Chapter 179

Thea was startled by Eric's sudden movement. She quickly helped him up. "Eric, what on earth are you doing? Please 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. Mineral output has dwindled in recent years. However, we produce top-notch products. 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 have their mothers now, but if the factory closes, those children will become truly neglected. Miss Rowland, you were raised in a sheltered environment; you may not understand. I can take you on a tour. I know you're working hard just to survive." Eric was sobbing.

Deeply touched, Thea's eyes reddened. She gave a bitter laugh. "I may not have had the good life you think. I haven't experienced this kind of life, but I empathize. Please get up. Grandpa entrusted Sparkle Rocks to me, and 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, provided by Darwin, waited at the airport. In the car, Nicolas reviewed Thea's itinerary. "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 something amiss, there will be a commotion."

Nicolas pinched the bridge of his nose. "What did the doctor say? Is there no way to help her remember quickly?"

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

"Keep her emotions in check," Nicolas said, a glint of coldness in his eyes. "I won't return to Key Biskane until these matters are sorted out. Her self-harm threats are useless."

"Yes," Darwin affirmed. "I'll delegate my responsibilities. Once everything is handled, I'll go to Silvercreek."

Nicolas's arrival in Silvercreek wasn't kept secret. Thea saw online posts about him that evening. Netizens were abuzz:

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

"Stephanie's from Silvercreek. He probably brought her here to recuperate. It's inconvenient to disclose she's here."

"He abandoned work for the woman 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 and stared at the ceiling. He came to Silvercreek; it was impossible he was looking for her. She hadn't revealed her location. He was likely caring for Stephanie, not searching for her. She'd briefly fantasized about a wealthy CEO courting his wife—a self-deprecating laugh escaped her. Nicolas's feelings for her weren't at that level. He was a calm, austere businessman; any decision maximized profit. His warmth was reserved for someone else, certainly not her.

She wasn't dwelling on it. Exhausted, she slept in the factory. She remembered Eric's pleading look, the pressure she felt to succeed, her fear of disappointing them. She had to persevere.

A thunderclap awakened Thea in the middle of the night. She'd had a nightmare and was drenched in sweat. Getting water, she saw a figure at the window. The room was dark, but the voice-activated light outside the corridor illuminated the figure during lightning strikes.

Few people remained at the factory: Thea, Eric, and the night security guard. She recalled noticing malicious gazes earlier, like she was merchandise. Eric had explained they were unemployed hooligans from the neighboring village. Even through the window, their prying eyes seemed eager to break in.

Feeling terrified, Thea tiptoed to a corner. She reached for her phone to call the police, then stopped. The location was too remote; the police would take too long. The call would attract attention. She tried to text Eric, but he didn't answer. Drenched in sweat, she prayed the door was sturdy, but that hope soon vanished.