Chapter 134

Hearing Brannon's words, Thea resisted spilling her wine. How could such a person be the organizer? However, she had a rule in her dealings with Corey: she must win. Moreover, Brannon was the organizer; offending him would likely lead to secret difficulties.

"Is Mr. Grant drunk?" Thea remained calm. "I have hangover medicine. Mr. Grant, please rest after taking it. There are many people here; avoid saying anything regrettable while intoxicated."

She knew when to stop. If Brannon pushed too far, she'd face the consequences.

Brannon understood and laughed dryly. He took the medicine, gripping it tightly. Thea calmly returned to her seat.

April leaned over, worried. "Brannon's not simple. Besides organizing this race, he's connected to the Hendrix family of Key Biscayne. You've offended him. He can't act openly, but be careful."

Thea's eyebrows shot up. "Which Key Biscayne family?"

"The Hendrix family," April stared, surprised. "You've never heard of them?"

Thea coughed. "I'm surprised. I didn't expect it to be the Hendrix family."

The Hendrix family? What a coincidence. Why didn't I know him before? Thea wondered, curious about Brannon's next move.

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms. Chad offered to drive Thea back.

Thea doubted his motives. She wanted to take April, but April was too drunk to stand and relied on Corey. April slurred, "Thea, we'll drink again later," then Corey carried her away. Thea felt something was wrong. Chad opened the car door. "Miss Rowland, please."

Looking at him coldly, Thea smiled faintly. "The competition starts in a few days. Mr. Sandy invited me; I believe he wouldn't want anything to happen to me."

Chad smiled chillingly. "Miss Rowland, I understand, but I won't force you."

"Since Mr. Sandy asked me to protect you, he trusts me. What are you worried about?" Chad asked.

After a gloomy stare, Thea got in. He's right. As long as I'm unwilling, no one can force me, she thought.

The car ride was smooth. Thea, usually alert and composed, felt exhausted and fell asleep. She usually pinched her palms to stay awake. Only upon seeing the familiar hotel did her tension ease. Chad and Thea exited the car. While Chad parked, Thea took the elevator. Chad returned to find the door empty. He smiled strangely. "Thea, you chose this. I didn't force you."

Back in her room, Thea checked for intruders, then fell asleep. Fear and darkness pressed down like a predator. She reached for water, breaking the glass. Simultaneously, a door opened. A dark figure approached. The drug took effect; Thea was incapacitated, though a flicker of resistance remained. She mumbled incoherently.

Brannon smiled cruelly. No matter how proud she was, she's like this now. He was about to undress when a subordinate arrived with urgent news: an important visitor.

"It's Nicolas, the Hendrix family head," the subordinate said.

Brannon snapped to attention. "Nicolas? Why wasn't I informed?"

"Mr. Grant, please go quickly," the subordinate urged.

Brannon reluctantly looked at Thea, deciding his future was more important. He'd planned to let Thea suffer.

The hotel was clean and tidy. Nicolas sat exuding an aura of nobility. He sipped coffee, glancing at the clock, his coldness chilling.

Brannon rushed down, sweat on his brow. Seeing Nicolas, he grinned, reaching for his hand. "Nicolas, you're here!"

Darwin, taller and colder, blocked him. "How dare you call Mr. Hendrix by his name? The Grant family are distant relatives. Do you have the right?"

Brannon resented this. Seeing Nicolas, young yet imposing, Brannon thought, Our ancestors were one family. Why is the Grant family so inferior now? It's all Stefan's fault; he dotes on Nicolas too much. Many in the Hendrix family felt the same.

But it doesn't matter if I can't please Nicolas. He might not be the only one with power, Brannon reasoned, appearing calm. "Mr. Hendrix, why are you here?"