Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Chapter 20

A week later. Thea walked into the venue, dressed in a stunning black, backless mermaid-style gown that hugged her figure perfectly, invitation in hand

The hall was dazzling, illuminated by beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a cool, shimmering light.

Nicolas had some business to handle, so he asked Thea to wait for him at the venue.

The auction hadn't begun yet, so Thea found a quiet corner and settled down with a glass of wine. She was just about to take a sip when she overheard a conversation nearby that piqued her interest. We've always known Jake was talented, one man remarked. "He's accomplished so much at Hendrix Group at such a young age. Look at him. He's truly a standout."

"Who's that woman with him? His rumored fiancéel his companion asked

"That's his assistant from Avon Ventures," the first man replied. "She's a smart one. They've handled big projects together. Unlike his fiancée, who just sits at home, causing drama and stirring up trouble." "Exactly," the second man chimed in. "I heard his fiancée is so petty that she nearly destroyed the assistant's reputation over jealousy

The first man scoffed, "A woman like that - jealous and manipulative - won't get far in life. No matter how good-looking she is, I wouldn't want her'

A loud crash suddenly interrupted their conversation as a wine glass shattered on the floor. Both men turned in surprise.

Thea smiled sweetly. "Oops! I got so caught up in your conversation. By the way, is Jake here tonight with his assistant I'd love to meet her. I'm a big fan of strong women."

Her soft tone and bright eyes, paired with her naturally captivating looks, left the men completely charmed. They had no idea that they had just insulted her moments ago. Eager to please, the men told her where Jake and Madelyn were, falling over themselves to be helpful.

Thea thanked them with a graceful smile, but as soon as she turned away, her expression hardened.

She grabbed a bottle of red wine from a passing waiter. She was determined to see how bold Jake and Madelyn were to take credit for her hard work.

The private room where Jake and Madelyn were stationed was a VIP suite, second only to the presidential suite.

Even before entering, Thea could see the buzz of activity through the door. The room was packed with people eagerteCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

curry favor.

At the center of it stood Jake and Madelyn, basking in the attention, their faces glowing with pride.

Madelyn wore a sleek business suit, her light makeup accentuating her delicate yet determined look. She certainly looked the part

From time to time, she and Jake exchanged affectionate glances looking like the perfect couple made in heaven.

Thea took a deep breath and felt a tightness in her chest. But it wasn't heartbreak; it was pure anger.

Jake had never brought her to events like this before. He had always said it was humiliating enough relying on his fiancee's connections, and bringing her along would only invite rumors and further embarrassment..

Because of that, Thea had used her Beresian name to sign all those important contracts, always placing her signature after Jake's

She never imagined that her thoughtful gesture would turn into an opportunity for these two to shamelessly claim credit for her hard work.

Just then, a man with graying hair approached Madelyn, extending his hand with a warm, respectful smile.

"Hello, you must be Chloe, right?" he

said. "We've only communicated through email until now. It's a pleasure to meet you in person. I've completed the design for the bracelet you mentioned, and I'll have my assistant send it to Avon Ventures soon. I look forward to many more collaborations. Madelyn smiled sweetly and replied, "Thank you. Just write Madelyn as the recipient's name."

Thea's eye twitched. That man was a renowned jewelry designer from Sarlimar. Avon Ventures had a raw gemstone line, and it was Thea who had worked tirelessly to secure this collaboration

Back in college, she had studied design and always dreamed of meeting this designer in person, hoping to acquire one of his pieces for herself

Without thinking. Thea called out, "Miss Terell, don't you feel even a little ashamed taking credit for someone else's work?" Her voice wasn't loud, but it was sharp and forceful enough that everyone in the room turned toward her, curious. Jake was caught off guard, but his initial shock was quickly replaced by a dark expression.

Madelyn's expression went through an even more dramatic change first panic, then guilt, followed by a subtle flicker of malice

Jake spoke up first, his voice laced with irritation. "Thea, why are you here causing trouble again?"

Murmurs began to ripple through the crowd as people started to recognize Thea. Words like jealous, vicious, and just a pretty face floated around the room.

Madelyn gradually regained her composure and said softly, "Miss Rowland, I asked Mr. Hendrix to bring me here. Many of Avon Ventures previous collaborators are attending, and he thought it would be easier to communicate if I came along. "There was no other intention behind it. If you're upset, you can blame me, but please don't cause a scene. It wouldn't reflect well on Avon Ventures.

Her self-effacing attitude cast Thea as the troublemaker in the eyes of the others, making the elegant Thea seem more like at

villain.

But Thea stood tall and straight, showing no sign of embarrassment or panic.

She met Madelyn's gaze and smiled coldly. "I didn't say I was here to cause trouble. I'm Chloe, and I just want to know why you two think it's okay to impersonate me, claim credit for my work, and accept gifts meant for me from clients." "Stop talking nonsense, Jake cut in harshly. Then his tone softened as he tried to contain the situation. "Thea, enough. This isn't helping

Sensing something amiss, the designer turned his sharp eyes to Madelyn "Miss Terell, what's going on here?

Ignoring Jake, Thea stepped forward, her questions relentless. "Madelyn, since you're claiming to be Chloe, why don't you tell the designer the annual output of Avon Ventures' raw gemstone plant at Haliden Mountain? "Last time I communicated with him about some issues with the production line, he suggested some solutions. I only adopted two. What were they? Also, how about the contract concerns Mr. Spencer raised last month?" With each question, Madelyn's face grew paler. She stammered, unable to form a coherent response, tears brimming in her eyes. Her pitiful expression was enough to make anyone feel sorry for her.

Jake couldn't bear it anymore. He rushed forward, grabbing Thea's arm and dragging her out of the room. "Thea, is humiliating Madelyn like that what you wanted? Happy now?"

He was breathing hard, his eyes red with anger. It was as if Thea had crossed an unforgivable line.

Thea shook off his grip, her expression unchanging. "Happy? How could I be happy? Now you're panicking, huh? Why didn't you expect this day to come when you handed over my hard-timed achievements to Madelyn? "We're not even related. I have no reason to stay silent and pretend I'm okay with you stealing my work and getting all the praise"

Without flinching. Thea swung the wine bottle in her hand, her voice calm but firm. "If you don't want me to smash this over your head, step aside."