Chapter 80

Thea spoke seriously, but Nicolas smiled. "Take a look first. See if you like it."

Thea nodded and opened the gift box, her eyes widening in surprise. Inside was a pocket watch crafted by Richard, one of his early works. It was said he was very proud of this piece and couldn't bring himself to sell it. Thea had seen it before and been tempted by its beauty. Richard had even told her that if she liked it, he'd reluctantly part with it, but she had refused. This was partly because she'd spent most of her budget on Max's gift, and partly because she didn't want to take something so precious to Richard.

But Thea hadn't expected Nicolas to buy it for her. She initially thought his apology was perfunctory, but this gesture felt genuine.

Feeling much better, Thea suppressed a smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "I really like this gift. Thank you." Nicolas remained composed, but the coldness in his expression softened slightly. Thea was about to ask him why he was attending the event when his phone vibrated.

She glanced over, noticing that the contact name differed from the others. Nicolas was meticulous and distant, and usually listed contacts by full names. This contact, however, appeared to be only a first name, though Thea didn't clearly see it.

The phone's volume was loud enough for Thea to hear a feminine voice—ethereal, sweet, and playfully undertoned. "Nicolas, where are you? I'm not feeling well. Can you take me to the hospital?" Nicolas pursed his lips and walked aside to answer the call.

Thea watched him go, her heart stirring with a strange, unfamiliar emotion. Many women had been around Nicolas, but he'd always treated them coldly; either hanging up and blocking their numbers, or sending Darwin to ensure they never bothered him again. But this time was different.

Though she couldn't hear Nicolas, Thea could see his expression—gentle, almost affectionate, as if he were soothing the woman's concerns. She had never seen him like that. By the time she realized it, her fingernails had dug into her palm, leaving marks. It hurt, but she showed no sign of it.

When Nicolas finally hung up, she approached, trying to sound casual. "Was it urgent? If you need to go, I can explain to the others."

Nicolas shook his head. "No need. I've already sent Darwin to handle it." Darwin was always by Nicolas's side. For Nicolas to send him away demonstrated how important this woman was to him.

For a split second, Thea almost blurted out, "Who is she? Is she your first crush, the one everyone talks about?" But she lacked the nerve to ask. "What would that even mean? This is his personal business. It has nothing to do with me," she reminded herself.

At that moment, the Rowland family butler approached. Thea knew Ivy had something to say. As expected, the butler bowed respectfully. "Miss Rowland, Mrs. Rowland wishes to speak with you."

Thea's smile was cold. "There's nothing for us to discuss. If it's about me and Emmalie, there's even less reason."

The butler looked uncomfortable but persisted. "Miss Rowland, Mrs. Rowland insists. She wants to ask about your involvement with the Hendrix family. If you don't go, Mrs. Rowland will not be pleased."