Chapter 41

Ethan didn't respond, frowning as if he was hesitating.

Joyce pouted, urging him. "Dad, come on, say yes. I'm telling you, Thea is an incredible partner, you won't regret it. You don't even trust me?"

Ethan smiled wryly but softened a little. "Let's move this somewhere else and talk it over."

Thea's eyes lit up. She flashed a bright smile at Nicolas and winked, lowering her voice. "Don't worry, Mr. Hendrix. I'll make sure Ethan agrees this time." Nicolas didn't really react, but the corners of his lips lifted ever so slightly.

The negotiation went smoothly. Whatever questions Ethan raised, Thea had quick, well-prepared answers. For potential issues, she even had risk mitigation plans ready.

Ethan was super impressed. Then he said, "Mr. Hendrix, I admit I judged too quickly based on looks, and I listened to some nonsense from others. I hope you don't take it to heart. Ms. Rowland is indeed outstanding. I hope we can work together again." With the deal between the Virtuex Group and Aurelia University finalized, Thea finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"You handled this well," Nicolas said, his tone flat.

Hearing this, Thea was genuinely happy. Even though it was just a casual remark, Nicolas rarely praised anyone. Thea looked at him expectantly, asking, "Mr. Hendrix, does this mean I get a bonus for this project?"

"You short on cash?" Nicolas raised an eyebrow.

Thea stood firm and replied, "Who doesn't want money?"

Thea hadn't taken a dime from the Rowland family since she was 18. All these years, she'd been living off her salary.

Lately, Thea had come to realize one thing: instead of slaving away for someone else, why not become a boss? Only by becoming stronger could she avoid being controlled by others.

"I'll give you a three percent commission," Nicolas said.

Thea's grin widened. And she said, "Honestly, Mr. Hendrix, you're the most considerate boss I've ever had. Truly a kind-hearted entrepreneur."

softly but

Joyce, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly thought of something and asked, "Dad, you're never one to judge people by their looks. So why did you refuse the partnership after just one glance at

in the Rowland family and at Avon Ventures. If she

chuckled. "Looks like a lot of people don't like her. But Dad, she's really not

"I know. I didn't take the time to understand her better. Almost

asking if they should help with the

been gaining more students in recent years,

around the corner, any

who stabs her own sister in the back, how decent can her character be? If this is coming out now, who knows what else

surprised but agreed to

*****

threw a celebration for Thea's

of running around, all she wanted was a good rest. But

Thea dressed simply and

early, the couch beside her sank as Liam

to have put extra effort into his appearance tonight, leather jacket, hair slicked back, and even traces of foundation on his face. To be fair, his looks weren't bad by

around someone as godlike as Nicolas had left Thea numb to

only made one word float through Thea's

with intense, romantic eyes, clearly trying to win her over. "You've been working hard lately. Why not stay in Bangolware for a few days? I know some

You deserve a

free to talk to him for me. I'd love an extra week off to

laughed awkwardly, instantly backing down. There's no way he'd dare. But he still wasn't ready to

the east side of Bangolware. The

check it out sometime." Thea pretended not to catch his drift, giving a vague response as she prepared to

Liam stood up and wrapped an arm around

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255