Chapter 46
Chapter 461
furious about.
Nicolas was definitely angry, and Thea was sure of that. But she was a bit unclear about what exactly he was f
If it was about the report she filed, the news from headquarters about Madelyn's reinstatement had already come through
Nicolas was decisive and efficient in his actions, not the type to be ambiguous or give mixed signals. So why was he still upset!
Every week. Nicolas came over and stayed for two days. Yet he hadn't spoken to Thea, taking his things silently to the guest Thea thought to herself. This cold-faced Nicolas is a bit proud.
With no other option, Thea a carried the waffles she had made herself and knocked on his door. "Mr. Hendrix, can I come in? Mr. Hendrix?" The silence inside was overwhelming. It was as if no one was home.
Clearly. Nicolas didn't want to see her.
Thea a glanced at at the waffles in her hands, feeling a little awkward. They were best when fresh and warm. Soon. Thea planned to crack "Ah Thea
the door just enough to set the waffles on the table beside it and leave. As she turned the doorknob, she pushed the door just as Nicolas opened it. a exclaimed, stumbling right into Nicolas' arms. The waffles went flying, splattering all over his white shirt. Before Thea could mourn her ruined wattles, she dropped the tray aside hastily and fumbled to fix Nicolas shirt. The waffles were fresh out of the oven and still hot. "Mr. Hendrix, are you okay? Did you get burned! Let me check your shirt, Thea said hurriedly.
saw
AS e unbuttoned a a few buttons
and
As she w his fair skin and attractive muscular build, Thea suddenly realized her actions and felt her face heat up. Nicolas looked down at her, his eyes swirling with an unusual emotion.
Thea gripped the button tightly, her ears burning as she averted her gaze. She was caught between buttoning and not buttoning, wishing she could just vanish into thin air.
"Ow," Nicolas $ groaned Isoftly, his voice still cold but tinged with a hint of annoyance. "I think I might have been burned." Thea's heart skipped a beat. Then she said, "Do you want me to take a look?" As soon as she said it, Thea wanted to kick herself. It was a little too forward, yet she had blurted it out so openly.
Strangely, Nicolas wasn't angry. He nodded as if it were the most natural thing i the world. Help me with some ointment," he said.
With that, Nicolas removed his shirt quickly.
As the fabric slid utf, a cool scent filled the air, and even though hea tried not to stare, her eyes involuntarily lingered on has well-built upper body. Strong and muscular, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, the clear lines of his muscles were impressive. Instantly, The felt her cheek, flush
Clearing her throat, Thea said quickly, Tll go grab the first aid kit." With that, she practically bolted out of the room.
When she returned. Thea's demeanor had calmed down significantly.
And Nicolas wasn't lying. He had indeed gotten burned. Several patches on his abdomen were uncomfortably red. The cool ointment glided over his skin. Though Nicolas maintained his impassive expression, his gaze had deepened. Thea tried to focus on applying the ointment but couldn't help stealing glances at him.
Thea had once thought Jake was quite handsome, but compared to Nicolas, he seemed rather ordinary..
It's hard to imagine that a man like this is still unmarried. Has he ever dated anyone? Thea wondered.
Thea couldn't
t help but get lost in her thoughts until Nicolas' low steady voice interrupted her. "Are you almost done?"
Startled. Thea pressed I down a bit too hard. Nicolas groaned again, his eyes gleaming.
Tm sorry, Mr. Hendrix. Do I hurt you?" Thea's face turned even redder, and she felt frustrated.
Thea wasn't usually
s she always so flustered around Nicolas? "You're
lumsy, so why was s're coming with me to the Hendrix Mansion tomorrow. Some relatives are coming over, and they want to meet you."
Fortunately. Nicolas changed the subject.
of anxiety,
a flutter of
"Go to the Hendrix Mansion? Thea felt a
Then Thea thought. After all, we're in a contractual marriage. The relationship between me and Nicolas is only temporary and definitely not something to flaunt. Plus, I've just broken off the engagement with Jake. Being with Nicolas now would offend Jake's family, wouldn't it?
If
f his father found out about my marriage to Nicolas, he would probably look at me in a completely different light.
Thinking this, Thea clenched the hem of her shirt.
Noticing her tension, Nicolas' tone softened. "Don't worry. Jake and his family won't be there this time. Those relatives are all people you've never met before."
Upon hearing this, Thea felt a bit more at ease. Suddenly, she remembered her original purpose and was about to speak up.
But Nicolas stood up and I opened the door, reverting to his indifferent demeanor. "Get some rest. I'll have Darwin come pick you up tomorrow."
Thea recognized his dismissal and felt a little disappointed. The words almost spilled from her lips, but she held back. When Nicolas watched her retreating figure, his lips twitched slightly. Then he turned back into the room and shut the door. Stefan was in a good mood when he saw the two of them return jogether. As soon as they met, he had people present Thea with a pile of gifts. Thea was a bit taken aback. The last time she had come with Jake to meet his parents, they had acted high and mighty, looking down on the Rowland family and her.
if r marrying Jake was a blessing. In stark contrast, Stefans attitude now was like night and day.
The relatives from the Hendrix family had mostly arrived. Indeed, they were all new faces that Thea had never seen before.
Thea walked gracefully, linking arms with Nicolas as she mingled among them, exuding charm and elegance.
Stefan couldn't help but praise Thea to the heavens. After a lively dinner, they all enjoyed friendly conversation.
While the Hendrix family was chatting, Thea slipped outside for some fresh air. As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with someone coming straight at her. Thea stumbled back a few steps but was caught by the person's firm grip on her wrist quickly.
Jake frowned slightly as he looked at her with a depth of emotion in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
Thea felt a sudden rush of panic. "Aren't they supposed to be gone? Then she pulled her hand away and put on a cold face. "What's it to you?"
Jake
gave Thea a once-over. Her makeup was exquisite, and her dress was elegant and appropriate for a formal occasion.
With hair cascading down her back and eyes sparkling, the pearl earrings accentuated her delicate features even more
Though she didn't have the gentleness of Madelyn, Thea was undeniably among the top in the social circle of Key Biskane, both in looks and demeanor. Remembering that the security guard had mentioned seeing Thea lingering around the Hendrix Mansion's entrance recently. Jake suddenly had a thought. Thea was here on purpose to run into him.