Chapter 204

The assistant led Thea and Joyce to the waiting room instead of the main hall. As soon as they entered, someone presented them with a gift box. Inside were two sets of luxurious jade jewelry; both were exquisite.

Thea examined the jewelry and exclaimed, "This seems to be the raw stone the Langstaff Group purchased from Sparkle Rocks."

The assistant smiled. "Indeed. Ms. Langstaff personally selected this jade. It's a symbol of our companies' long-standing cooperation. She hopes Mrs. Hendrix will like it."

Thea was surprised by Teri's generosity.

The assistant gestured to Joyce. "Ms. Langstaff wishes to speak with Mrs. Hendrix alone. Please wait here. I'll remain outside. Should you need anything, call me. Miss Maddox, don't worry; we've provided a comfortable waiting area for you."

Joyce was concerned. "Thea and I arrived together. I'd prefer to stay with her. I'll leave when Ms. Langstaff arrives."

The assistant smiled apologetically. "This is Ms. Langstaff's instruction. Furthermore, the security cameras are active. If you're worried, I can take you to the monitoring room."

Teri's sincerity was evident. Further suspicion seemed unreasonable.

Thea reassured Joyce. At the very least, she didn't believe Teri would harm her. She decided to proceed cautiously. Teri's actions suggested she was far more powerful than anyone Thea had previously encountered. Her intentions were unclear—genuine cooperation or calculated scheming. Thea decided to wait and see.

Joyce left the waiting room. Thea waited for Teri, occasionally receiving hot coffee and snacks. Nothing seemed amiss. Teri observed Thea from outside the door, her eyes slightly shadowed.

The phone call finally connected. Duncan sounded irritated. "Didn't I say I'm busy? Don't bother me unless it's important."

Despite his claim of busyness, Teri heard Emmalie's laughter in the background. Emmalie, believing Thea had ruined Max's wedding, planned a vacation for Duncan and Max. Teri now understood Emmalie's central role in the Rowland family; everyone revolved around her. Emmalie was undeniably capable.

15:37 Wed, Nov 6 BG.

Chapter 204

Teri also realized that confronting or threatening Emmalie would be futile. She took a deep breath, softening her tone. "Duncan, I didn't mean to disturb you. I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" Duncan sounded impatient.

Teri continued, "I'm at Silvercreek, discussing a contract renewal with a Langstaff Group partner—Sparkle Rocks, Silvercreek's largest raw stone producer. They own several mines. While not famous, they're wealthy. I can influence their future significantly."

"What do you mean?" Duncan frowned.

Teri chuckled. "She's your sister, Thea."

A crash sounded on Duncan's end, likely the result of his anger. "Sparkle Rocks? Thea?" This was unexpected.

He'd anticipated Thea's life would be difficult after leaving the Rowlands, possibly comfortable only due to Nicolas. He didn't believe Nicolas would support her indefinitely. He'd looked forward to her return, desperate and begging forgiveness. This news was shocking.

Duncan realized Sparkle Rocks was his grandmother's legacy. Joshua Rowland had explicitly stated that Sparkle Rocks was given to his wife's family, preventing Rowland interference. Yet, it had been given to Thea.

Duncan couldn't understand why Joshua favored Thea so much.

Teri, sensing Duncan's anger, felt anxious. "Duncan, don't worry. I called because I'm willing to help. Just say the word, I'll do anything. But be honest with me."

Duncan immediately formulated a plan. "Teri, I'll be honest. Sparkle Rocks was rightfully mine, but Grandpa, swayed by Thea, left it to her. Seeing someone take my place upsets me. Do you understand?"

"I consider you my wife, so I'm telling you this. But I don't want you to pay a price or do anything. Continue working with Sparkle Rocks. I won't fight Thea for it. Understand?"

"But…" Teri began, anxious.

Duncan interrupted. "She's my sister. I just feel… if I'd had Sparkle Rocks, I might not have left home. Anyway, I'm leaving soon; my career's not here. Take care." He hung up.

Teri stared at the phone, stunned. She looked at Thea with hatred, then turned and left. The assistant rushed after her, unnoticed by Thea. "Ms. Langstaff, you were going to talk to Mrs. Hendrix."

Teri's eyes were cold. "That was my plan, but I've changed my mind." She'd prepared everything, expecting Duncan to urge her to target Thea. She loved Duncan, but wasn't mindless. But the truth was far crueler than she'd imagined. She'd loved Duncan for years. Their reunion was thwarted by his departure overseas, lasting ten years. She'd waited ten years, only to discover Thea was the cause of their separation.