Chapter 207

Thea felt helpless against Ollie's thick skin. She gritted her teeth. "In that case, shouldn't I thank you, Mr. Windrow?"

"Of course," Ollie replied, his bright smile revealing dimples.

Joyce mused, No wonder so many women still want him, despite his being a useless profligate!

Thea said, "Mr. Windrow, have you forgotten I'm not a struggling entrepreneur? I have the Rowland, Maddox, and Hendrix families to support me. Any one of them could easily resolve this crisis."

The smile faded from Ollie's face. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "If it were so easily settled, you wouldn't be in my car today."

Thea took a deep breath. Who called Ollie a "fuckboy"? This person is clearly very intelligent, she thought.

"Those who say his business has failed are spreading rumors!"

Thea knew Ollie was more complex than he appeared. He was right; his actions had been timely.

The car stopped. Joyce pulled Thea out. "What's to discuss with him? Let's go, Thea. Let's find another solution."

Thea didn't move. Her mind made up, she stared firmly at Ollie. "I agree to work with you."

Ollie wasn't surprised. He produced a contract. "Review this. If it's acceptable, sign and send it to my assistant. I'll send the deposit then."

Joyce's eyes widened.

After Ollie's car left, she grabbed Thea's hand. "Thea, what are you doing? You're losing 30% of the profits! That's a huge loss. Ollie's clearly taking advantage. He doesn't need the money; he's just being disgusting!"

Thea shook her head. "No, because he doesn't need the money, it's a favor. Joyce, I have my reasons. Do you believe me?"

Seeing Thea's confident expression, Joyce slowly calmed down. "Though I don't understand, I believe you. You're very smart, and I know I won't go wrong following you. But I'm worried. You just took over Sparkle Rocks, your collaboration with the Langstaff Group fell through, and now you're selling raw stones to Ollie at a low price.

"You still need to satisfy Sparkle Rocks's staff. Those dissatisfied will cause trouble. And you're pregnant. I..."

Joyce's eyes welled up. "I feel so useless. I haven't helped you at all."

Warmth filled Thea's heart. She wiped Joyce's tears. "It's okay, I should be crying. Now I'll comfort you. It'll get better. With you, I'm not afraid."

A cough came from the side. Darwin had appeared.

He smiled politely at Joyce. "Miss Maddox, Mr. Hendrix wants to speak with you."

"Me?" Joyce pointed at herself.

Darwin nodded. "Yes. Mr. Hendrix just arrived. I'll take you to him."

Thea glanced at Darwin. "Why didn't he message me?"

Darwin smiled. "Mr. Hendrix said you'd be busy. He came to Silvercreek and brought you a gift. It's upstairs."

Joyce said, "I'll go. It's probably about the Maddox family. Go rest; don't wait up."

Thea nodded. After they left, she went upstairs. The door was ajar.

Her heart pounded. She didn't think it was a thief; the neighborhood's security was excellent.

She reached for her phone to call the police, but the door opened. Nicolas stood there.

He wore a coat, his tall frame seeming even taller. He looked tired from a long journey, but his handsome eyes held tenderness and joy.

He held out his hands. "Thea, do you like my gift?"

Thea's heart pounded. Before she could think, she ran into his arms.

They embraced tightly. His scent enveloped her, washing away worry. She clung to him, feeling like she was dreaming.

Then, she pulled back. "You're terrible! Why did you trick Joyce away? Aren't you afraid I'll be angry?"

Nicolas held her waist. "I know you wanted to stay with her, that you weren't giving me a chance. Are the probationary requirements that strict? Darwin will explain to Miss Maddox. You can spare a day for me, right?"

He looked at her, tenderness in his eyes. "I need motivation. A month without hugs like this, and I'll go crazy."

Thea had known Nicolas as handsome, taciturn, strict, and serious. She hadn't known how suave he could be when flirting.

She'd been with Jake, who constantly flirted, making her disgusted. She thought she was unromantic, fated to never experience romance. Now she knew she hadn't met the right person.

She stood on tiptoe, and their lips met. Nicolas deepened the kiss, preventing her escape. Their breaths mingled. His intensity showed how much he'd restrained himself.

He lifted her easily, pressing her onto the bed.

"No... We can't," she struggled, panting, her face flushed. "Nicolas, we can't."

He stopped, obedient but with a hint of resentment in his eyes. He sat up, tidied his clothes, and became serious again. "Sorry."

Thea saw his red ears and chuckled. She'd never seen him like this.