Chapter 30
"You've been staying at a hotel; my father will eventually figure that out. The house he gave us has been sitting empty. I already had your luggage brought here, Nicolas said casually. Thea considered his words and found them reasonable. She agreed.
While staying at a hotel kept her away from the Rowland family, it didn't feel entirely safe.
When they arrived, Thea headed toward the guest room with her suitcase. Suddenly, Nicolas took it from her and walked straight to the master bedroom.
Startled. Thea followed him. "Mr. Hendrix, it doesn't feel right for me to stay in the master bedroom when you're not here."
"There's nothing wrong with it. You're my wife, legally speaking. This house was given to both of us by my father. You have as much right to it as I do," Nicolas responded calmly
He opened the walk-in closet. I had some clothes brought in based on your preferences. If something doesn't fit or you don't like it, toss it. If you need anything else, just let Darwin know." felt a a wave of mixed emotions at his thoughtfulness.
Theat
seven years she had been with Jake, he had never shown her even a fraction of this consideration, and Nicolas had done it all so effortlessly.
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Noticing her silence, Nicolas glanced at her with mild curiosity, Judging by your expression, Jake never did anything like this for you, did he?" A bit embarrassed, Thea nodded.
Nicolas's lips curved slightly into a smirk, and he let out a quiet, mocking laugh.
Thea's throat felt tight as she pressed her lips together.
"If he couldn't t even handle basic decency as a fiancé, Jake's more useless than I thought, Nicolas remarked, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.
A small thrill ran through Thea. The usually cold and distant Nicolas suddenly seemed much kinder, even protective. Later, after her shower, Thea stepped back into the room, surprised to find Nicolas still there.
She froze for a moment, then hurried over, lowering her voice and glancing at the ceiling. "Mr. Hendrix, is your father still monitoring us?"
Even though she was dressed in pajamas, Nicolas couldn't help but notice her long neck and delicate collarbone. Her face was flushed from the shower, and her clear eyes sparkled as she looked at him. The clean scent of soap lingered on her skin. Nicolas's hand tightened briefly, a flicker of something crossing his face as he leaned back. I took care of the cameras earlier. I've already spoken to my father. We're married now, and he won't interfere anymore." Thea blushed slightly at the mention of their marriage. "Oh."
She straightened up and moved to the other side of the bed. After a brief pause, she asked, "So, are you staying here Tonight?
She regretted the question the moment it left her lips, feeling like she sounded far too eager. Her heart raced as she waited for his response
"Yes, Nicolas replied simply,
Thea's face grew even redder, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words,
Just then, Nicolas added. "We have a business trip tomorrow. Darwin will come here and pick us up together. It'll save some
trouble.
"I see." Thea felt a sense of relief, though her cheeks still burned with embarrassment. She quickly climbed into bed. pulling the covers over her. "Goodnight, Mr. Hendrix. Without Ford's surveillance and no cameras overhead, they slept soundly through the night.
The next morning. Darwin arrived right on schedule. As they go into the car, Nicolas turned to Thea and said, "This trip might last a week or two. If you'd rather not go, you can still back out." "Really?" Thea asked, her heart leaping with excitement.
She'd been worried about Jake stirring up trouble after she reported Madelyn. This trip was the perfect escape, and the thought of not having to deal with Jake and Madelyn for a while filled her with unexpected relief. However, to Nicolas, her reaction à seemed I like e hesitation. His eyes darkened a little, and he gave Darwin a signal.
Darwin was about to have security remove Thea's luggage when she suddenly continued, "Mr. Hendrix, I'd love to go! If there are more trips like this in the future, please take me along I love traveling for work." Her enthusiastic sponse caught Nicolas off guard. He looked ather with a slightly puzzled expression. "Are you sure?" "Of course!" Thea beamed. "Who would pass up an opportunity like this?" The security guard quietly returned her luggage to the car.
Their destination, Bangolware, wasn't far - just in the neighboring state. To avoid the hassle of flying or taking the train, Nicolas had Darwin drive them. It was only a two-hour trip.
On the way, they stopped at a convenience store. Thea went in to grab some stuff.
Seizing the moment, Darwin glanced at Nicolas. "Mr. Hendrix, it seems Miss Rowland has really moved on from Jake Nicolas looked away from Thea, his expression unreadable. "She is my wife in name, after all. It wouldn't look good if people thought she only married me out of spite. But do you really think seven years of feelings can be forgotten that easily?" Darwin went silent/unsure how to respond.
Avon Ventures had a small branch office in Bangolware - so smal that it was often overlooked.
But Nicolas was meticulous. No matter how minor the branch was, he regularly checked on all the businesses under his comp company.
This branch, known as the Virtuex Group, mainly handled partnerships with local vocational schools. For each collaboration, Avon Ventures would send experts to teach at the institutions. Despite its modest size, the Virtuex Group had built a strong reputation in Bangolware over the years.
This time, however, Nicolas clause
to stay behind the scenes. Head Darwin escort Thea to tour the company instead.
Thea, unfamiliar with the business, felt completely out of her depth. She took notes diligently as Darwin explained the company's workings. When Darwin's voice grew hoarse, he stepped out to get
get some water.
Soon after, someone else approached Thea. Without looking up, Thea said, "Darwin, you should take a break. I'll try to figure this out on my own
"Darwin's not feeling well. How about I take over the tour?" An unfamiliar voice sounded.
Thea looked up, surprised. It was one of the employees - a man of decent looks, a few inches taller than her, with captivating eyes and the kind of charm that easily drew attention. Thea felt nothing. She smiled politely but distantly. "And you are?