Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Chapter 32

Nicolas couldn't ignore Thea's intense gaze. He glanced at the document, then cleared his throat softly. Though his face remained stern, his tone softened noticeably. "Not bad. You've put in some effort to understand it." Thea's face lit up with a radiant smile at his words.

Just then. Darwin returned, having finished dealing with the previous woman. "Mr. Hendrix, everything's ready. We can leave whenever you're set.

Nicolas nodded and stood up. Before heading out, he glanced back at Thea, who looked puzzled. "I need to head back for some business. You'll stay here for now. There's a gathering tonight, and I want you to attend on behalf of the Virtuex Group. Darwin will send you the details Thea nodded, then impulsively called out, "Mr. Hendrix- She hesitated, unsure whether it was appropriate to ask when he'd be back. Instead, she simply said, "Take care on your trip..

Nicolas's eyes remained calm and detached, and his presence seemed almost ethereal in the sunlight streaming through the window. To her surprise, Thea realized she had started to rely on him.

Nicolas pressed his lips together and added as he reached the door. "I won't be gone long. I'll be back the day after

tomorrow

Arriving at the Rainbow Hotel in Bangolware, Thea stepped out of the car to find a sea of media crews outside. The entrance was packed, making it nearly impossible to get inside.

Other invitees stood around, helpless, but no one dared to complain.

Curiously, with staff assistance, Thea and the others managed to slip through a side entrance into the hotel.

about had drawn such a large crowd. Thea quickly found answer.

Inside, Emmalie stood in the center of attention, wearing a fitted ivory gown that fell to her ankles. Her hair flowed elegantly down her back, and a sparkling blue gernstone necklace adorned her neck. She was breathtaking.

Though the event should have been about the Chancellor of Aurelia University, the central screen displayed Emmalie's portrait instead.

Overhearing bits of conversation from the crowd, Thea learned more.

"I heard she's the youngest pianist," one woman said. "She's stunning and has won so many awards, and she's even the royal pianist of Yurtinas. Talk about winning at life."

"You're right, another person chimed in. "She's coming to teach a week-long course at Aurelia University's music school next

week Week

Oh

man, what an opportunity! I regret my kid didn't go to Aurelia University, someone else added.

Thea listened quietly, feeling a sense of unreality. All those compliments should have been hers, She'd shown talent with instruments from an early age.

But Emmalie had thrown a fit, claiming that growing up in the poor countryside without access to such refined things made seeing Thea's talent painful. The Rowland family hadn't hesitated they canceled all of Thea's lessons and gave them to Emmalie. Even when an international master had wanted to mentor Thea that opportunity was given to Emmalie instead.

As these memories resurfaced. Thea felt oddly indifferent. She glanced briefly at Emmalie, who was basking in the attention, and deliberately distanced herself.

It wasn't that she was avoiding Emmalie; she just wanted to complete the task Nicolas had given her and leave. However, it seemed Emmalie wasn't going to let things go smoothly.

Thea eventually found an opportunity to speak with Alan Kimmons, the Vice Chancellor of Aurelia University. Approaching him confidently, she introduced herself and explained the purpose of her visit. Her bright and professional demeanor made a positive impression, and Alan seemed enthusiastic about potential collaboration. Just as

Just

Thea was about to continue the conversation, a sweet, familiar voice interrupted from behind her.

"Thea?" Emmalic

approached, her heels clicking on the floor as she moved gracefully, still trailed by a group of admirers. A knowing smile played on her beautiful face as she asked, "What are you doing here!" Alan's demeanor changed the moment he saw Emmalie. His face lit up with a friendly, almost sycophantic smile. "Ms. Rowland, do you know her?"

Emmalie batted her eyelashes and nodded. "Yes, she's my sister, Thea.

The expressions of everyone around them shifted instantly. Most people had heard about Thea, the eldest daughter of the Rowland family - how she was supposedly arrogant and difficult, with a long history of rebellious behavior. The stark contrast between Thea's rumored unruliness and Emmalie's elegance couldn't have been more obvious.

Emmalie stepped closer and took Thea's hand in a seemingly affectionate gesture. "Thea, you didn't come here just because you knew I'd be here, did you?"

The crowd's curiosity piqued. Rumors about Thea bullying Emmalie when Emmalie was first brought into the family had circulated widely. Now, it seemed suspicious for Thea to show up where Emmalie was the center of attention. Emmalie had expected Thea to brush her off or react awkwardly, but Thea simply smiled and held Emmalie's hand in

return.

return.

Tm way too busy for that, Thea said. "Working at the Hendrix Group keeps me crazy busy. I'm here on official business to discuss a partnership with Aurelia University."

Then, she added with a hint of irony, "But seeing how well you've done, I feel like all my hard work hasn't gone to waste. When Mom and our brothers sent me to work for the Hendrix Group, it was to pave the way for you, right? I'm glad you're living up to it." Emmalie's smile faltered, frozen on her face. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.

Wait, I thought they didn't get along, right?" someone whispered

"Even if they don't, that makes sense. The Rowland family is pretty biased. Emmalie definitely gets the best of everything." another person replied.

Thea is pretty pitiful then. She didn't get many resources or traning just to make way for Enunalie, someone else

comumented

Emunale pulled her hand back, and tears welled up in her eyes. She said in a wounded tone. "Thea, are you blaming me? But you chose to go to the Hendrix family.

"You were jealous when you saw jake had a new assistant, and you even hired thugs to harass that poor girl. I told you to let it go, but you refused to listen!"

This revelation sent shock waves through the crowd. Those familiar with the incident began murmuring about the scandal.

The Rowland family had tried to keep the story under wraps, and no one had expected Emmalie to bring it up so publicly.

Sensing the tension, Alan decided to excuse himself, though his gaze toward Thea had cooled. With a polite smile, he said, TI leave you two to your catch-up."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Before leaving, he turned to Emmalie and asked eagerly. "About your plans to mentor students at our university this year, would you consider allowing more students from other schools to study under you?"

Emmalie smiled graciously. "Tll look into it, depending on my schedule.

During this entire exchange, Alan ignored Thea completely, signaling to everyone that any potential cooperation between the Virtuex Group and Aurelia University had been ruined because of her.

But Thea remained composed. While Alan was still within earshot, she turned to Emmalie and asked, "It's funny. Neither the Hendrix family nor Madelyn held me responsible for that incident, so clearly, it was a misunderstanding. Why are you still spreading this story? In a rush to tarnish my reputation, huh?"