Chapter 292
"Thea," Nicolas said, "dedicate all your time to me today. No reading online news or dwelling on it, okay?" His eyes, like powerful black holes, drew Thea in. "I'll listen to you," she replied.
After the incident, Oliver returned to the Key Biscayne mansion. Nicolas's apartment was typically minimalist—empty. However, the bedroom was a stark contrast. Thea gaped at the pink bedsheets. "Nicolas, this is awfully girly! You did say you liked pink…"
She hadn't lived there since buying her Silvercreek property, yet Nicolas had renovated the master bedroom to mirror her apartment. Nicolas's direct gaze reddened Thea's cheeks. Maintaining composure, she said, "I want a shower." After a long night, she was exhausted.
Emerging from the bathroom, she found Nicolas thoughtfully closing the curtains, creating deep shade, blocking even midday sunlight. Only a dim desk lamp illuminated her. Nicolas lay on the 6.5-foot bed, a jarring contrast to his usual style. The sight felt like a silent invitation. "Nicolas," Thea murmured, biting her lip, "who taught you to be so seductive?"
The warm touch stiffened Nicolas. His voice was hoarse. "Stop fooling around. Go to sleep." Thea, exhausted, lacked the energy for intimacy; he didn't want to burden his wife. But Thea had other plans. She tossed and turned, each movement imbued with meaning. Previously, even sharing a bed, she'd never been so restless.
Nicolas, struggling to control himself, cleared his throat. "I'm going to the bathroom." Only a cold shower could quell his rising desire. But Thea held his wrist, her nightgown strap slipping from her shoulder. Nicolas quietly returned, covering her with the blanket. Disappointed, Thea ceased her teasing; it hadn't been intentional, but sleep eluded her. No matter how tired she was, the bloody scene replayed in her mind, suffocating her. Only Nicolas's cold, hard face brought relief.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"Those workers," Thea replied. "They're Sparkle Rocks employees. Shouldn't I visit them after what happened?" She wouldn't rest until she did.
"I'll go with you." Nicolas saw her distress; a peaceful sleep was out of the question.
The Sparkle Rocks workers filled an entire floor of First Hospital—over a hundred patients. As Thea exited the elevator, pained wails filled her ears. "Doctor, give me an anesthetic! I can't take it anymore!" "Doctor, please save my husband's leg! He's our breadwinner! If it's amputated, we'll starve!" The overwhelmed doctor urged, "Please follow instructions!"
Thea felt she'd entered hell. Her heart sank. These workers, originally from impoverished families, had endured the hardest, most tiring work. Injury felt like the end.
A chill ran through Thea. Regardless of any outside involvement, she couldn't shirk responsibility. She'd never intended to. She saw a thin woman struggling to help her crippled husband. "Felix," she said, "eat some pumpkin soup. Your hand is crippled, but don't give up. The doctor said you lost too much blood and need nourishment." Her words pierced Thea's heart, more deeply than anything before. The gifts she brought felt insignificant, but she pressed on. "These are granola bars," she said, offering them. "They're nutritious."
Her cold tone clashed with the noisy environment. The woman recognized Thea instantly. Hot pumpkin soup splashed Thea's hand, causing redness and swelling. She stopped Nicolas, forcing a smile. "This is a personal token. Sparkle Rocks will provide generous compensation. I hope you can…" She couldn't finish. They wouldn't accept it. Many likely wished her dead.
Many workers didn't know Thea beforehand. But the media coverage had etched her name in their minds, fueling curses. Yet, those weren't as satisfying as a real slap.
"You're out on bail," a worker shouted, "and you don't care about ordinary people because you're rich and powerful! Why are you even here? Taking photos for the media? My husband's leg is crippled, and you offer granola bars and mention compensation? We don't want it! Why don't you…"
Sharp curses rained down, Thea rooted to the spot. Boiling water, fists, and slaps were hurled at her. She winced, but didn't resist, even stopping Nicolas from intervening. If this helped them vent their anger, she felt it was worth it. They suffered the most.
"Sparkle Rocks was negligent," Thea said, "I can't ask for forgiveness, but I hope you'll let us compensate you." Her apologies were lost in the anger.
Nicolas finally stepped forward, pulling Thea into his arms, shielding her from the fury. It hurt. Thea looked at his cold face, incredulous. Then she heard, "Oh my, saving the damsel in distress?" "Open your eyes! She's a profiteer who destroyed our families!" "Thea, die! You committed a great sin!"