Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

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.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

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."

Nicolas chuckled softly but didn't reply.

Meanwhile, 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 Thea today?"

Ethan sighed softly, replying, "Someone told me about what she's done in the Rowland family and at Avon Ventures. If she really is that way, partnering with her would bring a lot of risk."

Joyce chuckled. "Looks like a lot of people don't like her. But Dad, she's really not the person they make her out to be."

Ethan nodded. "I know. I didn't take the time to understand her better. Almost made a mistake."

Suddenly, Ethan's phone buzzed, and it was his assistant calling, asking if they should help with the PR situation since Aurelia University had a stake in the matter.

Given that Aurelia University had been gaining more students in recent years, largely thanks to Emmalie, Ethan hesitated.

With SAT just around the corner, any scandal around Emmalie could be costly.

Joyce listened quietly, then let out a cold laugh. "Someone who stabs her own sister in the back, how decent can her character be? If this is coming out now, who knows what else will surface later? She's practically a ticking time bomb." Hearing this, Ethan said seriously, "Tell Emmalie's team they don't need to involve her in Aurelia University anymore."

The assistant was surprised but agreed to handle it.

*****

The Virtuex Group threw a celebration for Thea's success.

Truthfully, Thea wasn't too keen on going. After days of running around, all she wanted was a good rest. But their enthusiasm made it hard to refuse.

Naturally, Nicolas wouldn't attend such gatherings. Thea dressed simply and went alone. After dinner, the group moved to a bar.

As Thea mulled over excuses to leave early, the couch beside her sank as Liam sat down.

Liam seemed 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 average standards.

But spending so much time around someone as godlike as Nicolas had left Thea numb to lesser charms. Liam didn't even compare to Jake.

Watching Liam try to impress her only made one word float through Thea's mind: show-off.

"Thea." Liam gazed at her 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 great spots. I could show you around." Thea smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thanks, but there's no need. We're heading back to Avon Ventures tomorrow. Lots to do."

Liam frowned. "Why the rush? You've done a great job. You deserve a few days off. Is it Mr. Hendrix's idea?"

Thea picked up her phone and replied, "If it's that important, feel free to talk to him for me. I'd love an extra week off to relax."

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

"How about tonight, then? There's a beach on the east side of Bangolware. The night view is amazing. You'd regret not seeing it," Liam continued.

"Really? I'll have to check it out sometime." Thea pretended not to catch his drift, giving a vague response as she prepared to leave.

But before Thea could go, Liam stood up and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"What the hell are you doing?" Thea exclaimed. Then she felt her skin crawl and had no strength left suddenly. Even her voice was soft and weak. Liam grinned, satisfied with Thea's reaction.

Someone nearby looked over, curious. "What's up with her?"

Liam blocked their view, saying, "She's not feeling well. I'll take her to rest."

Then the person's expression turned knowing, and he teased, "Oh, Liam, are you and Thea getting close behind us?"

"Seriously? Liam, you sly dog."

"Sounds like something's going on."

Everyone's attention shifted toward them, and seeing Thea almost limp in Liam's arms, they were sure of it.

Thea's face was unnaturally flushed. She wanted to resist but could only watch as Liam held her hands in a tight grip. Waves of heat crashed through her body. Thea wasn't stupid. She knew she'd been drugged. 'Liam, how could you do this?' she thought.

Liam brushed off the group's comments and half-dragged Thea into his car.

Thea's body felt unbearable, the heat burning away her sanity. She clenched her teeth, trying not to make a sound.

Glaring at Liam, Thea managed a weak threat. "If you touch me, I'll make sure you regret it."

Liam sneered, gripping her chin. "You think I'm scared? My dad's a key figure at the Virtuex Group, and he's heading to headquarters next month.

"You're just a woman who climbed up by sleeping your way to the top. Even if you've lucked out with Mr. Hendrix, you're still just a toy in the end. "He'll know what's the better choice, some plaything or my dad's power."