Chapter 51

As Jake led Madelyn onto the stage, she glanced back at Thea, her eyes full of provocation. Thea wasn't about to swallow this insult. She had come to the event to network. Normally, she would have let someone else take the spotlight, but not this time.

With everyone watching, Thea also stepped onto the stage. Madelyn's eyes flickered with malice, but she feigned panic. "Ms. Rowland," she said, "what are you doing here? Jake and I are scheduled to give a speech together. Are you going to cause a scene and make everyone unhappy again?" Jake stood protectively beside Madelyn, his face full of suspicion as he looked at Thea.

"Everyone's watching," Jake said coldly. "Are you really going to embarrass yourself like this?"

Thea pointed at the banner behind them, her tone calm. "Go ahead, read it aloud. What does it say? Come on, you both finished high school. Don't tell me you can't read."

The banner announced the speech for "Outstanding Graduates," a title that hit Madelyn like a slap. She wasn't even a graduate of this school.

Madelyn's hands clenched the hem of her dress, and she looked at Jake helplessly, tears welling up in her eyes. "Jake, maybe we should just forget it. If this keeps going, I'm afraid Ms. Rowland will ruin this reunion too. I don't mind taking the hit," she said gently.

Jake lowered his voice, frustration evident in his words. "This event was sponsored by my family. I decide who speaks."

Thea laughed coldly. "Really? Are you sure?"

The Hendrix family had funded the reunion for years. Nicolas, however, never sought attention, so planning usually went through headquarters. This year, Jake had volunteered to handle it, but in reality, he had done nothing. The entire event plan had fallen to Thea. She never expected Jake and Madelyn to not only take the speaking slots but also try to claim credit for everything.

Every word Thea spoke felt like a slap to Jake's face. His expression darkened, and he finally snapped. "Do you ever think about anyone else when you act like this? Are you trying to make sure my family never sponsors another event?"

Thea raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Jake, since when are you in charge of the Hendrix family?"

Of course, Jake wasn't. Even if the Hendrix family changed heirs a hundred times, it would never be him. His face flushed with anger, and he glared at Thea, his eyes burning with rage.

Madelyn burst into tears. "I knew it," she cried. "I shouldn't have come here. If Ms. Rowland hates me so much, I'll leave." She turned and ran out, weeping.

Jake hurried after her, throwing a parting insult over his shoulder. "Now that I think about it, being with someone like you for so long disgusts me."

Thea didn't hesitate. "Good," she retorted, "because I feel the same way."

As the drama unfolded, all eyes were on Thea, but she remained unfazed. Calmly, she took the stage and continued with her "Outstanding Graduate" speech.

The chaos wasn't over yet. Suddenly, the yacht shook violently. Thea grabbed a nearby wall, trying to steady herself as a wave of unease washed over her. Just then, someone rushed in, shouting, "Everyone, get out! There's a system failure, and the yacht is sinking!"