Chapter 50

Thea wore a moon-white silk dress, its elegant cut highlighting her slender figure and enhancing her grace and poise. Her long hair was pinned up, a few loose strands framing her face and giving her a casually refined look. Her soft features were complemented by slightly upturned almond-shaped eyes, adding a touch of sharpness without making her appear unapproachable. The more one looked, the harder it was to forget her.

A man's eyes flashed with awe, but he quickly retorted, "What do you think? Do I look like a top-tier simp?"

Thea gave him a cold smile. "And what about me? Do I look like a top-tier simp? If you can't handle it, is your jealousy out of control?"

Stepping closer, she lightly placed her fair hand on his shoulder, then brushed it as if removing dust, her tone growing icier. "Men should work on their character. At your age, if you're still not settled down, it's because your jealousy is holding you back. Do you remember that? You haven't gotten married or had children yet, have you?"

Her words weren't quiet; many overheard. People cast strange glances at the man, whispers soon following. His expression shifted to an ugly shade of embarrassment. Anyone planning to gossip about Thea wisely held their tongues. She turned and walked away, her mood souring.

"Damn! Why do Jake and Madelyn always show up wherever I go?" she muttered.

The room was filling up for the outstanding graduates' speeches—a reunion including two graduating classes. Thea, having spent time abroad before repeating her final year, was a year behind Jake. In previous reunions, they had both given speeches, as top graduates of their respective years. Although Thea despised sharing the stage with Jake, she decided to endure it.

As the crowd gathered in the yacht's main hall, Thea confirmed the rumors: Jake had brought Madelyn. Thea had to admit, being with Jake had improved Madelyn's demeanor. Her style, from clothing to makeup, had matured, and her formerly mousy behavior was almost gone. However, she knew that surface changes don't alter one's true nature.

This event was full of elites. Some greeted Madelyn out of courtesy to Jake, but she still hid behind him, her large, innocent eyes blinking up at people. Thea found the frustration and exasperation in their gazes amusing.

After the host warmed up the crowd, it was time for the speeches. Thea stood, as did Jake. Their eyes met across the room, but no sparks flew. Thea's gaze remained indifferent; Jake's eyes darkened momentarily, a flash of irritation crossing his face.

"Let's welcome Mr. Hendrix and Miss Terell to the stage for their speech," the host announced.

But Thea paused, her hand still holding her dress, hesitant to step forward. Everyone in the room froze. Jake turned and extended his hand to Madelyn. She smiled sweetly, her expression one of bashful pride as she took his hand. They exchanged an affectionate look, like a scene from a romantic drama.

The crowd processed what was happening, turning to Thea with knowing glances, most filled with schadenfreude, eagerly awaiting her reaction.