Chapter 3

Everything went quiet all of a sudden. People all kinda knew there was some drama going on between Thea and Jake, but no one had the full scoop. Thea's attitude now spoke louder than words.

Then, someone in the crowd couldn't help but snort, making the already weird vibe even weirder.

Thea wanted to see who it was. Turning her head, she noticed Nicolas chilling on a couch not too far off.

She blinked a few times, thinking back to that scene she stumbled upon in the restroom.

Jake's face was a mix of emotions, struggling to stay put. "Thea," he started, his voice suddenly all gentle. "About the other day. I swear I can explain. I actually-"

But before he could get it all out, the waitress holding a cake next to him dropped the plate. Crash! It hit the floor, and she was all over it like a scared rabbit, trying to clean up the mess, her eyes red even behind her mask. Jake's gaze quickly swept the scene, then froze. The tension built up in him as he reached out to grab the waitress's hand, only to let go real quick.

Thea, with a slight raise of her eyebrow and her arms crossed, glanced sideways. "Looks like Mr. Hendrix is a bit tied up with his own stuff right now. Maybe we should save this chat for later, once he's sorted his things out?"

Madelyn, tears starting to form, kept her gaze down. "I'm so sorry, Jake. I didn't mean to barge in like this. I'm just really worried about you. I wanted to apologize to Miss Rowland in person. I really don't want to be the reason you two split up." Jake was heartbroken. "Madelyn, you don't have to do this."

Ivy's face was a mix of colors as she glared at Madelyn, her eyes filled with hatred and disgust.

Despite Thea's fiery temper, Thea was still her daughter. The alliance with the Hendrix family was too good to pass up, and it would be a real bummer if Madelyn messed it up.

Unable to stomach Jake and Madelyn flaunting their relationship any longer, Thea turned to leave, only to have her wrist caught in a sudden grip.

Madelyn spoke with a hint of apology in her voice. "Miss Rowland, I swear I didn't show up to cause trouble. You've got it all-looks, a great family. I get it. I'm not in the same league. I messed up and am willing to make it right, even if it means kneeling. Can you please forgive Jake?" Jake's eyes were visibly wet. "Madelyn, you don't need to degrade yourself like this. Get up!"

Madelyn was stubborn, feigning weakness

a little. "Who said anything about keeping

just trying to pull

up tripping over the table's corner. To anyone watching, it looked like Thea

the table started shaking, and then it all came tumbling down on

Without missing a beat, she stepped

Just as she was about to make a big

champagne tower crashed to the

Ivy, with her eyes wide,

around in her high heels, shooting Madelyn a sharp glance as

with

mess? If I hadn't been quick to stop you just now, you could've been caught in that mess yourself. And with Mr. Hendrix being the star of the show today, can you imagine if he got hurt?" she said. Madelyn was struggling, tears streaming down her face. Jake quietly stepped in front of her, shielding

time at something like this. She's out of her depth, and instead of making her feel welcome, you're just piling on. Thea, if you've got beef, take it up with me. Don't make it hard for

wanted to stir the pot, Miss Rowland would have

a waiter had offered him and shot Jake

then throwing shade at the host because your friend can't handle the scene? Is that the kind of stuff your dad taught

in the face. Everyone around was so stressed out by Nicolas's intensity that it was hard to

life depended on it, super strict. His annoyance at Jake's disgraceful

Hendrix, we've got your

Nicolas agreed, then glanced over at Thea, who was still caught up in the scene unfolding. "Miss Rowland, after you," he said, with

aback, musing, 'He wants me to show the way?' Awkwardly, she moved forward, politely gesturing

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