Chapter 22
High above, in the presidential suite, Nicolas stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, silently observing the chaos below. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were cold. Beside him, Marcus laughed. "Your nephew is beyond saving, Nicolas. It's hard to believe your brother worked so hard to target you, only to set things up for someone this foolish." Nicolas ignored him, turning to give Darwin a meaningful look. Darwin nodded, picking up the intercom and issuing quiet instructions.
A minute later, a large group of Nicolas's uniformed bodyguards stormed into the VIP room. Jake immediately recognized them. Trying to maintain his composure, he cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Please thank Uncle Nicolas for his concern, but this is a personal matter. There's no need for him to intervene."
The lead bodyguard ignored him, turning to Thea. Bowing slightly, he said apologetically, "Miss Rowland, our apologies for the delay. Mr. Nicolas Hendrix is upstairs, and we've been instructed to escort you to him." Thea broke free from her restraints, rubbing her wrists and nodding with a calm smile. "Thank you."
Jake was stunned. His face twisted with anger. "Who do you think you are to make decisions for me? You work for Uncle Nicolas!"
The lead bodyguard's expression darkened. "Mr. Nicolas Hendrix said you're disgracing the Hendrix family by allowing this chaos, and by showing favoritism and involving yourself in a conspiracy to steal credit and expose the leak of company secrets, you've tarnished Avon Ventures. You and Miss Terrell should leave." He ignored Madelyn.
Madelyn's face paled, and she subtly shook her head, unwilling to leave. Clutching Jake's hand, she whispered, her voice thick with distress and frustration, "Leaving would be like admitting Thea's accusations are true, and that would ruin my reputation."
Jake, consumed by shame and anger at Nicolas's public humiliation and apparent siding with Thea, cast a dark look at her. Before storming out, he sneered, "I don't know what game you played to get Uncle Nicolas on your side, but your actions have disappointed me. Even if you use the Rowland and Hendrix families to pressure me, I'll never marry you." He grabbed Madelyn's hand and left, ignoring Thea and the judging stares of the crowd.
Murmurs and whispers filled the room. Just as Jake was about to leave, Thea's voice rang out, stopping him. He turned, annoyance and impatience etched on his face.
Holding her head high, she said icily, "You think I'd ever want to marry someone like you, a man who depends on women for everything? Should I marry you just to watch you hand over my hard-earned success to your mistress? I may have been blind, but I'm not stupid. I have nothing to do with you."
One of Nicolas's bodyguards added, politely but firmly, "Jake, you're overthinking things. Mr. Hendrix sent us because he found your behavior embarrassing. He couldn't bear to watch anymore." The crowd murmured. Jake's face flushed, but he was speechless.
As Thea walked out, surrounded by Nicolas's men, Jake felt a surge of panic. It wasn't just anger; he realized the gap between them had grown beyond repair.
Upstairs, Marcus watched and chuckled. "Don't you think it's a bit too late to step in? Looks like she's had enough of being taken for granted." Nicolas remained silent, his gaze cold and unreadable.
Darwin stepped forward. "Mr. Compton, you're mistaken. Mr. Hendrix only intervened because Jake dragged Avon Ventures' internal affairs into public view."
Marcus chuckled, wagging a finger. "No, Darwin. After all these years, haven't you figured out how he operates? He waited for Jake to ruin things with Thea completely, leaving no chance for reconciliation." Darwin hesitated, then glanced at Marcus, inwardly wishing him luck.
Nicolas sipped his wine, then glanced at Marcus, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Your father shared some good news. He said your family discovered a diamond mine in Flaminshire and wants to use my transport chain." Marcus perked up. With this newfound wealth, he thought he could finally stand on equal footing with Nicolas.
"I'm willing to cooperate," Nicolas continued, "but I suggest you go to Flaminshire as the mine manager. It'll give you valuable experience." Marcus blinked, unsure if he'd heard correctly.
His phone buzzed. After a brief conversation, his expression crumbled. He turned to Nicolas, wailing, "Nicolas, you're heartless! You got my dad to send me off to Flaminshire!"
Thea arrived and saw the usually sharp-witted Marcus being escorted away in defeat. His cries gave her goosebumps. Nicolas, reclining comfortably, glanced at her. "Come here."
Thea approached, her posture composed. "Mr. Hendrix." She didn't thank him; she knew his actions were for the Hendrix family and Avon Ventures' reputation. Standing beside the window, they noticed the clear view. She could see everything from the suite.
On the central stage, a hostess delivered the opening remarks. The stage was elevated, but from the suite, everything was perfectly visible. Thea saw curious onlookers below, their faces filled with wonder and longing. Her heart raced; she'd once been one of them. Despite being a Rowland, she'd never held such influence.
Nicolas noticed the spark of ambition in her eyes, and a knowing smile tugged at his lips.