Chapter 288: Be Afraid

Thea frowned at Joyce's drastically changed expression. "Answer it, Joyce. I'm here." Joyce's palms trembled. "Hello?"

"Is it Miss Maddox?" The woman's cold, distant voice indicated a position of power.

After confirming her identity, the woman's attitude changed completely. "My son has never been interested in girls, but this time, he told me he really likes you. Miss Maddox, when are you free to meet me?"

Thea wisely avoided this shocking development. The Langstaff Group and Sparkle Rocks collaboration was proceeding smoothly, leaving her with little to worry about. However, Ursa called—a rare occurrence unless it was business. The night was silent; Thea's heart sank. A bad feeling washed over her.

Since Thea secured the cooperation, Ursa had been much more respectful. "The raw stone mine in the western suburbs collapsed, trapping many workers. The media are reporting it frantically."

Any news related to Thea became headline news; the media wouldn't miss this breaking story. However, Thea was more concerned about the lives buried beneath the rubble. Her body turned cold, but she maintained her composure. "I'll be there soon. Maintain order and try your best to rescue people before I arrive."

Opening the door, she met Joyce's worried gaze. Joyce, an avid internet user, was already aware. "Thea, I'll go with you."

"Okay," Thea nodded, her mind numb.

In the car, Thea scrolled through her phone's bright screen. The comments were brutal:

[Does Sparkle Rocks have any safety regulations? People are buried alive! This is sheer incompetence and heartlessness!] [Anyone know Sparkle Rocks's new CEO? She's the Hendrix Group CEO's wife, and she clearly disregards safety regulations!] [Thea, pay with your life for the miners!]

Thea's expression turned cold at the vicious criticism. Joyce gripped her hand. "Thea, don't look. People are blind, typing filth from behind their screens. Don't let them affect you. You have more important things to handle." Thea urged the driver to speed up repeatedly; the mine was in the suburbs, a long drive away.

The scene was chaotic. As Thea stepped out, the flashing lights nearly blinded her.

"What do you think of the mine collapse?" "Will you compensate the victims' families, or disregard their lives?" "Don't evade our questions! Take responsibility!"

The reporters' barrage of questions was dizzying. Fortunately, Joyce was there. Formerly treated as the Maddox family's sole heir, Joyce wasn't just a spoiled child; she knew how to handle aggressive reporters.

"Get out of the way! No interviews or questions! Anyone blocking our rescue efforts will face immediate police action. Unscrupulous reporters, prepare for jail!"

With Joyce's intervention, Thea reached the cordon. Only then did she realize her legs were weak.

"Thea, leave this to me," her best friend offered.

But Thea shook her head firmly. "I'm fine. Sparkle Rocks is my responsibility. Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I'll be accountable to the end."

Taking a deep breath, Thea regained her composure. She looked at the collapsed mine, the air thick with the smell of mud and dust. There had been no recent rain; why the landslide? As she approached, she saw Ursa and the police talking. Jamie was also there. Seeing them, he rushed over.

"Thea, be prepared. Nearly a hundred people were working; over twenty are still trapped. If anything happens, and the higher-ups hold you accountable, you won't escape."

Thea was mentally prepared. "I know. Please do your best to rescue them. Nothing is more important than human lives."

The thought of so many employees dying filled her with dread.

Jamie looked at her intently. "This is complex. Consider calling Nicolas."

"He has his own responsibilities," Thea refused instantly. Connecting him to this would only implicate him.

Nicolas looked up from his files, noticing Darwin's hesitation.

"What is it?" He picked up his coffee.

Darwin stammered, "Mr. Hendrix, something happened at Mrs. Hendrix's mine. It's… difficult."

The incident had exploded online. Suppressing it would ruin the Hendrix Group's reputation.

Darwin explained, "Several people remain trapped, but the main issue is the blame falling on Mrs. Hendrix. The mine contained high-quality raw stones. Night shifts were pre-planned, but now it's being used as evidence of employee exploitation."

He was intimidated by Nicolas's imposing presence. "Mr. Hendrix, what should we do?"

"No call from her?" Nicolas scrolled through his phone.

Darwin was surprised; at a time of death, he was concerned about a phone call?

08:11 Fri, Nov 22 Chapter 288

"No message, but many want your opinion…" Darwin replied cautiously.

Nicolas was their barometer; his presence would deter others. Abandoning Thea would bring immense pressure upon her. Darwin knew Nicolas's feelings for Thea, but outsiders didn't. "She's probably too busy to call. Should we go?"

Nicolas paused, his eyes dark and unfocused. "No need."

He'd taught Thea to trust him in dangerous situations, but she still hadn't learned.