Chapter 68

After Thea rejected Nicolas's proposal last time, he seemed angry for several days. Thea couldn't reach Nicolas, and her messages received only bland replies. "Maybe this is just how we normally interact," she thought. "But why do I still feel a pang of sadness?"

Even though she tried to control her thoughts and cautioned herself against overstepping, her mind wandered. Sitting in her office, Thea stared out the window, feeling troubled. When she looked up, she saw Darwin standing at her door. "Miss Rowland, Mr. Hendrix is looking for you."

A tremor of anxiety ran through Thea as she walked to the CEO's office. A faint, cold fragrance mixed with the smell of alcohol filled the air. Her brows furrowed. Nicolas is drinking? He's usually so disciplined and never touches alcohol. What's going on? she thought.

The office lights were off, and Nicolas sat quietly in the darkness, facing the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the city lights cast a faint glow on his profile. He remained handsome and regal, exuding an aura that made one hesitate to approach him. But today, a hint of confusion and fragility clouded his eyes.

"Mr. Hendrix?" Thea sat obediently across from him. Unlike her usual corporate attire, she wore a gray sweater and a long black skirt, her hair cascading down her back. Her striking features, complemented by light makeup, remained captivating. She exuded an air of intellect and distance, reminiscent of the way Nicolas had seen her years ago, under the gloomy sky at Yurtinas.

Nicolas was momentarily lost in thought but quickly composed himself. "Have you thought about what we discussed last time?"

"I have," Thea replied honestly. "I plan to stay at Avon Ventures. Let the more capable people go to headquarters."

"Why?" Nicolas swirled his wine glass, his eyes hinting at a deeper meaning. "Is it still about Jake? I've noticed you seem to care more about him and Madelyn."

Thea frowned. "Yes, I do care, but it's not the kind of concern you think." She was interested in Jake and Madelyn purely for revenge. In the first half of her life, Thea had swallowed her pride and endured many grievances. No one appreciated her maturity or cared for her; everyone felt she should bear these burdens.

At that moment, Thea realized something important: In her short life, she didn't need to live so constricted because of others.

Nicolas's expression darkened, then quickly cleared. "Caring is caring. You don't need to categorize it. On one hand, you're asking someone to write a complaint letter to headquarters, dragging Jake and Madelyn down with you, while on the other, you want to stay at Avon Ventures. It's hard not to overthink it."

Thea hesitated. "The complaint is only about Jake and Madelyn trying to shift the blame onto me. Moreover, Jake is simply not suited for his position. I'm staying at Avon Ventures because of his position. It's straightforward. I'm not going to headquarters because I…"

A cold glint appeared in Nicolas's eyes. "Thea, do you know what you're saying? You want me to side with you to fire my own nephew?"

"But Mr. Hendrix, I'm related to you," Thea blurted out impulsively. She immediately regretted her outburst.