Chapter 237

Thea's eyes revealed no emotion as she asked, "What are you doing here?"

Madelyn appeared shocked by the icy tone. Ursa frowned. "Where did HR recruit this person? She can't even draft a basic contract. Mrs. Hendrix, this person should be fired." Despite her cold personality, Ursa genuinely cared about Sparkle Rocks, a fact that impressed Thea.

Madelyn explained frantically, "Mrs. Hendrix, I didn't know you worked here. If I had, I wouldn't have come. I can resign now, but I wasn't incompetent. I've made mistakes, but I'm willing to learn!" Her beauty and forceful words quickly garnered male support.

One person said, "Ms. Terell is right. HR recruited her; there must be something special about her!" Another added, "Ms. Holmes is usually arbitrary. To bypass the boss and fire someone… Ms. Terell is practically an executive." Madelyn had experience at Avon Ventures, and her position at Sparkle Rocks was significant. However, Thea understood her better than anyone. Thea knew Madelyn had previously used her name to work on large projects.

Thea said, "Madelyn, you shouldn't have appeared before me. Your resume is fake. What right do you have to speak to me?"

Ursa's face paled; she hadn't expected Thea's support. Thea stated, "I support Ms. Holmes's decision. Madelyn, pack your things and leave. Collect your salary. I don't want rumors about Sparkle Rocks spreading." Thea was surprised that Sparkle Rocks had become a haven for unqualified hires during her absence. However, learning Henrietta had recruited Madelyn, she wasn't surprised.

Madelyn's lips tightened. Under their intense gazes, she burst into tears. "Mrs. Hendrix, I know you hate me, but this job was hard-won. Please don't deprive me of my career. I don't care about you stealing my boyfriend and causing my miscarriage—I just want to support myself."

The crowd was stunned by this revelation. Someone asked, "Doesn't Mrs. Hendrix have a husband? She seduced someone else's boyfriend? How shameless!" Another chimed in, "What can't our boss do? Haven't you seen the recent news about her miscarriage and affair? It's all over the internet!" A third person added, "I remember! Ms. Terell and Mrs. Hendrix worked together at Avon Ventures. My friend said they were both involved with Jake Hendrix. You can't judge a book by its cover." Someone else questioned, "Mrs. Hendrix is so beautiful. What's her motive? Why does she always target other people's boyfriends?"

Some of Thea's former flatterers—fence-sitters—became quiet. Ursa reprimanded them coldly, "Quiet! Are you finished with your work? Gossip much?" Ursa wasn't defending anyone; she sensed Madelyn's maliciousness beneath her pitiful facade. She said, "Miss Terell, you're not good at your job, but you're excellent at sowing discord. Consider acting; perhaps your looks will take you far."

Madelyn seethed with hatred for Thea and Ursa, their arrogance infuriating her. She longed to expose their true selves. Noticing the continued stares, she mumbled, "Ms. Holmes, I heard Sparkle Rocks values its employees' skills. I want to stay and see how far I can go."

Madelyn framed her potential firing as prejudice from Sparkle Rocks' management. This rumor, if spread, would alarm employees. Henrietta's firing had already caused panic; Madelyn was adept at stirring discord. If fired, she'd undoubtedly spread rumors of Thea's bossiness and prejudice.

Thea wouldn't let Madelyn win. A playful smirk touched her lips. "Miss Terell, you say Sparkle Rocks judges by capability. With your skills, we can make you a janitor." This was a deliberate insult.

Madelyn, clenching her teeth, declared, "Alright, I'll do it!"

Thea wondered, 'Why is she so determined to stay at Sparkle Rocks?' A chill ran down her spine as she studied Madelyn's resolve. For the first time, she felt she didn't understand this woman. Thea wasn't eager to argue; a janitor wouldn't significantly impact Sparkle Rocks. However, she underestimated Madelyn.

Thea was busy all morning. As she was about to nap, she heard sobbing from the coffee room. Someone said, "Miss Terell, Mrs. Hendrix went too far. You graduated from a top college. Why do this to yourself? Tell us, what did Mrs. Hendrix do to you at Avon Ventures?"

Madelyn shook her head, a hint of manipulation in her words. "She's my superior. I can't badmouth her. Time will tell… Keep your boyfriends close. With Mrs. Hendrix's beauty, what man can't she get? I spent seven years with that man." Thea sneered, "Does Jake know about your seven years together? I thought I was cheated on briefly, but you two have been secretly dating for a long time?"

The crowd dispersed, lacking the courage to confront Thea. Only Madelyn remained. Thea asked, "Is it because Jake rejected you that you're causing me trouble?" Looking at Madelyn's pale face, Thea demanded, "Madelyn, when will you stop lying?"