Chapter 461

Nicolas was definitely angry, and Thea was sure of it. But she wasn't clear about the cause. If it was the report she filed, the news from headquarters about Madelyn's reinstatement should have resolved the issue. Nicolas was decisive and efficient; he didn't act ambiguously. So why was he still upset?

Every week, Nicolas came over and stayed for two days, yet he hadn't spoken to Thea, silently taking his things to the guest room. "This cold-faced Nicolas is a bit proud," Thea thought.

With no other option, Thea carried the waffles she'd made and knocked on his door. "Mr. Hendrix, can I come in?" Silence. It felt as if no one was home. Clearly, Nicolas didn't want to see her.

Thea glanced at the waffles, feeling awkward. They were best fresh and warm. She planned to slip the waffles onto the table and leave, but as she turned the doorknob, Nicolas opened the door, and she stumbled into his arms. The waffles flew, splattering across his white shirt. Before Thea could lament the ruined waffles, she dropped the tray and fumbled to fix his shirt. The waffles were hot. "Mr. Hendrix, are you okay? Did you get burned? Let me check your shirt," she said hurriedly.

As she unbuttoned a few buttons and saw his fair skin and attractive muscular build, Thea realized her actions and felt her face heat up. Nicolas looked down at her, his eyes swirling with an unusual emotion.

She gripped the button tightly, her ears burning as she averted her gaze, caught between buttoning and not buttoning, wishing she could disappear.

"Ow," Nicolas groaned softly, his voice still cold but with a hint of annoyance. "I think I might have been burned." Thea's heart skipped a beat. "Do you want me to take a look?" she asked, immediately regretting her forwardness.

Strangely, Nicolas wasn't angry. He nodded. "Help me with some ointment," he said, quickly removing his shirt.

As the fabric fell, a cool scent filled the air. Even though Thea tried not to stare, her eyes lingered on his well-built upper body—strong and muscular, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Her cheeks flushed.

Clearing her throat, Thea said quickly, "I'll go grab the first-aid kit," and practically bolted from the room.

When she returned, Thea was calmer. Nicolas wasn't lying; several patches on his abdomen were red. The cool ointment soothed his skin. Though Nicolas remained impassive, his gaze had deepened. Thea tried to focus on the ointment but couldn't help stealing glances at him.

Thea had once thought Jake handsome, but compared to Nicolas, he seemed ordinary. "It's hard to imagine a man like this is still unmarried," she wondered. "Has he ever dated anyone?"

Thea was lost in thought until Nicolas' low, steady voice interrupted her. "Are you almost done?"

Startled, Thea pressed a bit too hard. Nicolas groaned again, his eyes gleaming. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix. Did I hurt you?" Thea's face flushed, and she felt frustrated. She was usually not so clumsy; why was she so flustered around Nicolas? "You're coming with me to the Hendrix Mansion tomorrow. Some relatives are coming, and they want to meet you," Nicolas said, fortunately changing the subject.

Thea felt a flutter of anxiety. "Go to the Hendrix Mansion?" She thought about her contractual marriage, its temporary nature, her recent broken engagement with Jake, and the potential offense to Jake's family if his father learned of her marriage to Nicolas.

Noticing her tension, Nicolas' tone softened. "Don't worry. Jake and his family won't be there. These relatives are all new to you."

Relieved, Thea almost spoke, but Nicolas stood, opened the door, and reverted to his indifferent demeanor. "Get some rest. I'll have Darwin pick you up tomorrow."

Thea felt disappointed. She almost spoke, but held back. Nicolas watched her leave, his lips twitching slightly before he closed the door. Stefan was in a good mood when they returned together, immediately showering Thea with gifts. This contrasted sharply with her previous visit with Jake's parents.

The Hendrix relatives were all new faces. Thea, gracefully linking arms with Nicolas, mingled with them, exuding charm and elegance. Stefan praised her profusely. After dinner, Thea stepped outside for air and almost collided with someone—Jake.

He frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Thea felt panic. "Aren't they supposed to be gone?" She pulled away, putting on a cold face. "What's it to you?"

Jake looked her over. Her makeup was exquisite, her dress elegant. Her hair cascaded down her back, her eyes sparkled, and her pearl earrings accentuated her delicate features. Remembering the security guard's account of Thea lingering near the mansion's entrance, Jake thought she'd come to see him.