Chapter 65

"How about you come to headquarters with me?" Nicolas looked at her, his eyes holding an emotion Thea couldn't decipher.

"If you stay at Avon Ventures, you'll spend most of your time dealing with Jake and Madelyn. Come to headquarters with me! I can offer you a better position, and being by my side will help you learn more," he continued.

Thea furrowed her brows, her lips parting slightly before she shook her head. "No, Mr. Hendrix, I can't go to headquarters with you."

Her reasoning was simple: her work for the Hendrix family was temporary. She had invested considerable effort at Avon Ventures, and leaving would upset people there. Furthermore, she planned to start her own company; a position at headquarters was unnecessary. Leaving would only benefit Madelyn and Jake.

Nicolas narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so unwilling to leave? Is it because of Jake?"

Thea nodded slightly. "That's part of the reason."

Nicolas chuckled, a hint of malice in his gaze. He changed the subject. "Jepson has lost a lot due to Jake and Madelyn's foolishness. I suspect he's using Madelyn to pressure Jake."

Thea frowned. "Mr. Hendrix, what do you mean?"

"Jake will likely come to me, asking for peace on behalf of Madelyn. If I'm willing, I could use Jepson's influence to get rid of Madelyn. Then, no one will interfere in your relationship with Jake," he explained. A tight knot of bitterness formed in Thea's chest. What does Nicolas mean? Is he trying to push me away? Everything was going fine. Why the sudden shift? she wondered.

"Mr. Hendrix" Thea began.

Nicolas looked impatient. "Whatever you choose, don't overthink it. Think it over and find me later." He turned and left.

Jepson had the servants prepare a lavish spread, hoping to charm Thea back for a family dinner and reassure her, stabilizing Jake's engagement. However, nearing mealtime, neither Thea nor Jake had arrived.

Frustrated and anxious, Jepson repeatedly called Jake. Initially, his calls went to voicemail; then Jake began hanging up; finally, Jake's phone was switched off.

Jepson nearly threw his phone in anger, turning to the servants with a dark expression. "If Jake returns today, make him stand in the courtyard for three hours before he can rest."

Simone felt a twitch in her eyelids, a mix of helplessness and rage. "You know Thea's temperament. She's from a humble background, spoiled, and quick to anger. They're currently at odds. Do you really expect to see him kneeling to plead with her? I think it would be better if they broke up. I could find a wealthier heiress for Jake."

Jepson sneered. "Find another heiress? That fool only has eyes for Madelyn. Honestly, I'd rather have Thea."

A chill passed through Simone. She couldn't respond.

"Madelyn is just a woman without a background. Once Jake gets bored, I can easily deal with her. There's no way someone like her is marrying into the Hendrix family," Simone paused.

The "# SEND GIFT" at the end appears to be unrelated to the story and should be removed.