Chapter 226
Henrietta broke into a cold sweat. Thea’s surprise upon her return was unexpected. Henrietta thought, “Didn’t she just have a miscarriage? How can she still be investigating me?” She resented that Thea hadn’t lost her sharp mind along with her child. The staff, once supportive, now eyed her suspiciously.
Henrietta weakly defended herself. “No… I didn’t. Mrs. Hendrix, you want to fire me from Sparkle Rocks based on dubious records, simply because we’ve always clashed!”
Thea sneered. “It seems you refuse to give up. Your actions have crossed the line… The police will be here soon.”
Thea hadn’t planned to simply fire Henrietta. She wanted Henrietta to repay embezzled funds and face legal consequences.
Joyce praised Thea’s impressive handling of the situation. Henrietta, flustered, clung to the table leg for support. Her voice trembled. “Thea, how dare you! Sparkle Rocks is near bankruptcy! If you fire me, the Langstaff Group order will be canceled. Have you considered the consequences? If I go to jail, you won’t enjoy it either!”
She yelled her threat, but Thea ignored her. Then, someone arrived.
“Sparkle Rocks’ cash flow is compromised?” Ollie strolled in, ignoring the tension. “Mrs. Hendrix, I haven’t said I’m canceling the collaboration. I lack skills, but I have money. As long as my cooperation with Sparkle Rocks continues, I won’t let you go bankrupt.”
Ollie’s smirk and casual words were a slap to Henrietta’s face. Thea had contacted him beforehand; his presence was a strategic move to bolster employee confidence. A strong team was crucial to resolving external problems.
Joyce wasn’t to be outdone. “Thea, don’t worry. I have savings. I can buy all your raw stones. I won’t let your company fail!”
Thea appreciated her wealthy friend’s support. Heartened, she faced Henrietta confidently. “Ms. Wade, Sparkle Rocks functions perfectly without you. Spend the next period reflecting on your actions in police custody.” The farce ended with Henrietta’s arrest.
Her former allies hung their heads, afraid of Thea’s retribution and job losses.
Sensing the oppressive atmosphere, Thea’s lips curved into a warmer smile. “Sparkle Rocks was left to me by my grandfather. I guarantee that hard work will be rewarded. I will work tirelessly to strengthen Sparkle Rocks and improve everyone’s prospects.”
Her passionate words, coupled with her demonstrated capability, resonated with the staff. They were eager to see her navigate the crisis.
Ursa, waiting in the meeting room, said, “Henrietta made many mistakes, but she’s right about one thing: Sparkle Rocks is struggling and can’t afford to lose her. Mrs. Hendrix, your actions will damage our staff and doom Sparkle Rocks.”
Unlike the self-serving Henrietta, Ursa, despite her cold demeanor, genuinely cared for Sparkle Rocks. Thea was touched. “These parasites have been entrenched in Sparkle Rocks too long. Removing them will impact the company, but it’s necessary to foster a positive culture and provide fair treatment.”
Thea agreed with Ursa on this point.
“Mrs. Hendrix, we need to discuss PR damage control. Online speculation is rampant. The livestream you envisioned is likely unfeasible,” Ursa pointed out. She’d been enthusiastic about livestreaming as a sales booster, but the current situation made it impossible.
Ollie spoke lazily, lacking his earlier confidence. His eyes were dark. “When I worked with you, you lowered prices, but I valued Sparkle Rocks’ potential. Now, your raw stones are threatening my casino. How will you compensate me?” He wasn’t canceling the collaboration; he wanted to sabotage Thea for profit.
Thea was less accommodating. She smiled faintly. “I’ll hold a press conference in three days to address recent events. Ms. Holmes, please disseminate this information. As for Mr. Windrow…” Thea’s eyelids flickered. “…I’ll introduce you to some suppliers.”
Ollie thought of Nicolas’s cold face. He laughed. “Mrs. Hendrix, don’t joke. Let’s have dinner. After our last outing, many friends inquired about you.”
People liked Thea’s beauty, but she hated Ollie’s commoditization of her.
She said, “I’ve become a target. Mr. Windrow, beyond necessary business, it’s best we avoid private interactions, lest you become entangled with me.”
Ollie murmured, “What am I afraid of?” He’d never met a woman who could scold herself with such confidence. He found the situation increasingly intriguing.