Chapter 241
The party continued, but Thea and Nicolas's entanglement, though minor, drew considerable attention. Everyone was curious about the woman who could stir Nicolas's emotions. Thea, however, wished to avoid the spotlight and retreated to a secluded corner.
Valentine approached. "Mrs. Hendrix," he began, "Ollie has always been impulsive. Please forgive any offense he may have caused." His long experience in business showed in his diplomatic tone.
Thea offered a strained smile. "Mr. Windrow, please be direct."
Valentine continued, "Mr. Hendrix's regard for you suggests something extraordinary. However, Ollie is my only brother. He often requires my assistance with… less significant business dealings. The Windrow family has always shielded him, but Mr. Hendrix is not someone we can offend. I urge you to maintain distance from him."
Valentine's message was clear, but Thea felt a pang of sadness. She reflected on the protective nature of siblings, remembering how Duncan and Max, particularly Duncan, had always defended her. She recalled Duncan's fight with an older boy who had made a crude joke about her—a bruised and swollen face notwithstanding, he'd defiantly declared, "That's what they get for bullying my sister. Thea, as long as I'm around, no one can bully you." That time, however, was long gone. The most significant bullies had been the Rowland family—a memory she would forever cherish, yet conceal.
Controlling her emotions, Thea nodded. "Mr. Windrow, please don't worry. I apologize for my earlier lapse in composure. Mr. Ollie and I are merely business partners. I assure you, I won't overstep boundaries."
"That's best," Valentine replied, departing shortly before Ollie arrived. "What did my brother say?" Ollie asked.
"Nothing," Thea replied indifferently, sensing Valentine's lack of true understanding of his brother. Despite their brief interaction, she found Ollie enigmatic, yet Valentine still treated him as a child needing protection. "Your brother cares deeply for you. Appreciate that," she added.
Ollie chuckled noncommittally. "Mrs. Hendrix, you didn't come to this party just to hide in a corner, did you? Shall I introduce you to some Silvercreek individuals?"
Thea ignored him, noticing Nicolas's unwavering gaze. Smiling thinly, she said, "Mr. Windrow, I dare not associate too closely with your friends. I fear encountering unpleasantness. The person I await will arrive shortly."
As she finished, the building plunged into darkness. A single beam illuminated the high platform. Duncan and Teri descended the spiral staircase, hand in hand, their affection palpable, like fairytale protagonists. Had Thea not known Duncan so well, she might have believed his love for Teri genuine. He loved only Emmalie.
"Watch your step," Duncan murmured, making Teri blush. Even Mason Langstaff, following closely behind, expressed satisfaction. "Everyone, thank you for joining us today."
Thea's awaited arrival had arrived. Thunderous applause erupted. Duncan's gaze instantly found Thea's.
Mason announced, "Today, I welcome Mr. Rowland to Silvercreek, and I also wish to announce a joyous occasion…" The Rowland and Langstaff families eagerly anticipated this union, and Mason intended to capitalize on the moment.
Teri interrupted. "Father, there's no rush." She felt no urgency, a twinkle in her eyes suggesting youthful infatuation. The crowd's jeers were relentless; even Ollie whistled. "Mrs. Hendrix, you don't seem thrilled for your brother. That's hardly appropriate."
Thea remained silent, her gaze fixed on the stage, meeting Teri's.
Teri began, "I know many are curious about the Langstaff Group's future business plans, and why we ceased our long-standing collaboration with Sparkle Rocks. Today, I'll reveal the truth, a cautionary tale." Her humility was a mask; her intent was Thea's destruction.
The screen behind her flashed wildly, capturing everyone's attention. Teri feigned a sigh. "This information comes from the bank. Sparkle Rocks, our trusted partner, has engaged in the despicable act of tax evasion under its new leadership! As their business partner, and future sister-in-law of Sparkle Rocks's new president, Thea Hendrix, I must apologize on her behalf. Thea, I hope you'll repent."
Thea's heart pounded. She had recently reviewed Sparkle Rocks's report; it was flawless. Yet, the official Commerce Bureau seal was clearly visible in the image behind Teri. This was no casual accusation.
Thea's fingers dug into her palm. Failure to address this would bankrupt her grandfather's legacy.
Murmurs arose. "No wonder the Langstaff Group ended the collaboration so swiftly after the new president took over," one person remarked. Another added, "Mrs. Hendrix comes from a wealthy family; she should know this is forbidden." A third chimed in, "Mrs. Hendrix has always been arrogant and tyrannical, taking over Sparkle Rocks for amusement. The Rowland family will always clean up her mess! It's a shame they have such an ungrateful daughter."
The barrage of comments compelled Thea to leave her seclusion. Onstage, Teri pressed her further. "Thea, I've spoken with the Commerce Bureau. Repay the taxes, and they'll let bygones be bygones. That's all I can do for you."