Chapter 29

When Madelyn heard Thea mention using Nicolas's name to arrange the dinner, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes before she masked it. Turning to a visibly upset Jake, she forced a bitter smile as tears welled up. "Now I see," she said, her voice trembling. "Ms. Rowland set this up on purpose. Jake, I don't feel well. Can we go home?"

Jake, his face hardening with anger, glared at Thea. "Just because you lost Ms. Maddox's deal doesn't give you the right to take it out on Madelyn. What has she ever done to you?"

Madelyn shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, looking helpless and pitiful.

Growing tired of the escalating drama, Joyce frowned. "I don't want to be involved in your company's internal issues. I have other things to handle. If there's more to discuss, we can reschedule." She started to leave with her assistant, but Thea gently grabbed her wrist. "Ms. Maddox, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."

Thea then turned to Jake and Madelyn with a sharp gaze. "Do you know why I invited you both, when I could have met Ms. Maddox alone?"

Furious, Jake snapped, "Obviously, you wanted to humiliate us."

"Is that what you think?" Thea raised an eyebrow, smirking. Her eyes locked onto a paling Madelyn. "And you, Miss Terrell? Care to guess? There might be consequences if you're wrong."

"I I" Madelyn stammered, visibly shaken, sweat beading on her forehead as she struggled to meet Thea's gaze.

Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, Joyce frowned, sensing something was amiss.

Thea's smirk vanished as she stared intently at Madelyn. "She spread lies to Ms. Maddox. She said I was interfering in your relationship and bullying her at work, ruining this deal."

Jake's shock quickly turned to disbelief. "What are you talking about? Madelyn would never say something like that!"

Ignoring him, Thea stepped closer to Madelyn. "I dated Jake for seven years. You came between us. He gave you the promotions and bonuses I worked for, all to keep you happy, and I put up with it. But you've crossed the line. Why did you spread those lies? Did you even hesitate?"

Madelyn, initially stunned, adopted a wounded expression. "Ms. Rowland, Jake and I love each other. I know you're angry he chose me, but you can't ruin me out of jealousy. I never said you interfered or bullied me."

Joyce's face darkened. She realized that, while Madelyn hadn't explicitly said those things, she had implied them, manipulating Joyce's emotions and portraying Thea as the villain. Joyce understood she'd been played.

Madelyn's face turned ashen; she looked as though she might faint.

"Madelyn!" Jake cried, rushing to her side and gathering her in his arms. He shot Thea a look of disgust. "What has she done to deserve this from you? I'm beyond disappointed." He hurried out, carrying Madelyn.

Thea watched them go, her expression indifferent.

After her anger subsided, Joyce felt awkward. "You really dated him for seven years?"

Thea admitted frankly, "Yes, I was blind. But now I see everything." She smiled. "Ms. Maddox, now that everything's in the open, may I have another opportunity to present our mining project?"

Joyce was momentarily taken aback. She'd seen many beautiful women, but Thea's charm was different—subtle yet captivating. "No need. I'll sign," Joyce replied decisively.

After dinner, Joyce insisted on sending Thea back. As they waited for their cars, Joyce broke the silence. "Your ex-boyfriend and that homewrecker treated you like that, and you just took it?"

Thea smirked mischievously. "Who said I didn't fight back? I reported to headquarters about how Madelyn almost jeopardized this project because of personal grudges. The report was sent before I even came here."

Joyce's eyes lit up. She grabbed Thea's hand. "Keep me updated! Let's exchange contact info. I like your style, and consider me a friend." "Since it's early, how about I take you somewhere fun? I know a place with some seriously hot guys who know how to sweet-talk. They're way better than that idiot ex of yours."

A loud car horn blared. Irritated, Joyce looked around. "Which idiot is honking like that?"

Thea withdrew her hand with an awkward smile. "Sorry, but maybe next time. My ride-share driver is here."

Joyce shot her a curious look. "You expect me to believe your ride-share driver drives a Maybach?"

The car window rolled down, revealing a strikingly handsome man with an aloof expression. Thea's heart skipped a beat—it was Nicolas.

"Get in," Nicolas said calmly.

In the back seat, Thea fidgeted. Unable to bear the silence, she asked, "Mr. Hendrix, maybe I should drive?"

Nicolas glanced at her in the rearview mirror and changed the subject. "I heard you used my name to arrange the meeting with Ms. Maddox. Why didn't I hear about this beforehand?" His calm voice still made Thea's heart race. She lowered her gaze. "It all happened quickly. Ms. Maddox was flying out tomorrow, and I couldn't reach you in time. This was the task you assigned me, and I didn't want to let you down. I know I acted rashly. If you think I deserve to be punished, I understand."

Amused and exasperated, Nicolas shook his head. "You do need to be punished. You were too rash." He kept his deeper concerns to himself, turning the car in a different direction. She got lucky this time, but if her opponents hadn't been as clueless as Jake and Madelyn, things could have gone south quickly. She could've ruined the deal and faced serious consequences.