Chapter 141

"No, no," Corey quickly shook his head, his tone anxious. "I'll naturally punish April, but revealing my plans now isn't convenient. Don't worry; I'll give you a satisfactory answer." Thea's lips curled slightly. "Then I'll wait for your good news." She turned and left.

Reaching the door, she paused. She heard the sound of things being smashed inside. Corey's men brought April to him. She appeared unwounded, but haggard.

Corey paced, suppressing his anger. After a long time, he stood before April and slapped her ruthlessly. "Idiot! Still unwilling to tell me why Thea threatened you?" April lowered her eyes, hiding her emotions. She didn't dare let Corey see through her. She couldn't lose the chance to stay by his side if she told him.

"It's nothing. It's all settled," April whispered, her voice barely audible. "If I tell you now, Mr. Sandy, I'll be causing you trouble." It was clear she was still unwilling to tell the truth.

Corey smiled cruelly, pinching her chin forcefully. "So stubborn? Are you trying to betray me?"

"No, no, no!" April shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Mr. Sandy, even with a knife to my throat, I wouldn't betray you. You saved me; I owe you my life. Since I've displeased you, take my life." Seeing her loyalty, Corey's expression softened, though his anger remained.

His plan had failed. He needed another approach.

"I sense Thea has a secret," Corey said, his gaze on April. "Do you understand?"

April nodded quickly, a glint in her eyes. "Thea's hiding something, and she has Nicolas. Finding anything will be difficult, but she has a bad relationship with her family. Perhaps we can start there." Corey calmed down. "Emmalie?"

Emmalie was the one Thea had asked them to spread rumors about.

April nodded eagerly. "We'll use this to bargain with her. She'll tell us the truth."

Corey smiled at her eager expression, but his smile was strained. His hands became gentle, caressing her face. He said, "You're a woman, and she's a woman. I'll leave this to you. Remember, don't leak this. You know my temper."

The matter was almost resolved, and Thea needed to leave. She didn't want to be around Corey and his men any longer; they were too scheming. She wouldn't survive long if she stayed.

Unexpectedly, Nicolas was still there. She thought he'd left after Brannon's matter.

Leaving the competition venue, Thea saw his familiar car. Nicolas, despite being dressed simply, was striking. Even if she wanted to ignore him, it was difficult.

She approached, feeling embarrassed. "I didn't expect you to still be here. Are you waiting for me?"

Nicolas glanced at her, opening the car door. "Get in."

After closing the door, Thea relaxed for the first time in days.

"I know about your conflict with Corey, and your contract. What are your plans?" Nicolas asked.

Thea was surprised. "You know all this?"

Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "I've said before, I can find out anything. I understand your plans, but think carefully before acting. You're part of the Hendrix family. Exposure would be damaging."

Thea was firm. "Corey won't spread the news, nor will he be exposed." Corey was scheming; if he wanted to threaten her, he would have done so already. She didn't know what he feared. Afraid of Nicolas? Unlikely. He respected Nicolas, but wasn't afraid.

Nicolas was unhappy, his eyes cold. "You trust Corey so much? You rely on him to resolve problems."

"Rely on him?" Thea was stunned. "We're using each other. I don't rely on him."

Nicolas pursed his lips, still unhappy. Thea sensed it but didn't understand why.

19:59 Mon, Oct 28

Chapter 141 (continued)

Darwin, listening, felt his heart ache. He wanted to speak for Nicolas. He knew Nicolas was angry that Thea preferred working with "demons" to asking for his help. But with Nicolas's personality, Darwin feared speaking would mean writing his resignation letter.

Darwin changed the subject. "Mrs. Hendrix, the matter between Mr. Hendrix and that person is resolved. Online discussion has stopped. Mrs. Hendrix is calm; she wouldn't hit anyone impulsively. The photos are photoshopped." Thea felt the words held a hidden meaning.

She pretended not to understand, changing the subject. "I have a family matter soon; I might invite you. No pressure if you can't make it."

Nicolas said, "I know what it is. It's your birthday."

Thea was surprised. "How did you know?"

Nicolas smiled, looking out the window. The atmosphere grew cold. Then, he said, "I want to talk to you when we get there." Thea wondered what he wanted to discuss.