Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Chapter 34

One of the men approached Emmalie. "These are apology gifts from Mr. Max Rowland. He said some things needed to be done to protect the Rowland family's reputation, which put you in a difficult position. He didn't mean to embarrass you and hopes you're not upset any Emmalie gasped, her eyes gleaming with delight. She pouted playfully, "Does Max think that's all it takes for me to forgive him? He's not trying hard enough."

Thea stood watching, her expression cold.

Emmalie caught her gaze and smirked, the elegant façade replaced with a challenging look.

Holding one of the gift boxes. Emmalie walked over to Thea. "See this, Thea? Even though I exposed your dirty laundry and dragged our family's name through the mud, I'm still their precious darling, And you? What are you to them?"

Leaning in close, she whispered in Thea's ear, her voice dripping with malice, "You're just garbage unwanted and unloved." But Thea didn't flinch. She simply smiled. "Do you know the biggest difference between us?" Emmalie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What?"

"If I had all the love and resources you've been given, I'd use them to rise higher. But you? Thea shook her head, her voice laced with disdain. "You're so small-minded. All you care about it keeping their affection and landing a rich husband. How pathetic. Emmalie's smile faded as her face darkened. Without warning, she slapped herself hard, the sharp sound echoing through the room. Her flawless skin reddened instantly, She turned coldly to the bodyguards. "Go tell Max that Thea hit me." The guards didn't hesitate, nodding and rushing off to follow her orders.

As expected, within minutes, Thea's phone buzzed with frantic calls from both Ivy and Max.

Without a word, Thea calmly blocked each number.

After the fallout with Aurelia University, tensions ran high at the Virtuex Group, and Thea became the easy target for everyone's frustration

"I can't believe this. Why did Mr. Hendrix send her of all people It was a done deal, and now it's completely blown," someone complained

"Didn't you hear? This wasn't even supposed to be her project. She just had to step in and steal the spotlight," another chimed in

"Typical spoiled brat behavior. We're the ones paying for it now a third added.

Suddenly, a sharp male voice cut through the chatter. "If Miss Rowland weren't capable, Mr. Hendrix wouldn't have sent her

Liam strode forward, his expression dark, positioning himself in front of Thea. "If you think you could do better, why don't you ask Mr. Hendrix to send you next time? It's not her fault you lack the skills or connections."

The others fell silent and returned to their desks, unwilling to argue with Liam, but their resentment toward Thea only grew.

Liam turned to Thea with a gentle smile. "They've been working on this project for a long time. It's hard for them to accept how things turned out, so don't take it personally"

He felt confident, sure that he'd won Thea over by defending her in front of everyone.

But Thea merely gave him a confused look. "Why would I take it personally? The project failed, partly because of me. It's only natural that they're upset. But you made it worse. They could've just vented at me a little, but now it looks like I'm using my status to intimidate them.

Liam's smile froze. He hadn't expected Thea to be so ungrateful

Quickly, he softened his expression, his voice turning warm. "Okay, okay, it's my fault. But I was just trying to stand up for you. How about you show a little gratitude? Why don't you treat me to dinner?" Thea's frustration bubbled over, her chest heaving with anger. Just as she was about to snap, her phone rang.

When she saw the name on the screen, her irritation gave way to a nervous flutter - it was Nicolas.

"Mr. Hendrix, I'm really sorry. I messed up the task you gave me This is all my fault." Thea said, lowering her head and staring down at her feet. Her voice carried a note of disappointment. Despite her years at Avon Ventures, this was the first time she'd faced such a significant failure.

Nicolas remained silent.

Unsure of what he was thinking. Thea tentatively added, "They just don't want me to follow through on this one. If someone. else took over, there might still be a chance.

Just then, Nicolas's calm voice came through, steadying her nerves. Then don't apologize until the chance is gone. Are you giving up already?"

"I understand," she replied, feeling a wave of relief.

"Good," he said

"Good," he said and changed the topic abruptly. 'Come downstairs. I'm waiting for you at the entrance."

Caught off guard. Thea hurried to the building's exit. Sure enough, Nicolas's sleek Maybach was parked by the curb.

He stood next to the car, tall and composed, his presence commanding attention. Even from behind, people couldn't help but take notice of him- his natural charisma made him stand out anywhere. Thea's heart raced as she approached him. Trying to maintain her composure, she cleared her throat. "Mr. Hendrix, weren't you supposed to come back tomorrow?"

"I wrapped things up early. We have a dinner to attend tonight. You're coming with me, Nicolas said matter-of-factly. Thea hesitated briefly before nodding.

On the drive, Nicolas filled Thea in on the details.

Stefan had an old friend from his youth, someone he'd stayed close with over the years, After Stefan's wife Nicolas's birth mother passed away, they became even closer.

"My dad insists on seeing him at least once a year. A few days ago, my father mentioned you and me to him, so I must bring you along this time Nicolas said.

1 see, Thea said, feeling nervous. "Is this the famous Mr. Ian Davis I've heard about?

Jan was a renowned painter, famous both at home and abroad. Rumor had it he had quite a temper and could be very sharp-tongued.

"Yes, but don't worry. He's as easygoing as my dad, Nicolas said, glancing at Thea's clenched hands.

Seeing how tense she was, he added, "We're not in a hurry. Go with Darwin and get ready first. I want to speak with lan alone

before we meet."

"Understood, Mr. Hendrix," Thea said. She got out of the car early and gathered some information on lan's preferences, planning to pick out a thoughtful gift before their meeting. Meanwhile, Nicolas headed straight to the restaurant. As he approached, he spotted lan descending the stairs alongside

someone else.

To his surprise, it was Emmalie, impeccably dressed and exuding elegance as always. Standing next to lan, she wore her signature charming smile. The moment she noticed Nicolas, her eyes lit up. She called out to him in a soft yet audible voice. Then, lifting the hem of her dress slightly, she hurried over to him. "Nicolas. are you here to see lan as well?"