Chapter 203

Joyce looked at Thea in surprise, shaking her head. "No, I've already caused you a lot of trouble this time. How can I bother you anymore? Even though you didn't say it, I can guess you have a lot on your plate at Silvercreek. Wouldn't I just be adding to your troubles by coming with you?"

Thea deliberately pulled a long face. "Then do you want to stay here and worry me? I'm pregnant, and I need you."

Looking at Thea's encouraging gaze, Joyce's heart softened. She hugged Thea. "Thank you, Thea." Thea's support gave Joyce a unique sense of comfort. Even without family, Joyce wouldn't feel lonely.

Nicolas had asked Darwin to arrive in Silvercreek early. After landing, Darwin took them to a property in the city center.

"This place was specially chosen by Nicolas," Darwin said. "It's convenient and close to Sparkle Rocks' headquarters. Mrs. Hendrix, do you like the layout?"

Darwin opened the door. Thea was stunned by the room's design; it mirrored the one she and Nicolas shared in Key Biscayne. She felt as if she were back there. Darwin quickly explained, "Mr. Hendrix was afraid you wouldn't be comfortable, so he arranged it this way." Thea smiled. "I like it very much."

In the master bedroom, the familiar scene brought back memories of her first night with Nicolas—a secret tryst to avoid Stefan. She still remembered her racing heartbeat.

Seeing Darwin about to speak, Thea turned and took Joyce's hand. "Joyce is new here and might be lonely. Please thank him for me. I'll stay with Joyce; she likes this place too." Joyce nodded. "Yes, please tell Mr. Hendrix I'm grateful."

Darwin wasn't surprised. He signaled to someone at the door, and they brought several outfits. "Mr. Hendrix said, considering you have socializing to do tonight, he prepared dresses for you. If you—" He paused. "Mr. Hendrix also asked me to tell you he knows you're a strong drinker, but if you have too much, he'll come for you immediately."

Thea knew Nicolas had a low alcohol tolerance. Remembering his drunken state, she blushed and shyly looked away. "I know."

After Darwin left, Joyce pulled Thea aside, worried. "I forgot to tell you something. The Langstaff Group business partner you're meeting tonight isn't the CEO. He's unwell, and everything's been taken over by—"

Thea remained calm. "I know. Why mention it?"

It was because of the CEO's replacement that she arranged this meeting. Joyce gasped. "That person is Duncan's fiancée, Teri Langstaff."

The smile vanished from Thea's face. The Rowland family hadn't mentioned this; they'd likely orchestrated this meeting. Thea took a deep breath. She could only proceed step by step, hoping Teri wouldn't become a new enemy.

Meanwhile, someone called Teri's office. "Ms. Langstaff, the party for your meeting with the Sparkle Rocks president is almost ready. Would you like to check it?"

Teri was looking at a photo on her phone—a beautiful woman with striking features and cold, arrogant eyes. The resemblance to the Rowland family was clear, yet her aura was completely different. Teri recognized her instantly.

"Of course, I'll go," Teri said, her expression complicated. "To be honest, I haven't met her yet. As a Rowland and CEO of Sparkle Rocks, we must show our sincerity and make a grand impression." "Yes."

Thea and Joyce prepared for the party. Thea wore a business suit, not a formal dress, her heels quite low. Her casual style couldn't hide her beauty and noble aura. Her long hair was tied back, a few strands framing her face. Pregnancy seemed to have given her an unprecedented gentleness.

Upon arriving, they were surprised. They expected a casual meeting, but the other party had booked the entire hotel and invited Silvercreek's elite.

Teri's assistant greeted them. "Mrs. Hendrix, Ms. Langstaff knows you're new to Silvercreek and unfamiliar with the city. Though she doesn't know many people, she's well-connected in Silvercreek's upper circles, so she hopes to help—"

Thea was surprised but replied, "Please thank her, but it's unnecessary. A meal would suffice. I'm flattered by this."

The assistant smiled. "Ms. Langstaff said you two are not only business partners but family; she must help when she can."

This seemed like a perfect excuse, but Thea detected a different meaning. She said directly, "Ms. Langstaff probably doesn't know my relationship with my family isn't good. If she gets close to me, my family might be unhappy. She's new to the Rowland family and doesn't know them well. I hope you can convey that."

The assistant anticipated this and remained calm. "Ms. Langstaff knows all that, but she's not inflexible. The collaboration between our families is ultimately about mutual benefit."

Thea sighed in relief. If Teri truly felt this way, that would be ideal. Sparkle Rocks and the Langstaff Group had collaborated for over a decade. While Langstaff wasn't Sparkle Rocks' largest client, their long-standing relationship and Langstaff's high status in Silvercreek had brought Sparkle Rocks many clients. Thea wanted to maintain this relationship, yet a nagging unease persisted—a feeling that something bad was about to happen.