Chapter 209

A woman, unfamiliar with Thea, mistook her for a reporter due to Thea's sophisticated appearance. She promptly instructed her assistant to act more formally.

The assistant said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Wade answered many questions today and is tired. She'll hold a press conference the day after tomorrow to address all inquiries."

Thea merely glanced at Henrietta before continuing inside.

The assistant panicked. "What do you mean?"

Thea smiled. "Sparkle Rocks has a new CEO. Why is Ms. Wade still in charge?"

Henrietta stood, gesturing towards protesting workers. "Miss, this mess occurred under the new president's management. Is it reasonable to hand over the company to her?"

The assistant scoffed, "She's from a wealthy family. What experience does she have? She's probably just playing. Ms. Wade has run this company for years. She should go home and not cause trouble."

Thea extended her hand to Henrietta. "What's your name?"

Henrietta haughtily presented her hand, chin raised. "Henrietta Wade."

Thea smiled. "Thea Rowland."

Henrietta's smug expression faltered. Her assistant looked shocked. She knew the new CEO was wealthy, but hadn't expected Thea's beauty and composed demeanor, suggesting extensive business experience.

Seeing their stunned faces, Thea's smile turned sardonic. "I joined this month. I can't be blamed for the last three months' losses. Also, I suggested a solution to the Langstaff Group collaboration failure in the group chat. Why did factory employees—some quite remote—arrive so uniformly today?"

Thea stated, "No need for a press conference. I'm here. Let's clarify things now."

Guilt flickered in Henrietta's eyes. She insisted, "Mrs. Hendrix, are you trying to blame me?"

Thea chuckled. "Blame? This is your responsibility. My grandfather said your father managed Sparkle Rocks for years. Now that he's retired, it's your turn. I only recently learned about the company. No one oversaw it for years; it's essentially yours."

Henrietta angrily threatened to resign. She intended to scare Thea, believing Thea lacked ability and was only there for show, intending to delegate management while pursuing her own interests. Henrietta's goal was to prevent Thea from interfering. She underestimated Thea's assertiveness. Many Sparkle Rocks employees only knew Henrietta's father; without Henrietta, they'd distrust Thea.

Henrietta expected Thea to plead with her to stay, but Thea responded, "Since you're resigning, call HR. Prepare a severance package. It's best if you leave this afternoon. You have pressing matters; let's not delay you."

Henrietta panicked. Having worked at Sparkle Rocks since graduation and taking over after her father's retirement, she feared losing such a secure position.

Returning in high heels, her face ashen, especially upon seeing Thea still working diligently, Henrietta demanded, "Mrs. Hendrix, what's the meaning of this? I worked hard managing the company for you. Your behavior is excessive!"

Thea feigned innocence. "Ms. Wade, you wanted to resign. No one forced you. But I do want to fire someone." She pointed at Henrietta, then shifted her finger to the assistant. "You. You didn't help Ms. Wade and only bully others. You've worried Ms. Wade. The employee protests point to a leak. Either you or Ms. Wade is responsible."

The assistant, close to tears, pleaded with Henrietta. Henrietta interrupted loudly, "Shut up!"

Sweating profusely, she approached Thea, her demeanor changed completely. "Mrs. Hendrix, it's this idiot's fault! Fire her! I'll solve the company's problems. Sparkle Rocks' higher-ups await you upstairs."

Thea eyed the protesters. "Ms. Wade, can you resolve this? If not, I'll find someone else."

Henrietta, her attitude transformed, hurried off with security guards. Joyce, observing, frowned, "Thea, do we really need to keep her?"