Chapter 210

"Why should I keep her? If possible, I can't wait to fire her immediately," Thea sneered.

Joyce looked at her in confusion. "Then?"

Thea recounted the restaurant incident. "A few years have passed. There's a major problem here, and Henrietta is just one symptom. This is a mess. Firing her would alert the enemy. Let's find out who's exploiting the situation first."

Joyce understood immediately. "Don't worry, I'll support you, whatever you decide."

Henrietta's advance warning had put Sparkle Rocks' higher-ups on high alert. When Thea entered the conference room, everyone offered polite smiles, pulled out a chair, and poured her coffee.

One person said, "Mrs. Hendrix, we all wanted to meet you days ago, but there was an accident. We missed you, and we're sorry about that."

Another chimed in, "Yes, yes! Now that you're here, Sparkle Rocks finally has a leader! Under your leadership, everything will improve."

Everyone flattered Thea, except for a woman in her early thirties. She wore glasses and a smart suit, appearing gentle and beautiful, but her eyes were cold and her expression serious. She sat in a corner, scoffing at the others' attempts to appease Thea.

Intrigued, Thea asked, "Who is that?"

Someone immediately introduced her, "Mrs. Hendrix, this is Ursa Holmes, the company's CEO."

Thea greeted Ursa, "Hello, Ms. Holmes."

Ursa's expression remained cold. "Hello, Mrs. Hendrix."

No one dared comment on her chilly demeanor. Thea sensed that Ursa, like Henrietta, held significant influence at Sparkle Rocks. Though ignored, Thea wasn't angry. She believed time would reveal people's true nature; those currently fawning over her might not be as sincere as they seemed.

"Please take your seat," Thea said.

Once seated, Thea addressed the issue directly. "The company faces problems, but I can handle them. If you distrust me, say so. I expect everyone to resolve problems immediately, not gossip behind my back and disrupt teamwork. What do you think? I've never managed a company before, so mistakes are inevitable. I hope you'll be understanding"

Before she could finish, she was interrupted.

Ursa stood, her expression frigid. "I agree, but I need to ask why you severed ties with the Langstaff Group and collaborated with Ollie?"

Thea responded calmly, "First, I didn't want to fall out with the Langstaff Group. While I have personal issues with their current successor, they have a new, less capable boss. Continuing our partnership could create problems. Therefore, severing ties might benefit us.

"Second, Sparkle Rocks has always worked with Ollie. It's not mandatory. I'll compensate for any lost profits. Everyone's salaries and bonuses will be paid in full."

Her willingness to take responsibility surprised everyone. With profits secured, the conflict lessened. People primarily sought financial benefit. As long as problems were resolved and profits maintained, everything would be fine. However, some remained unconvinced.

One person asked, "Will she compensate every time? Can she afford it? Will she start cutting salaries?"

Another added, "Exactly. She's inexperienced and created this mess."

Ursa frowned, clearly annoyed. "Mrs. Hendrix, I think they have a point. These are legitimate concerns. Moreover, you made this decision without consulting anyone."

"Do you think I need your approval?" Thea asked with a faint smile.

Sparkle Rocks was founded by her grandmother, who bequeathed her 80% of the shares. Even if Thea sold the company, no one could object.

The other executives were present but hadn't intervened. They assumed Thea was playing at running Sparkle Rocks and might abandon it if things got tough, leaving them in control. Thea had easily spotted the discrepancies in the finance department's report. Since they'd been dishonest, she wouldn't reciprocate their sincerity.

Ursa struggled to find a retort, her displeasure growing. "This is a company, not a game. This behavior is unacceptable. Mrs. Hendrix, do you intend to work with Ollie at reduced prices indefinitely?

Offending the Langstaff family—and by extension, the Hendrix family, given their marriage alliance—will severely hinder Sparkle Rocks' progress."

Ursa's questions grew sharper. Thea bit her lip, suppressing her anger.

A knock interrupted the tension.

Darwin, accompanied by the receptionist, entered, smiling at Thea. "Mrs. Hendrix, Mr. Hendrix asked me to deliver something. A gift he intended to give you yesterday but forgot. He specifically instructed me to give it to you today."

Puzzled, but still standing to receive the box, Thea opened it to find a contract—an order for raw stones. Her eyebrows rose. She wanted to return it, saying, "Tell Mr. Hendrix this isn't appropriate."

Darwin raised his voice, "Mrs. Hendrix, don't be embarrassed. Mr. Hendrix is your supporter, now and in the future. Anyone who makes things difficult for you is defying Mr. Hendrix and the Hendrix family."

Nicolas Hendrix's name caused a gasp. Someone whispered, "Is that the Nicolas Hendrix from Key Biscayne?"