Chapter 282

Had the bidding not begun, Thea suspected they would have continued their conversation in the Langstaff family's lounge. Downstairs, Mason, on stage, had already begun his speech, emphasizing Aiden's belated introduction.

"My father would do anything for his precious son," Teri muttered, disdain flashing in her eyes. "An illegitimate child is valued simply for his lineage. He even uses me to advance his son." Teri and Thea stood in a corner, their contrasting appearances striking under the shifting light. Teri’s disappointment was unconcealed; Thea smiled. "Are you indignant? Then let's make them regret this later."

They were different, yet their shared enemy had bound them together. Now, neither could retreat.

As hostess, Teri mingled with the guests. Thea remained in the corner, listening to the bidders' meaningless speeches. A shadow fell over her. Aiden, a dark smile playing on his lips, sneered, "How dare you appear before me?"

"Mr. Langstaff," Thea replied, nodding slightly before turning away. She ignored his subsequent greeting.

His eyes blazed. "Since Amelia went out with you that day, there's been no word. What did you do to her?"

He seized her wrist, leaving red marks. Thea coldly regarded his hand on her skin. Her aura, as commanding as Nicolas', startled him into releasing her. "Mr. Langstaff, please respect yourself. Whatever happened to your lover is none of my concern. In any case… she deserved it," Thea added, her calm tone underlining her words. "Or are you trying to shift the blame?" Her composure shattered Aiden's pride.

Concerned about the man behind her, Aiden suppressed his hatred, teeth gritted. "If anything happens to Amelia, I won't let you off."

Did Amelia truly love Aiden? Amelia was undeniably skilled at captivating men.

Thea remained silent. Aiden's frustration simmered, a mix of anger and embarrassment. "At least, you're outbid today!"

Thea disregarded his threat. She was a doer, not one to waste time on empty threats.

On stage, the bidding continued. Several company representatives were Thea's acquaintances. The contrast was obvious. Soon, it was Sparkle Rocks' turn. The light illuminated Thea's striking face as she confidently walked onto the stage.

"You're the best!" Teri exclaimed, their eyes meeting; this was a battle of honor.

Downstage, Emmalie watched anxiously. "Wait!" Aiden called out, smiling at Thea. "Miss Rowland, it's rare to see you and your sister together, and as competitors. As an elder sister, shouldn't you yield to your younger sister? Dreamedia is a fledgling company, and we're eager to see their proposal."

Without Aiden's rigged connections, Dreamedia wouldn't have qualified. The other competitors dismissed the new company. The Langstaff Group's bidding wasn't solely Aiden's affair; shareholders would ultimately decide. So, what was Aiden doing? His actions didn't influence the shareholders' judgment. "Aiden, the order is set. Why are you interfering?" Mason asked, displeased.

Aiden smiled, meeting Thea's gaze. "I've heard the Rowland sisters have conflicts. I'm curious to see."

Their relationship was known, but Aiden was the first to bring it up publicly.

Emmalie blushed, hiding behind Duncan. "Mr. Langstaff, we're confident in our plan. We don't need Thea to yield. Even if we're sidelined, we'll accept it."

"You're family. Family should support each other. Miss Rowland, won't you even relinquish this insignificant order to your sister?"

Thea resented being manipulated. She frowned. "Why should I? The order was decided by your company, not me."

She stated bluntly, "Mr. Aiden Langstaff, Mr. Mason Langstaff has never publicly declared you heir. Are you so eager to lead the Langstaff family? What about Miss Langstaff and the other shareholders? Did you consult them?" The scene was unprecedented. The Langstaff shareholders glared at Aiden, deeming him a petty, illegitimate child.

Teri intervened. "Miss Rowland, my brother's never been bright. Please continue your presentation. Ignore him."

Aiden's plan backfired, humiliating him before business partners. He could only watch Thea shine.

Thea, despite not being Avon Ventures' general manager, had effectively performed Jake's duties for years. Her professionalism was unquestionable. Her presentation expertly highlighted Sparkle Rocks' advantages and addressed the Langstaff family's weaknesses. The audience erupted in applause.

Thea savored her success. Then, a sound from behind. Emmalie's USB drive fell; Duncan prevented her fall.

Thea frowned, a bad feeling arising. "Thea…" Emmalie began, tears welling. "You've always taken my things. We're sisters, so I'm willing to give this to you."

"But I spent countless sleepless nights on this proposal. How could you steal my work? This is Dreamedia's debut. Do you want to humiliate me?"

Many onlookers believed Emmalie.

"She's always been domineering. Her sister has lived in her shadow."

"Now she's stealing her sister's work?"

"That speech was impressive. But she's a thief!"

Chapter 282