Chapter 128

Thea arrived at the Hendrix Group building and was escorted to the elevator by a receptionist. She rarely visited headquarters and was struck by the busy, yet orderly atmosphere, a stark contrast to Avon Ventures.

Arriving at Nicolas’s office, she knocked. Silence. She’d confirmed with the receptionist that Nicolas was in, but he wasn’t answering. As she debated calling, the door swung open.

Before she could see anyone, a fragrance hit her. Stephanie, wearing a white shirt and nothing below, revealed slender thighs. Her hair was disheveled, as if she’d just woken up. They hadn't interacted since their hospital encounter. Although Thea had long suspected Stephanie's significance to Nicolas, seeing her now sent a jolt through her.

Stephanie seemed surprised, then smiled. "Oh my, what a coincidence! I didn't expect to see you here. Do you work here? This is my boyfriend's company. Do you have any—"

Thea was speechless. How could she explain that her husband, Nicolas, was involved in a public relations crisis? Anger and sadness welled up; she couldn't muster a smile. "Yes, I'm looking for him. Is he here?"

Stephanie yawned, smiling suggestively. "Yes, he is. It's just… not convenient right now." She glanced towards an office lounge, her meaning unmistakable.

Thea felt a surge of anger. Maintaining her composure, she smiled. "I need to speak to Nicolas urgently. I'll wait at the door if he's busy."

Stephanie's smile vanished. She clicked her tongue impatiently, seemingly frustrated by Thea's persistence. How ridiculous, Thea thought, as Nicolas’s wife, I’m enduring this. She sat calmly.

Stephanie returned to the office, called someone, but Thea couldn't hear the conversation. The office was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume—a scent Nicolas disliked. It belonged to Stephanie. Thea’s mind raced. Had this happened before? Did he ever think of his wife during these encounters?

Footsteps approached, then stopped before her. A shadow fell. She looked up to see Nicolas frowning.

"Why are you here? Need something?" he asked.

Thea was surprised. "You're done so quickly? Aren't you two—"

Before she finished, Stephanie's sweet voice cut in: "Nicolas."

Fully dressed, Stephanie rushed out, throwing herself into Nicolas’s arms. They froze. The fight in Thea's eyes faded; she looked away. Nicolas frowned, surprised at this encounter, and expecting anger, found Thea strangely calm. He understood her unfinished sentence and felt a surge of anger. Was she not angry?

With a cold expression, he pushed Stephanie away. "What are you doing here?"

Thea felt the question was directed at her, adding to her upset. Before she could answer, Darwin interjected, "Ms. Ralap, Mr. Hendrix has other matters. I'll take you to leave."

Stephanie, unhappy, tugged at Nicolas’s arm. "Nicolas, those people were terrifying last night! I'm still afraid. Why don't you keep me company like you did a few days ago?"

So that's what he was busy with, Thea thought, taking a deep breath, but showing nothing. Darwin looked awkwardly at Nicolas. Nicolas remained focused on Thea, ignoring Stephanie.

Unable to bear the tension, Thea said, "Since you're busy, I won't disturb you. Ms. Ralap seems frightened; perhaps you should keep her company."

Nicolas's dissatisfaction grew. Why is she pushing me towards another woman? "Won't you be angry if I accompany her?" he asked.

Stephanie looked alarmed, her smile fading. She glared at Thea. "Nicolas, who is she? An employee? Her tone is… excessive."

Thea clenched her fists, waiting for his answer, yet wanting to retain her dignity. "I have something to do. Nicolas, I'll see you later. Is that alright?"

She turned and left. Nicolas's gaze followed her.

Stephanie, insistent, said, "You still haven't told me who she is. Fire her if she's an employee; I've never seen such disrespect for a boss."

Nicolas turned, his expression serious. "You weren't in the country; I didn't tell you. And I was busy. Her name is Thea. She's my wife. We're legally married."