Chapter 206

Teri raised her eyebrows. Facing Thea, she didn't appear as pitiful as she did with others. A cold smile curled her lips. "Arrange a private room for Mrs. Hendrix and me."

Alone, Teri expressionlessly wiped away tears.

Thea regarded her coldly. "Did Duncan tell you to do this?"

"You're overthinking it," Teri said, tossing a tissue in the trash. "I simply dislike you and refuse to work with you."

Thea clenched her fists. "You know that refusing to cooperate with Sparkle Rocks will harm the Langstaff Group. Remember that large order you received at the beginning of the year? Who will supply you now?"

Teri's face darkened. "Sparkle Rocks isn't our only supplier. I have alternatives."

"Furthermore," she continued, moving closer to Thea, a strange smile playing on her lips, "I didn't say I'd never work with Sparkle Rocks again. I have conditions. If you're removed from your position, I'll immediately renew our contract."

"I'm sorry. This position is mine," Thea said coldly, her tone firm. "There's no returning it."

"Then there's nothing more to say. You may leave," Teri said, gesturing dismissively.

Thea paused after a few steps, turning back to stare at Teri with a complicated expression. "Is this worth it, for a man? The Langstaff Group is known for its fairness. You were chosen as the successor; you're capable. Forget it. I hope you don't regret this decision."

Teri's suppressed anger flared. She turned, fixing Thea with a sinister gaze. "I won't regret it. In fact, I'll feel I was too kind today. Tomorrow, Silvercreek will know what you did."

Thea remained calm, unaffected by the threat.

Joyce waited at the door. Seeing Thea's grim expression, she knew negotiations had failed. She approached, taking Thea's hand. "Thea, don't be upset. You're pregnant. Your health is more important than business."

Thea placed a hand on her abdomen, trying to compose herself. Her forced smile was uglier than tears. "Things are bad."

"It's just the Langstaff Group. We can find other partners," Joyce offered hastily.

Thea shook her head, worry evident in her eyes. "It's not that simple." The Langstaff Group was a leader; losing them would cripple Sparkle Rocks. While some might eventually return, no one knew how long that would take. Many of Sparkle Rocks' processing plants were outdated and problematic. The best solution might be closing unprofitable factories to avoid being unable to pay wages next quarter.

Thea closed her eyes, picturing the worried faces of workers and their children. Her confidence had crumbled; she felt she'd let her grandfather down. A car horn startled her. It was a Lincoln.

"Sent by Nicolas?" Joyce asked, confused.

Thea shook her head. The window rolled down, revealing Ollie Windrow.

"What a coincidence, Mrs. Hendrix," he said, adjusting his glasses.

Thea was surprised. "Let's get in the car," she told Joyce.

Ollie chuckled. "Mrs. Hendrix, are you assuming I'm here to pick you up?"

"Mr. Windrow, unless you're here to speak with me, it must be Teri's little party," Thea said bluntly.

Ollie smiled, opening the car door. "Come in."

Joyce knew Ollie, the son of Silvercreek's richest man. She disliked him; he was considered lacking in ability and ambition, preferring entertainment to business. She found him unreliable.

En route, Joyce subtly inquired about the situation. Ollie, sitting opposite, closed his eyes. "Mrs. Hendrix, aren't you going to introduce your friend?"

"Mr. Windrow, this is" Thea began.

"I know her. Joyce Maddox. I've seen her at the Aurelia University alumni party, Miss Maddox. You don't seem to like me," Ollie interrupted, his eyes fixed on Joyce, though his smile didn't reach them.

Joyce mirrored his false smile. "Mr. Windrow, you're mistaken."

Ollie chuckled. "Forget it. I'm here to discuss business with Mrs. Hendrix. Sparkle Rocks has lost the Langstaff Group, and future contracts are jeopardized. My casino isn't large, but I'm wealthy and know influential people. If Mrs. Hendrix lowers prices by 30%, I'll help you clear your inventory."

"Thirty percent? You might as well rob a bank!" Joyce exclaimed, her opinion of Ollie plummeting.

Thea quickly intervened, her eyes cold. "Mr. Windrow, you're not helping; you're exploiting the situation."

Ollie blinked, a sly glint in his eyes. "I'm helping, Mrs. Hendrix. You'll sell your stock, and avoid factory closures."

(The provided text ends abruptly; the final paragraph is incomplete.)