Chapter 33
Emmalie frowned, her frustration evident. Thea, wrong is wrong. Hasn't our family already covered for you enough? And now you—"
Before she could finish. The calmly pulled out her phone and dialed Max's number, putting the call on speaker.
"What is it?" Max's cold voice echoed through the phone.
Without giving Emmalie a chance to interrupt, Thea said smoothly, "Max, wasn't it already proven that the rumor about me bullying Madelyn was just a misunderstanding? Why is it still being spread around? I'm concerned it might affect my marriage plans with the Hendrix f Max's tone turned cold. "Nonsense! No one from the Rowland family would do something so disgraceful. We'll gather evidence and sue anyone spreading such lies.
As Emmalie's face drained of color, Thea's eyes glinted with satisfaction. She sighed softly, "But Max, it's not just anyone saying this. It's your beloved sister, Emmalie, What do you suggest we do about that?"
A long silence followed before the call abruptly disconnected.
Immediately. Emmalie's phone began to ring. She glanced at the caller LD, her expression darkening as she hurriedly walked away to take the call..
Alan was afraid that Thea would complain to Max about him. Caught in the uncomfortable tension, he stood frozen, unsure whether to stay or leave.
When Emmalie returned, her eyes were red, as if she'd just endured some great injustice.
She looked at Thea and let out a weak laugh, tears welling up. I'm sorry, Thea. I didn't know. I was upset when you said joined Hendrix Group for my sake, and I just blurted something out without thinking. I misunderstood. You won't hold it against me, will you?" As Emmalie teared up, appearing pitiful, voices around them rose in her defense.
"She made a mistake, but it's not that serious, someone said.
"Exactly, another added. "Ms. Rowland has been traveling for performances. She probably didn't know the whole story and just repeated what she'd heard. No need to be harsh on her
Thea's cold smile widened. Ignoring Emmalic, she turned to Alan and said, "Now..
misunderstanding, shall we discuss the Virtuex Group matter properly?"
we've cleared up that
Alan hesitated, weighing his options. Though Thea wasn't well-liked at home, she was still a Rowland and engaged to the Hendrix family. After careful consideration, he decided to give her a chance. Before Thea could proceed, Emmalie cut in, "Wait, are you talking about the Virtuex Group?"
Thea felt a surge of irritation. Emmalie, once again, seemed determined to interfere
"I know a little about the Virtuex Group's collaborations with universities, Emmalie said, her voice sweet and calm.
Curious, someone asked, "How do you know about the Hendrix family business, Ms. Rowland?"
Emalie smiled softly, biting her lip in a coy manner. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I happened to run into Nicolas at a party once, and he mentioned it to me: Normally, I don't understand business matters, but he explained it in detail, so I caught on. Hearing her speak of Nicolas so intimately, Thea frowned.
Emmalie sensed Thea's discomfort, and her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Nicolas also said that only he or someone hel trusts completely handles the university collaborations.
"I was just wondering how Thea, who originally worked with Avon Ventures, ended up managing the Virtuex Group's partnerships. Then I see.
She smiled, her tone playful. "Thea, are you trying to impress Nicolas for Jake's sake? That's a bit risky, don't you think? If Nicolas finds out you've been acting on your own, he won't be pleased."
Thea took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation, and smiled icily. It seems you know Nicolas very well, even his personal thoughts."
Emmalie flushed with shyness.
Just then, someone in the crowd said. "Thea probably doesn't know, but the Rowland family is planning to marry Emmalie to Nicolas, head of the Hendrix family. Looks like the big day is approaching. Thea glanced at Emmalie, amusement and mockery flickering in her eyes.
Seeing Then's expression, Emmalie misinterpreted it as shock and felt even more triumphant.
Torn between laughter and frustration, Thea thought, 'How strange. Nicolas and Emmalie, huh? As his wife, how come I don't know about this?'
Emmalie took Thea's hand with a show of fake sympathy. I know it might be tough for you, Thea. Once Nicolas and 1 a married, I'll be your elder. But don't worry, I'll make sure Nicolas takes good care of you and Jake."
With a forced smile. Thea played along. "You're jumping ahead, Emmalie. Your marriage to the Hendrix family is far from guaranteed. Honestly, I don't see it happening"
Emmalie's smile faltered, and her eyes filled with tears once again. "I... I know you don't like me, but you shouldn't say such hurtful things:
The crowd quickly turned against Thea, having accepted Emmalie's marriage to Nicolas as a done deal. No one wanted to risk upsetting the future wife of the Hendrix family leader.
Even Alan, growing irritated, coldly said, "Thea, with that attitude, we can't work with you. As Emmalie said, if Mr. Hendrix is interested in collaborating with us, he'll contact me directly. We don't need someone like you trying to handle it."This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
Thea felt her temper rising. She looked at Alan coldly. "If you're willing to offend me because you think Emmalie might marry Nicolas, let me set the record straight - Emmalie will never marry him.
I'm here on Mr. Hendrix's behalf to negotiate this deal. If you doubt me, feel free to call him directly. But if you reject me now, don't expect Mr. Hendrix to return and negotiate later."
In truth, the deal with Aurelia University had already been agreed upon, but at the last minute, the university, feeling entitled as a prestigious institution, had begun pushing for better terms without offering more in return.
It was all petty bargaining, which was why Nicolas didn't bother attending this party himself.
Emmalie, still maintaining her graceful appearance, subtly clenched her hands in frustration. She leaned closer to Alan, her voire low but firma. "Let me make this clear as well - you're choosing between this one deal or completely offending me and the Hendrix family Alan's expression hardened, and he motioned for security.
Thea chuckled as she sidestepped the guard's attempt to grals harm. "No need to drag the out. I can walk myself."
Emmalie, attempting to maintain her public image, lifted her dress and followed after Thea. "Let me walk you out," she said. still trying to appear gracious.
But Thea ignored her, quickening her pace toward the exit. Just then, a group of men in suits entered, carrying a tray, making their way directly to Emmalie.