Chapter 242

Teri was clearly digging a hole for Thea to jump into. Thea said, "Ms. Langstaff, you're more concerned about my company than I am. You found evidence so quickly, even before I knew about this matter."

Everyone waited for a good show, but Thea refused to back down. Teri advised sincerely, "I originally thought that after you reached Silvercreek, I should take care of everything for you. But I didn't expect you actually did this! Thea, this is illegal. Even though Duncan and I want to protect you, we can't." Her gloating expression undermined her sincerity.

Duncan, hoping to see Thea in distress, was disappointed. Thea stepped forward, the red seal on her documents becoming increasingly noticeable. Ollie, who had been beside her, silently distanced himself. Thea was alone.

Amidst the murmuring, she carefully considered how to turn the tables. Suddenly, a pair of large, slightly cold hands clasped hers. Disbelief washed over Thea. She thought, I've already explained this, yet Nicolas still chooses to stand by me. What does he want?

Onstage, Teri frowned, thinking, Is Nicolas crazy?

Nicolas, his mere presence a statement, said, "Ms. Langstaff, you said someone from the Commerce Bureau revealed internal information to you?" He was Thea's unwavering support; his cold gaze made Teri instinctively flinch. Duncan, though nearby, remained silent, watching Teri's panic grow.

Mason stepped in to defuse the situation. "Mr. Hendrix, my daughter is insensible. She was probably tricked. There are more important things today. Let's not alarm the guests…" This was damaging to the Langstaff family's reputation, regardless of the evidence's validity. Mason didn't understand Teri's reckless actions.

Nicolas retorted, "Ms. Langstaff slandered my wife, and you try to dismiss it?" The room erupted. Even Duncan pursed his lips. Nicolas publicly announced his marriage to Thea. The Silvercreek residents would treat Thea with more caution, and public opinion would shift. Thea was stunned.

She tried to shake off Nicolas's grip several times, but he was too strong. They had discussed divorce; she wondered if this was a setup for a greater downfall. Nicolas, unable to tolerate Thea's slightest defamation, declared, "My wife is not easily bullied."

Darwin, having left to make a call after the presentation, re-entered and exchanged a look with Nicolas. "The photo Ms. Langstaff presented does exist." The room buzzed. Nicolas's trusted aide's confirmation lent the matter weight. Thea suspected revenge. She already had a solution.

Darwin continued, "But this ticket was issued three years ago… At that time, Mrs. Hendrix didn't know about Joshua Rowland's inheritance. Henrietta Wade, the actual tax evader, was arrested by Mrs. Hendrix."

Thea thought, So Henrietta did it? That explains everything.

Gratefully, Thea asked, "Ms. Langstaff falsified the document and publicly damaged my reputation. What's her sentence?" Teri's targeting of Thea was obvious.

Teri's face paled. "The Commerce Bureau lied to me! I didn't know it was tampered with! Thea, Duncan and I worried about you, fearing your involvement in shady dealings."

Thea thought, Is she really oblivious? Of course not! Teri photoshopped the picture, certain Thea couldn't resolve this. Teri saw Thea as a weak woman dependent on her husband, underestimating her from the start. Thea's success at Avon Ventures, under Jake's inept leadership, proved her competence.

"Is that so?" Thea sneered. "But I remember three years ago… my former employee, Henrietta, was close to you, Ms. Langstaff. She even gave you 5% of the profits." This venture was never profitable.

Thea continued, "I thought Henrietta's connection to you explained her willingness to let Sparkle Rocks lose money. She was involved in tax evasion. You pocketed the taxes and tarnished Sparkle Rocks' reputation? Ms. Langstaff, you're impressive." Thea had considered why Henrietta convinced the Langstaff Group to cooperate with Sparkle Rocks again, but hadn't realized this. Teri profited immensely while Sparkle Rocks took the fall.

"You're blaming me without evidence! You can't do that!" Teri gritted her teeth. Mason almost intervened. Teri was determined to fight Nicolas.

Teri argued, "Darwin said the document is three years old, but that's just words. You're all on Thea's side, naturally defending her. It's a pity I couldn't help her despite my care. The Hendrix family is too powerful, manipulating things with words."

Mason trembled as uniformed officers entered.

Nicolas smirked coldly. "Evidence? Shall we hear from the Commerce Bureau staff? Police are waiting outside. Ms. Langstaff… I'm pressing charges for slander."

Thea's heart was cold, but Nicolas's unwavering trust and protection moved her. His kindness only showed in his smile towards her. Everyone was shocked, but Thea only focused on Nicolas's affectionate gaze.