Thea was startled by a sudden movement. Quickly helping Eric up, she exclaimed, "Eric, what on earth are you doing? Do get up."

Eric shook his head, his eyes red, a tinge of sorrow in his voice. "Miss Rowland, I know what I'm about to say might seem excessive, but I hope you'll give me a chance. You've seen the situation here. It's a desolate place with no proper roads. The mineral output has dwindled in recent years. However, we do produce top-notch products. The problem is the company's operations haven't been going well, and we can't get a good price for our products.

"If the factory shuts down, the families here will have no livelihood. The children you saw today still have their mothers, but if the factory closes, those children will truly become neglected. Miss Rowland, you seem to have had a sheltered upbringing; you may not understand. I can give you a tour. You work so hard, just trying to survive." Towards the end, Eric sobbed.

Deeply touched, Thea's eyes reddened as she let out a bitter laugh. "I may not have had the easy life you imagine. I haven't experienced this kind of hardship, but I empathize. Do get up. Since Grandpa entrusted Sparkle Rocks to me, I'm reluctant to give up. We'll take it one step at a time. I don't have much experience, but I'm willing to try."

Relieved, Eric thanked her profusely.

Meanwhile, Nicolas arrived in Silvercreek. His car, sent by Darwin, awaited him at the airport. In the car, he reviewed Thea's itinerary for the past few days. "Sparkle Rocks," he murmured, feeling a sense of familiarity.

His phone vibrated. It was Darwin: "Mr. Hendrix, Ms. Ralap has been returned to the Hendrix family for treatment. Her condition is stable, but it's not a long-term solution. If she notices anything amiss, there will be trouble."

Nicolas pinched the bridge of his nose, a headache forming. "What did the doctor say? Is there still no way to restore her memory quickly?"

"He's doing his best," Darwin replied, "hoping Ms. Ralap will remember on her own."

"Keep her emotions in check," Nicolas said, a cold glint in his eyes. "I won't return to Key Biskane until this is resolved. Her self-harm threats are useless."

"Yes," Darwin affirmed. "I'll delegate my responsibilities and come to Silvercreek immediately."

Nicolas's arrival in Silvercreek wasn't kept secret. That evening, Thea saw online posts about him. Netizens buzzed:

"Didn't you say Stephanie was in a car accident? Why is Nicolas leaving?"

"Stephanie's from Silvercreek. He probably brought her here to recover, but it's inconvenient to disclose her presence."

"He'd abandon work for the one he loves! I hope Stephanie recovers soon. Their wedding will be spectacular!"

"He's already married! If he's married to Stephanie, why hasn't he announced it? Stop getting carried away!" This comment was attacked.

"They could marry first, then have a wedding later."

"Maybe they're already married, but it's not public because of Stephanie's job."

"Some people are just jealous!"

Thea's initial excitement subsided. She put down her phone, staring blankly at the ceiling. He came to Silvercreek; it was impossible he was looking for her. She hadn't revealed her location. He was likely preoccupied with Stephanie, not searching for her. She’d briefly fantasized about a CEO courting his wife – a self-deprecating laugh escaped her. His feelings for her weren't remotely that strong. Nicolas was calm and austere, a businessman focused on profit. Any warmth in his heart was likely reserved for someone else—certainly not her.

She wasn't in the mood to dwell on it. Exhausted from the day, she fell asleep in the factory. She remembered Eric's pleading gaze, the pressure she felt to succeed, to avoid disappointing them. She had to persevere.

A thunderclap awakened Thea from a nightmare. She was drenched in sweat. Getting water, she noticed a figure at the window. The room was dark, but a voice-activated light outside flickered with each lightning strike, illuminating the figure.

Few people remained at the factory: Thea, Eric, and the night security guard. She recalled noticing several malicious gazes earlier, people she learned from Eric were village hooligans. Even through the window, their prying eyes persisted, seemingly intent on breaking in.

Fear gripped Thea. She tried to remain unseen, tiptoed to a corner, and reached for her phone to call the police. She hesitated. The location was too remote; the police would take too long. A call would alert them. She tried to message Eric, but he didn't answer. Drenched in cold sweat, she prayed the door was sturdy—and it was locked. But soon, even that hope vanished.