Chapter 280

"None of your business," Joyce blushed, pinching Thea's face. It was as soft as cotton candy. "Not that much. Actually, I just want to complain to my mom."

"In my life, especially when it comes to marriage, I'm the only one who can make the decision. She has no right to interfere." Joyce usually frequented entertainment venues, but she was actually very pure. She had never even held a man's hand, despite talking like an experienced player.

Thea, having tasted the bitterness of love, was unwilling to let Joyce follow suit. "Young people might not be invincible," she said. "I think your officer is very good at taking care of people. But you must bear in mind that before you fall in love, at least ask your heart first. Don't lose yourself just because you want to go against your mom."

Joyce's expression softened. She placed her face on Thea's neck and looked at her bright screen. They had never been on guard against each other. "I knew it," she said. "You're the best to me. Even my mom wouldn't tell me this."

Kelly's heart was focused on Lily; she would probably forget she had a daughter.

Joyce smiled bitterly and changed the subject. "The bidding is just around the corner. Thea, are you confident?"

"Of course!" Thea answered firmly. This was destined to be a tough battle between her and Teri, and she wouldn't show any fear. She turned off her laptop. "It's bound to succeed. Why don't we warm up first and have a celebration?"

"That's great!"

It was a long, crazy night for the girls.

The next day, Thea woke up feeling dizzy, but it was manageable. She didn't go to Sparkle Rocks. For the next week, she focused on the proposal. The cooperation with the Langstaff Group meant a lot to her. Teri and Mason had both expressed interest in cooperating, but that was based on her connection to Nicolas. Thea wished she could secure the project based on her own capabilities. On the day of the bidding, Thea wore a suit. Her soft, long hair was tied in a high ponytail, and people were awed by this competent woman.

After spending a long time with Nicolas, their temperaments had become similar. Inevitably, their names were linked.

"Do you see that? That's the legendary Mrs. Hendrix!"

"What Mrs. Hendrix? I'm afraid you haven't heard of her scandal! The one who was first in love with Nicolas was her sister. But she used tricks to marry into the Hendrix family. I heard the Rowland family has completely cut ties with her."

"I knew it! Or why would Mr. Hendrix choose to marry in secret? It turns out that from the beginning, this wasn't the woman he wanted. This woman is really shameless. How dare she attend such an event? It's a humiliation to the Hendrix family. If I were Mr. Hendrix, I would have divorced this vicious woman long ago. I can't believe she even stole her sister's lover!"

These discussions reached Thea's ears. She immediately knew the source of the rumors. She swirled the scarlet liquid in her goblet, about to step forward, when she heard a bright voice: "Mrs. Foster, are you jealous of happy rich ladies and slandering them because Mr. Foster has too many women? If Mr. Hendrix really didn't value her, would he have stood up for her and personally sent me to the police station?"

No one expected Teri to speak up for Thea so openly.

The woman called Mrs. Foster was shocked. She raised her chin and mocked loudly: "Miss Langstaff, did you get your head broken? She framed you badly back then, so why are you speaking up for her? If this is how you try to please Mr. Hendrix, at least do it right in front of him!" This attracted many people's attention.

Teri had learned her lesson. She wasn't the old Miss Langstaff anymore. She'd been anxious for a long time because of people's judgment, but she'd gotten over it. She straightened her back. "What do you mean by framing? I've done wrong things before. It's my retribution. Even the police didn't convict me. Mrs. Foster, the law isn't written by your lips. Watch your mouth!"

The crowd dispersed. Thea approached Teri with a glass of wine. "Miss Langstaff, thank you." She could see Teri had changed. In the past, Teri only clawed for men; now, she used her spear to protect herself.

"We're business partners, so this is my duty. I still hope to use you to kill my brother's arrogance," Teri admitted frankly.

At the door, there was another commotion—a couple. Emmalie wasn't dressed for a bidding; she looked like a princess at a banquet. Duncan carefully supported her, smiling gently and sweetly.

"Mr. Duncan Rowland really dotes on his sister as much as the rumors say."

"Because this sister deserves his love. Look at that one over there. When has he ever given her a look?"

"No wonder the two of them are standing together. Both pathetic losers dumped by Duncan."

After Duncan broke off his engagement with Teri, all the young ladies turned their attention to him. He was a sinister viper disguised as an admirable winner.

"Disgusting," Teri clicked her tongue.

Thea wholeheartedly agreed. "What a harmonious scene! Even their disgusting faces are compatible. But why are they here?"

The Langstaff Group valued this bid; the guests were CEOs of companies unanimously verified by the board of directors and qualified to participate. As far as Thea knew, Max was reluctant to relinquish power. Duncan and Emmalie might have some pocket money, but no significant assets.

"I heard that Duncan invested and registered a company; Emmalie will be the legal representative to compete with you," Teri whispered, sneering. "My brother's connections. They're in the same boat, but too naive. Business isn't a game for childish minds." Whenever Teri thought about the entanglement between Emmalie and Duncan, her stomach churned. However, Emmalie clearly didn't want to let them off. As Emmalie approached, her cloying perfume filled Thea's nose.

"Teri" Emmalie grabbed Teri's hand affectionately. "I was looking for you. I didn't expect you to be standing with my sister. You're my sister-in-law. This is your family's bidding. You have to be fair between me and Thea."

Emmalie didn't seem to notice Duncan's gloomy expression. He disliked her calling Teri "sister-in-law." He wished they only belonged to each other, but he wouldn't dare to reveal this publicly.

"Miss Rowland, bidding isn't a game. Your competitors aren't limited to your sister," Teri said, shaking off Emmalie's hand. "As long as you're qualified, we can make a wise choice. I'm just afraid that some people have grandiose aims but puny abilities."