Chapter 21
Jake took a deep breath, softening his tone as he looked at Thea with what seemed like affection. "Look, I understand you're upset about me bringing Madelyn. But think about it you've got the Rowland family behind you. You're going to be my wife. "Bait Madelyn has nothing - no background, no connections. Letting her take the credit won't hurt you at all. It's actually a kind thing to do. Don't be so selfish, Thea"
Thea let out a bitter laugh. You're right. I don't need the recognition, but I'm not giving it away, I'd rather toss it in the trash than let the two of you steal it.
With that, she shoved past Jake and stormed back into the private room.
Madelyn was still sniffling, surrounded by a group of people offering comforting words. When they looked at Thea, their expressions were full of disdain and judgment. Thea's instincts kicked in, and she sensed something wasn't right.
to protect your fiancée, how can
Sure enough, as soon as Jake entered, someone raised their voice. "Jake, even if you want to prote you cover up the fact that she sold company data?
What are we supposed to think? We've been loyal partners with Avon Ventures for years. How can we trust you now?"
"Exactly," another one added. "She should be in jail. If you can't do that, at least fire her. If Avon Ventures doesn't, I'm pulling
out
of our contract.
"Count me in," said another.
The accusations hit Thea like thunderclaps.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Madelyn looked up, tears streaming down her face as she whimpered, "Miss Rowland, if you hadn't done something so terrible, the company wouldn't have had to let me use Chloe's identity.
"What you did was shameful, so naturally, I had to step in and help Mr. Hendrix. I've been working overtime to clean up your mess, and now, you're accusing me of stealing from you. If you're going to be unreasonable, then I can't stay silent any longer All eyes turned to Jake as they waited for him to make a decision.
Jake clenched his fists, avoiding Thea's gaze. After a brief pause, he finally said, "Everyone, please rest assured. From now on, Thea will no longer be with Avon Ventures. The data leak incident won't happen again."
A cold shock ran through Thea's body. She stared at Jake in disbelief. "You're kicking me out of Avon Ventures, huh?"
Jake feigned concern. The situation is getting out of hand. The only way I can protect you is by letting your go. Thea, this is what happens when you cause a scene. You brought this on yourself."
Thea let out a bitter laugh. "The investigation hasn't even been completed. There's no conclusion, but Madelyn has been spreading rumors nonstop. I brought this on myself, huh? You two are unbelievable."
Her chest rose and fell with anger as a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes. Without a second thought, she swung the wine bottle at Jake
Jake's face flashed with fear for a split second. The crash of shattering glass echoed through the room, followed by panicked gasps from the crowd.
But the bottle had only broken against the wall above Jake's head Shards and wine splattered across his expensive suit,
leaving him disheveled-His expression darkened with fury,
Thea clenched her jaw, her icy gaze sweeping over the crowd. Ignoring Jake's livid glare, she raised her voice. "Now that Jake's shown his true self, let me set the record straight. Without me, Jake's nothing "Every major contract signed under his name? I'm the one who closed those deals. The strategies everyone praises him for? I wrote them"
The crowd looked on in disbelief, their disdain for Thea unwavering. But a flicker of panic crossed Jake's face. He quickly signaled for security to remove her
Before they could act. Thea spun around, gripping a jagged piece of the broken bottle. Her eyes glinted with fury, giving her beauty a dangerous edge.
What are you afraid of? Let me finish what I have to say," she said, her voice low but threatening. "Anyone who tries to stop me will leave here with a permanent reminder. Test me if you think I'm bluffing Jake put on a wounded expression. "Thea, are you really willing to destroy the last bit of love I have for you?"
For a moment. Thea appeared to hesitate. Jake's lips curled into a smug smile. He knew it after seven years, Thea wouldn't be able to let go.
But then Thea's expression hardened, and she looked at him with nothing but disgust.
"You know," she said, tapping the shard of glass lightly against his chest, "when I walked in here. I had this small hope that we could end things amicably. Now I see. Our seven years together were nothing but a waste." She pulled out her phone. It contained all the evidence of her contributions to Jake's success over the past seven years,
She had never imagined that her habit of recording her work would one day become a weapon. With a few taps, she sent the files to their business group chat.
Everyone in the room, including Jake's business partners, eagerly opened the documents. As they scrolled through the evidence, their faces shifted from confusion to shock.
The smugness drained from Jake's face. His lips quivered, and he paled as he stared at Thea in disbelief.
Thea, do you realize what you've done? You're really cutting all ties between us. He looked heartbroken, his eyes reddening and his voice shaking "I wanted to start over, forgive and forget But now you ve ruined any chance of that." For years, after the brief honeymoon phase of their relationship, Thea had longed for proof of Jake's affection. But now, faced with the very words she had once desperately wanted to hear, all she felt was a wave of nausea. Madelyn, unable to contain herself, dug her nails into her palms and shouted, "Even if that's true, you still sold the data! You might be capable, but who's to say you won't betray your partners next?"
Her outburst broke the brief moment of uncertainty among the gathered partners.
"Oh, I almost forgot about you in all this mess, you homewrecker, Thea sneered, her eyes locking onto Madelyn. "Sarah and Braden have been caught."
Madelyn's face drained of color. She stumbled back, staring at Thea in horror.
Thea stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Who really sold the data? I'm sure the police will clarify that soon enough. Don't you think?"
Jake took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "That's enough Ever since that party, Thea's been mentally unstable. I can explain the documents. I'm sorry you all had to witness this."
His tone turned cold as he motioned to his bodyguards. "She found out about me and Madelyn attending this event and somehow snuck in. Please escort her out and arrange for her to be admitted to the Hendrix family's mental hospital for treatment" Four bodyguards quickly moved in, restraining Thea. She struggled but was no match for their strength.
As they dragged her away, she caught a glimpse of Madelyn, who stood next to Jake with a smug, victorious smile. Thea's heart sank in despair.