shared many common interests.

Feeling troubled, Thea began drinking rather heavily, relying on her high tolerance. She downed several bottles without flinching. However, tonight was different; she felt slightly dizzy before reaching her usual limit, though her mind remained clear.

Subtly avoiding Avery's outstretched hand, Thea leaned on Jovie's shoulder. "I think I'm a little drunk. I should go home."

Jovie gasped, her eyes filled with worry. "Your face is flushed. Are you feeling unwell?"

Thea chuckled. "Nothing serious. I'll be fine after some rest."

Jovie exchanged a look with Avery. "I'll stay a bit longer. You take her home."

Avery nodded and offered his hand. "Miss Rowland, I'll call you a car."

Outside, the cool night air cleared Thea's foggy mind. Avery was a true gentleman; he had sensed her disinterest and maintained a respectful distance, avoiding physical contact, only helping her with her bag.

A pang of guilt struck Thea. "I'm sorry. I should have been clearer with Jovie. I didn't mean to mislead anyone. I was preoccupied with unpleasant thoughts, and people make poor decisions when they're emotional."

"I was just thinking unpleasant things," Avery said gently. "When people are upset, they make poor decisions. Miss Rowland, don't feel burdened. As you said, we're friends. Don't overthink it."

Thea breathed a sigh of relief and changed the subject. "Do you work at Aurelia University?"

"Yes," Avery nodded. "I'm going to Key Biscayne in a few days to explore new opportunities. I prefer that city."

"Good luck," Thea said with a smile. The mood lightened.

Suddenly, a car with its high beams on sped toward them. Thea and Avery quickly stepped back. Seeing the car wouldn't stop, Thea pushed Avery aside and leaped in the opposite direction, landing not on the ground, but in a warm embrace. A man's arm was firmly around her waist. Inhaling his familiar scent, she shivered. "What a coincidence! How could I run into him here?" she thought.

The car stopped, and the driver stumbled out, vomiting profusely—clearly drunk.

Avery, pale and anxious, rushed over. "Miss Rowland, are you alright?" He froze upon seeing the man holding Thea, his brow furrowing. "And you are?"

Thea tried to pull away from Nicolas, but his grip on her wrist held her fast. Nicolas's cold voice cut through the air. "Thea, tell him who I am."

Unsure of his intentions, Thea said, "Mr. Xavier, you can go. I'm fine."

Nicolas watched Avery leave, his expression darkening. "Why didn't you say who I am? Am I in the way of you meeting someone new?" His grip tightened.

Thea felt dizzy, cold, and weak. "Mr. Hendrix," she forced herself to say, "you specifically told me not to reveal our relationship. Avery works for President Maddox."

Nicolas's expression softened slightly, but he was still upset. "If I hadn't run into you, I wouldn't know my wife was out drinking and having fun."

Thea bit her lip, a tinge of resentment rising. "I don't interfere in your private life, so why do you interfere in mine?" She immediately regretted her words. The atmosphere grew tense. The next second, Nicolas scooped her into his arms.

Thea struggled, wanting to protest; a public display wouldn't look good. But Nicolas didn't give her a chance, forcing her into the car, fastening her seatbelt, and telling the driver, "Home."

The driver hesitated. He knew Nicolas was there because Stephanie had called, saying she was upset and drinking. Nicolas had initially sent Darwin, but Stephanie insisted, so he came himself, only to find this scene. He wanted to ask about Stephanie, but Nicolas's icy expression stopped him.

The car sped along the highway. Thea, still dizzy, opened the window for air. Nicolas glanced at her. "Do you have anything else to say?"

Thea turned, opening her mouth slightly. "Yes, why were you there?"

Nicolas's eyes narrowed. "You can be there, but I can't?"

"That's exactly what I wanted to say," Thea retorted, turning back to the window. Nicolas remained silent.

At home, Thea tried to go to her room, but Nicolas grabbed her hand. She resisted, tripping over his foot. They both fell onto the sofa. Nicolas quickly shifted, ending up beneath her. She heard him groan, and her face flushed with panic. "Are you okay?" "Thankfully the sofa is soft," she thought. "If he'd gotten hurt…"

"Thea," Nicolas said, holding her, his eyes serious. "Can we talk?"