Chapter 246

Madelyn had altered her uniform. She lacked other skills, but she was adept at seducing men.

Thea smirked mockingly only when Aiden’s gaze fell upon Madelyn. She said, “Miss Terrell, Sparkle Rocks has strict rules. We don’t need a cleaner like you delivering coffee. There’s no bonus for extra work.”

Madelyn, choked with tears, buried her head. “I only want to serve you. Please don’t misunderstand.”

Aiden found this extremely tempting. A pervert to begin with, he admired Madelyn. “Mrs. Hendrix, why are you so unreasonable to your subordinates? If you don’t know how to treat women gently, why not let this lady return with me…?” Thea thought, Mason calls this calm?

She sneered. “Is the Langstaff Group on the verge of bankruptcy, unable to afford a cleaner? If so, I’ll reconsider our cooperation.” She hadn’t forgotten Madelyn’s past actions. Giving Madelyn another chance would invite further threats. She’d rather risk offending the Langstaff family than allow Madelyn to plot against her.

Madelyn’s body trembled. “Mr. Langstaff, you have important matters to discuss with Mrs. Hendrix. There’s no need to argue over me. I’ll leave and won’t disturb your conversation further, lest it affect the companies’ collaboration.”

Aiden wanted to assert his power. Already angered by Thea’s inflexibility, he stood, saying, “I don’t think you intend to cooperate, Mrs. Hendrix. As you said, why can’t you give me your cleaner? I’ll discuss this collaboration with my father!”

Thea thought, This idiot. Leaning back, she said, “Mr. Langstaff, do as you please. But remember, the Langstaff Group needs this collaboration more.”

Teri had recently caused a major scandal. If Aiden had any sense, he’d use this opportunity to regain power and contribute to the Langstaff family. Thea thought, He’s threatening a business partner for a woman he just met. If this is his capacity, I have no reason to cooperate with such an idiot.

Aiden, oppressed by Teri since childhood, finally had a chance to act independently, only to be ridiculed by a woman. This frustrated him. He grabbed Madelyn’s hand and left. “Today, you’ll learn to respect your client. Thea, how dare you be rude to me?”

Thea concluded that Mason’s children were likely all foolish. She rubbed her temples, suddenly missing Teri—at least she was competent.

Aiden’s angry departure attracted attention, especially as he held Madelyn protectively. Downstairs, he noticed Madelyn was still with him. Her shy, timid eyes lessened his anger considerably.

He asked, “I don’t know your name. Working for someone like Thea must be difficult. Would you come to the Langstaff Group with me? You could be my secretary.” He thought, Madelyn’s face alone is enough! I choose secretaries solely on appearance.

Madelyn knew how to charm men. Feigning reluctance, she said, “Mr. Langstaff, I’d like to. But Mrs. Hendrix dislikes me; I fear she’ll take her anger out on you.”

“Teri’s in prison. I’m the most important member of the Langstaff family now. What right does Thea have to defy me?” Aiden sneered. “Everyone respects her because of Mr. Hendrix. When he abandons her, I’ll destroy her.” Before he finished, Madelyn threw herself into his arms. Her delicate appearance pleased him. “Mr. Langstaff, you’re amazing…”

Even devoted to work, Thea occasionally heard rumors about Aiden and Madelyn. The Langstaff Group contract remained unsigned. Unhurried, Thea held a press conference.

A reporter asked, “Mrs. Hendrix, how is your relationship with Mr. Hendrix? Why isn’t he here? Mr. Hendrix and Ms. Ralap have been seen together frequently. What are your thoughts?”

The conference, ostensibly for Sparkle Rocks, focused on Mr. Hendrix. Thea frowned slightly. “I hope everyone focuses on work, not private matters. Regardless of my relationship with Mr. Hendrix, I am an independent individual, not an accessory…”

Many women dreamed of marrying Nicolas, but Thea preferred to be treated as an individual. Her directness prevented sharp questions. After hesitation, reporters asked about Sparkle Rocks’ future.

Slides appeared behind Thea. She’d worked late to create them. They were exquisite, and her presentation elegant. “This is the internet age. While Sparkle Rocks began as a manufacturer, I aim to adapt to new trends. Today, I want everyone to witness this with me.” Amidst praise, a cold sneer cut through the air. “Who doesn’t know how to say that? Mrs. Hendrix, don’t you know how miserable your previous livestream was? Do you dare to go in this direction?”

Silence fell, broken only by gasps. How dare he diss Mrs. Hendrix? This guy’s courting death! people thought.

Chapter 246

Thea met the reporter's disdainful gaze and smiled. She recognized him; previously, he lacked a press pass, enjoying himself at a bar with Duncan. She knew Duncan had sent him. Unfazed, she welcomed the opportunity to change the subject. “You have to dare to think before you dare to do! Sparkle Rocks’ livestream profits weren’t great, but raw stones are a gamble. I believe everyone will see our special service and sincerity in the future.”