Chapter 212

Thea didn't notice Ollie's gaze. She looked at the director with a smug expression. "What do you think?"

The director pondered for a moment before asking tentatively, "Why did you make such a decision? This seems like a significant loss for you."

After all, if the raw stone turned out to be high-quality material, it would be worth tens of millions of dollars. The price of raw stones wasn't cheap, especially the high-quality ones Thea provided.

She smiled calmly. "If I can secure your publicity, it's not a loss. Sparkle Rocks's reputation in Silvercreek is good, but I hope to achieve greater success and enter the international market."

The director looked at Thea with admiration and raised his glass. "Then I look forward to working with you."

Thea was happy, but remembering her pregnancy, she declined the drink.

After the meal, Ollie offered to drive her home. Thea refused but said sincerely, "Although I don't know why you're helping me, you've helped me a lot. I owe you a favor. If you need my help in the future, just let me know." Ollie only smiled. "Then I'll have to think about how to use this favor."

Unknowingly, they reached the door. Ollie checked the time. "It's late. I'll drive you—it's on my way."

Thea frowned. As she was thinking, she saw a familiar car approaching. It was Nicolas's car.

Ollie recognized Nicolas's status from the car and license plate. Before he could speak, Thea rushed out. The car stopped, and Nicolas exited. His gaze lingered on Ollie for a moment before softening as he looked at Thea.

Thea pouted coquettishly. "Why are you here? Who told you I was here?" But her stride towards him conveyed relief and joy.

Seeing her thin clothing, Nicolas removed his jacket and draped it over her. He intimately took her hand and frowned. "Why are you so cold? It's been raining constantly. Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?" The large black suit jacket made her face even more beautiful.

She simply stared at Nicolas with a smile, far less cold and distant than usual. Ollie had never seen such shyness and gentleness from her.

Her smile stung him. He sensed Nicolas's hostility. An ordinary man would have left resentfully.

However, Ollie was persistent. Hands in his pockets, he approached with a faint smile. "Mr. Hendrix, what a coincidence. I didn't expect you to know Thea." He extended his hand.

Thea looked at him in surprise, then at Nicolas. "Do you know each other?"

Before Nicolas could answer, Ollie continued, "Of course. He's close to my brother. He's been to my house several times."

Thea felt, perhaps wrongly, that Ollie's tone was cold. She coughed lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Nicolas knows many people; it's quite a coincidence."

Nicolas's gaze was cold. He saw Ollie's guardedness and hostility. "Indeed, I know you. I've also learned about your situation from your brother. He hopes you'll return and accept your family's arrangements. Running marginal industries must be tiring, right?"

Seeing Ollie's growing displeasure, Thea felt a headache coming on. She quickly ushered Nicolas into the car. "I'm not feeling well. I should go home."

Before leaving, she comforted the upset Ollie. "Mr. Windrow, thank you for today. If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask." Ollie's expression softened slightly as he snorted coldly.

The car started. Thea glanced in the rearview mirror. Ollie's figure receded until he disappeared. She massaged her temples.

Nicolas exuded a cold aura, clearly upset.

"Do you have a good relationship with Ollie's brother?" Thea asked.

Despite his unhappiness, Nicolas answered honestly, "We don't. We've only met a few times; we don't get along."

Thea was surprised. "Then why did you say that in front of him?"

Nicolas turned, looking at her silently, his eyes filled with subtle emotions. Thea understood immediately. She laughed, curious. "Are you jealous? But he and I are just business partners. He helped me, so I have to reciprocate. Having more friends than enemies is beneficial."

Nicolas held her hand tightly. "I don't like the way he looks at you."

Thea smiled wider. "He's naturally affectionate, even to lampposts! I've only met him three or four times, always for collaborations. Nothing more will happen." Nicolas pursed his lips, silent.

Thea leaned on his shoulder and yawned. "But I know he's not simple. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll be careful."

Nicolas sounded helpless. "If possible, I hope you'll rely on me more."

Chapter 212

Thea opened her eyes, her feelings mixed. "Reliance means trust, and trust is a gamble. It's not that I don't want to, but I don't want to rush it. Right now, I can't be completely open with you."

She expected Nicolas to be unhappy, but he gently kissed her forehead. "I understand. I'll wait for you."

Thea felt a breeze pass through her heart. She'd never felt so relaxed. A part of her heart softened. Soon, they arrived.

They got out of the car. In the mostly empty underground garage, Nicolas pulled Thea into his arms. He didn't do anything but greedily inhale her warmth and scent. Then he released her and smiled gently. "Go rest."

Thea's ears flushed. She pretended to be calm. "I thought you'd take the opportunity to suggest coming home with me."

Nicolas said, "The one-month probation period hasn't ended. I know my limits."

Thea smiled. "Good night."

After watching her enter the elevator, Nicolas left peacefully. As he got in his car, his phone rang. Darwin's panicked voice: "Mr. Hendrix, Ms. Ralap has escaped!"

Nicolas's eyebrows twitched.