Everything went quiet. People suspected drama between Thea and Jake, but nobody knew the details. Thea's demeanor spoke volumes.

Then, someone snickered, amplifying the already awkward atmosphere.

Thea looked around. Nicolas was relaxing on a nearby couch. She blinked, remembering a scene she'd witnessed in the restroom.

Jake's face was a whirlwind of emotions. "Thea," he began, his voice soft. "About the other day… I swear I can explain. I—"

Before he could finish, the waitress carrying his cake dropped the plate. Crash! It shattered on the floor. She frantically cleaned up the mess, her eyes red even behind her mask. Jake quickly surveyed the scene, then froze, reaching for the waitress's hand before quickly retracting it.

Thea, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Looks like Mr. Hendrix is preoccupied. Perhaps we should continue this conversation later?"

Madelyn, tears welling, looked down. "I'm so sorry, Jake. I didn't mean to intrude. I'm worried about you and wanted to apologize to Miss Rowland in person. I don't want to cause your breakup." Jake was heartbroken. "Madelyn, you don't have to do this."

Ivy glared at Madelyn, her face a mask of disgust and hatred.

Despite Thea's fiery temper, Madelyn was her daughter, and the Hendrix alliance was too valuable to jeopardize.

Unable to bear Jake and Madelyn's display any longer, Thea started to leave, but Madelyn grabbed her wrist.

"Miss Rowland," Madelyn said apologetically, "I didn't mean to cause trouble. You have everything—looks, family. I understand I'm not on your level. I messed up and will make amends, even if it means kneeling. Please forgive Jake." Jake's eyes were wet. "Madelyn, you don't need to degrade yourself. Get up!"

Madelyn, however, stubbornly clung to Thea's wrist, feigning weakness.

Thea smirked slightly. "Who said anything about keeping you two apart? Let go."

Thea gently tried to pull away. Madelyn then yelped, seemingly losing her balance and tripping over the table's edge. To onlookers, it appeared Thea had pushed her.

The champagne tower wobbled, then crashed onto Madelyn. Thea saw a flash of smugness in Madelyn's eyes. Instantly, Thea pulled Madelyn toward her.

This time, Madelyn avoided the champagne, but fell nonetheless. Just as she was about to create a scene, she saw the stunned crowd. The champagne tower crashed, drenching Nicolas's expensive suit.

Silence, then Ivy exclaimed, "What are you standing around for? Check if Mr. Hendrix is okay!"

She rushed around, shooting Madelyn a sharp glance. Tension filled the room.

Madelyn, pale and shaken, looked at Thea, tears welling. Before she could speak, Thea interrupted.

"Miss Terell, why do you always cause trouble? If I hadn't stopped you, you could have been injured. And with Mr. Hendrix being the center of attention today, imagine if he'd been hurt?" Madelyn sobbed. Jake stepped protectively in front of her, clearly annoyed.

"It's Madelyn's first time at an event like this. She's overwhelmed, and instead of welcoming her, you're attacking her. Thea, if you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't target Madelyn," Jake said.

"If she truly intended to cause trouble, Miss Rowland would have already dismissed her," a calm, deep voice said.

Nicolas brushed off the towel a waiter offered, giving Jake a frosty look.

"Showing up as guests and then criticizing the host because your friend can't handle herself? Is that what your father taught you? That's pathetic," Nicolas scolded.

Jake felt the sting of Nicolas's words. Everyone was stunned by Nicolas's intensity. Known for his strict adherence to rules, his public rebuke of Jake's behavior was shocking.

Ivy smiled, attempting to lighten the mood. "Mr. Hendrix, your dressing room is ready. Why don't you change?"

"Sounds good," Nicolas agreed, then glanced at Thea. "Miss Rowland, after you," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Thea was surprised. He wants me to lead the way? Awkwardly, she gestured for Nicolas to follow.

As she led him to the dressing room, she was about to leave, when Nicolas called out, "Miss Rowland, can we talk?" Thea's hand trembled as she turned. She nodded and re-entered, feeling like a child about to be reprimanded. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm sorry about the restroom incident. And don't worry, my lips are sealed," she said.

Nicolas's deep eyes flickered with unreadable emotions; his lips twitched. "Mr. Hendrix? What's with the formality?" he asked.

Taken aback, Thea replied uncertainly, "Well, I've been thinking. Jake and I aren't a good match. Calling off the wedding seems best."

"Eight years," Nicolas said, settling into a chair. His voice held a teasing, or perhaps lighthearted, tone. "Do you think ending an eight-year relationship is that simple? Besides, a Rowland-Hendrix marriage isn't something you casually walk away from," he said, partly reminding, partly warning her. Thea was about to respond when she noticed a dark red mark on Nicolas's wrist.

"Mr. Hendrix, are you hurt?" she asked, grabbing a nearby medical kit.

She knelt, taking his hand, revealing a scar as she pushed up his sleeve. It wasn't deep, but noticeable. She efficiently treated the wound.

Nicolas looked at her, his eyes seemingly empty. "You know how to do this?" he asked.

"Yes, I picked up some first aid skills living abroad. Necessary for survival," she replied.

His hands were pale and well-cared-for; his knuckles prominent, the veins adding an unexpected allure.

Thea was momentarily distracted by his appearance. Only when their hands accidentally touched did she snap back to reality.

"Oh, sorry!" she blurted, her cheeks flushing, pulling away. But Nicolas caught her wrist.