Chapter 247
"At eight o'clock every night, Sparkle Rocks' live stream will offer special services for female customers," Thea announced.
Many were curious. Netizens flocked to the live stream, expecting a show, only to be astonished. Comments flooded in:
- "[Are they really doing this?]"
- "[I retract all my prejudice against Thea! She really understands women!]"
- "[I've placed an order! I want No. 3 to smash a big rock on his chest!]"
Joyce read the comments aloud, smiling brightly. "Only you could come up with something so devious," she said to Thea.
The live stream featured male models performing viewer-requested tasks and opening raw stones for viewers. A banner in the background read: "[Strictly selected by Mrs. Hendrix.]"
Joyce worried, "Mrs. Hendrix, don't forget you have a husband. Aren't you afraid Mr. Hendrix will be furious and ban your live stream?"
Thea's smile faltered. "He's too busy with our child. Besides, it's all legal. The models even wear uniforms… Why would he ban me?" She instinctively glanced at the opposite sex.
Thea had capitalized on people's desire for entertainment, creating a business model based on the bar scene. With attractive models, she reasoned, she could make a lot of money.
"You still underestimate men's jealousy," Joyce countered, pinching Thea's cheek. "Instead of putting men on stage, you should appear to attract male fans." Thea's face tightened, showing she'd taken it to heart.
"You'll do anything for popularity!" Joyce exclaimed. "Teri's being released soon. Even if Nicolas makes her stop targeting you, she'll still hold a grudge."
Thea doubted Teri was that foolish.
Meanwhile, Nicolas glared at the live stream introduction, his grip threatening to crush his phone. Darwin, terrified, barely dared to breathe.
"Mr. Hendrix, should I contact the platform and ban the livestream?" he asked.
Nicolas suppressed his rage. "No," he said. "Promote her livestream."
Thea had faced many difficulties; her happiness depended on Sparkle Rocks' success. This was a simple yet effective way to help her.
Thea hadn't expected Ivy to be the first to object.
November 14th
Ivy, despite Thea's blacklist, found a way to harass her. "Thea, do you want to embarrass the Rowland family? Emmalie told me about your shameless actions. Stop the livestream!"
Ivy, unusually concerned, called. Thea mocked, "Mrs. Rowland, I've cut ties with the Rowlands. My actions don't affect your reputation. Don't contact me again." She hung up.
Ivy, comforted by Emmalie, eventually calmed down. Emmalie urged, "Mom, Thea's just working. She went too far this time. Talk to her nicely. She's sensible; she'll listen."
This only fueled Ivy's anger. "Sensible? If Thea were half as obedient as you, I wouldn't worry so much! How do I explain this to the Hendrix family? No wonder Nicolas wants a divorce! Who could tolerate such an indecent wife?"
Emmalie, having learned Nicolas's location (Silvercreek) from a bribed Hendrix Group employee, proposed, "Mom, I have a performance at Silvercreek. I can persuade Thea to stop."
Ivy, though unwell, always attended Emmalie's performances, but worried, "I'm afraid Thea will anger you again!"
"Don't worry," Emmalie reassured her, her eyes curving in a sly smile. "I won't directly confront Thea. We're family. She'll listen to me." She had no intention of being kind; she wanted Thea's ruin.
Sparkle Rocks thrived; orders poured in nightly, even Ursa smiling. Emmalie's call disrupted Thea's good mood.
Emmalie asked Thea for a ride from the airport in Silvercreek. Thea coldly refused, suggesting she contact Duncan's Silvercreek connections. Emmalie countered, mentioning the cancelled Duncan-Teri engagement and hinting at news Thea would find interesting: information about Oliver.
Thea showed no interest. Emmalie then revealed she had Nicolas's paternity test results for Oliver.
Regardless of the outcome, Thea felt she couldn't judge Nicolas. More pressing was Emmalie's access to the report. They agreed to meet at Sparkle Rocks' cafe.
Corey called, teasing Thea about her newfound popularity and reminding her about the Madelyn investigation.
Thea, massaging her temples, asked for results. Corey revealed surprising information: Thea had made many long-standing enemies, some even changing their appearances to destroy her. Madelyn appeared to be someone Thea knew. Thea's heart pounded.