Chapter 239

At the office, Thea compiled the past three years' sales reports into a single document. The dense data was overwhelming. A soft knock interrupted her. "Mrs. Hendrix," a voice called.

It was Ursa. "You were so confident last time," she said. "What are you going to do now?"

Ursa's anger stemmed from Madelyn's poor performance and the loss of several major clients who had unilaterally cancelled their contracts with Sparkle Rocks. The internet backlash was only one problem; pressure from the Langstaff Group was another.

Lisa asked, "Do you really want to risk the jobs of those who believe in you?"

Sparkle Rocks' employees' loyalty wasn't based on blind faith in Thea; most felt a strong connection to the company, having joined when it was small and helped build it from the ground up. Ursa was one of them.

She studied Thea. Thea had secured a new revenue stream for Sparkle Rocks, but also created an unprecedented crisis.

Thea frowned. "Wait a little longer. It's about to happen." She was referring to a collaboration deal with a film director. The movie was already filming, had a strong team, and its release would significantly boost Sparkle Rocks' popularity.

"Mrs. Hendrix," Ursa said, "the company's accounts are nearly empty, the bank has refused further funding, and people are afraid to attend your press conference. What's your plan?"

Silvercreek belonged to the Langstaff family. Teri had spoken; no one would risk offending the family's future head for Sparkle Rocks' sake. Reporters only dared to publish negative stories.

"I'll talk to Teri," Thea said, pursed lips. "At the very least, I'll make her stop pressuring Sparkle Rocks."

She glanced at a message from Ollie on her phone: an invitation to a dinner party that evening. Duncan's presence at the Silvercreek party—a rare occurrence—signaled the Langstaff family's approval of him as Teri's husband.

Thea's current situation made attending impossible, yet she had to go.

Night fell. Thea's silver dress shimmered under the starlight. She was undeniably captivating.

Ollie smiled when he saw her. "Mrs. Hendrix, you exceeded my expectations. You're far more stunning than any celebrity."

Thea remained humble. "Mr. Windrow, this isn't just about a female companion, is it? What's your motive?"

She hadn't forgotten smashing a bottle over Duncan's head a few days earlier and suspected Teri's intense dislike. Yet Ollie had still invited her, suggesting ulterior motives. As business partners, profit was paramount.

"My brother is here," Ollie said, his smile fading. "Remember to distract people later."

Thea would have left if she wasn't already committed. She remembered Nicolas's closeness to Ollie's brother.

As she entered the building with Ollie, a heavy hand fell on her shoulder. Nicolas, his face grim, stood there. His anger was palpable.

Thea felt a pang of guilt, but quickly dismissed it. He had a child with someone else. Why should I feel guilty? He betrayed our marriage first. And there's nothing shameful about my interaction with Ollie.

"That's my brother with Nicolas," Ollie whispered, noticing her expression. "Mrs. Hendrix, don't forget…you owe me a favor." (Several, in fact.)

Trapped between Ollie's arms, Thea was forced to meet Nicolas's gaze. Valentine Windrow, serious and cold, asked, "Is this the female companion you mentioned to Grandfather?" His words were sharp, his demeanor intimidating.

Even Ollie seemed subdued before his brother. "Valentine, don't you think she's decent?" His timidity shocked Thea; she sensed a deliberate performance. Her intense gaze, however, made her seem affectionate to Ollie, causing Nicolas to frown further.

Nicolas said coldly, "Mr. Windrow, you have excellent taste in companions." (How dare he bring my wife here?)

Valentine's eyebrows twitched. "Mr. Hendrix, do you know her?" He mused that Nicolas already having a wife and child, his reaction seemed disproportionate to a pretty woman's presence.

"Ollie," Valentine said thinly, "since Mr. Hendrix is interested, you should give her to him."

Thea resented being treated like a plaything. "Mr. Valentine, you're mistaken. Mr. Ollie and I are business partners. My presence here is purely professional. Offering me to another man? We're not romantically involved. I don't socialize with strangers." Her elegant defiance sparked Valentine's interest. Her boldness was unusual in this setting.

Ollie wouldn't let her go. "Thea, you're hurting my feelings. Didn't you agree to be with me?"

Nicolas's icy voice cut through the air. "Be with you? What do you mean?"

Thea was speechless. Even if foolish, she wouldn't be with another man while married to Nicolas. No one could afford to offend him. Ollie seemed to have lost his mind.

He winked at Nicolas, oblivious to the tension. "We're dating. I fell in love with Thea at first sight…" His loving gaze supported his claim.

Chapter 240