Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Chapter

11

A sudden flash of bright light flooded the scene, exposing the evil men in the shadows. They froze, realizing they had no

Clutching her torn shirt. Thea backed into a corner, her heart pounding as a tall figure approached. He was backlit by the headlights, and his silhouette looked commanding. With a wave of his hand, a group of bodyguards appeared, swiftly dragging the men aside and delivering a brutal beating. The man stepped closer to Thea and extended his hand. Overwhelmed by fear and relief, Thea burst into tears. "Mr. Hendrix, she sobbed softly, her voice trembling

Nicolas hesitated briefly, his cold eyes darting to the groaning men on the ground. He let out a low grunt, his voice cold with disdain. "Darwin shut them up."

Darwin nodded immediately. "Yes, Mr. Hendrix. Leave it to me

Nicolas

her feet.

turned his attention back to Thea, who was still crying on the ground. He grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her to

Unsteady. Thea stumbled and fell into Nicolas's arms.

For a moment, Nicolas stiffened, resisting the urge to push her away as she trembled and sobbed against him

Thea still had some sense left. After allowing herself five minutes to cry, she stepped back from Nicolas's embrace and cautiously glanced at his face with her puffy eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix. I was just so scared. I didn't mean to do that." Bowing her head in frustration, Thea couldn't understand why she felt so vulnerable today. "Well talk in the car, Nicolas said, brushing off his suit jacket with an air of indifference.

Once inside side the car, the warmth helped Thea's limbs thaw, and the safe environment cleared her stressed and muddled mind.

She cringed at the memory of clinging to Nicolas and crying in his arms. The embarrassment was overwhelming, and she lowered her head.

Nicolas glanced at her, his stone serious but curious. "Are you afraid of me?"

Thea quickly shook her head. 'No, not at all, she answered, her voice hoarse. Clearing her throat, she added, "I just feel embarrassed. I feel like I've caused you trouble."

Nicolas gave a a brief nod, saying little in response.

He turned his gaze away, asking with a detached tone, "Are you planning to go to the Hendrix Mansion to see Jake? He's not there; he's at the hospital. Do you want me to take you there?"

Thea's expression darkened slightly. "No need," she said bitterly. She had only come under pressure, and if the Hendrix family was going to be this indifferent, she didn't need to bother playing along. Nicolas's frown softened a bit. "Back to the Rowland family, the

The shook her head. "Just drop me off at a hotel"

At that moment, Nicolas's phone rang. He answered it, and though it wasn't on speaker, the booming voice on the other end was impossible to miss.

"Nicolas, you're getting too old to stay single. I wonder what woman would want an old man like you," said Stefan Hendrix. Nicolas's father. Nicolas closed his eyes briefly, exhaling in exasperation. There's no rush to get married," he said, sounding irritated.

He glanced sideways at Thea, noting her discomfort. Gritting his teeth, he added, "I'm only thirty. I'm not that old yet."

Stefan grunted.

If you really want to prove you've still got charm, bring home a wife soon. Try to get married by the end of the year, and within a year-

Before Stefan could finish, Nicolas ended the call with a sigh

When they arrived at the hotel, Thea stepped out of the car. As she watched it drive away, her thoughts lingered on the conversation between Nicolas and Stefan.

She found it surprising. It's hard to believe someone like Nicolas is still single and doesn't even have a girlfriend, she mused. Shaking off the thought, Thea counted the money she had on hand. Ever since she'd become an adult, the Rowland family had stopped supporting her financially. She had been relying solely on her salary from Avon Ventures to get by. Thea had decided to stay away for a while and focus on completing the project Nicolas had assigned her.

If she got promoted to I to deputy manager, her monthly salary and and project t bonuses

After finalizing her plans, Thea dragged her tired body to get ready for bed. Just would increase significantly. With the savings she had accumulated over the years, she could build a solid foundation to start fresh

Just as she lay down, her phone buzzed. It was a call from Ivy.

The moment she answered, Ivy's angry voice cut through Thea where on earth have you been? Why didn't you go to the Hendrix family? Are you trying to drive me insane?" Emmalie,

In the background, Thea could faintly hear Emm

pretending to comfort Ivy but only fueling the fire.

She seemed Me seemed ready to rush to rush over and slap Thea herself.

Ivy was beside herself with rage, barely able to think straig Weren't you taking Emmalie to the hospital? Did her mysterious illness disappear the moment you got there? But a wasn't about to hold back. She let t out a cold laugh.

But Thea

"You left me alone on Lark Highway in the middle of the night without a second thought, and now you're questioning me. huh? What's wrong with you?"

Ivy paused, caught off f guard. Some of her anger faded, and she muttered, "Tm scolding you because I was worried about you. When I heard you didn't go to the Hendrix family, I called immediately,

Before Thea could respond, Emmalie took the phone, her voice dripping with fake concern. "Thea, I'm sorry. I know you're upset because my sudden illness put you in an awkward position But please don't do anything rash "Blame me if you want, but think about the Rowland family's reputation. It would be such a scandal if people found out. Come home first, okay?"

She sounded like a caring sister, offering heartfelt advice. Anyone who didn't know better might have believed her

Of course, Ivy's anger flared up again. "Where are you right now she demanded. 'Send me your location immediately. In ten minutes, you better be at the Hendrix family home apologizing, and then get your butt back home!" Any fleeting gratitude Thea had felt vanished instantly. She laughed, defiant.

"Oh,

, I was just about to head to a bar for the night, she said. "I'm busy now. Go ahead and tell the Hendrix family whatever you want. I'd love for them to call off the engagement. It'd be a huge favor to me." Without waiting for a response, Thea hung up. She then sent Regal Club's location to Emmalie, thinking, "You love tattling on me, right? Go ahead:

After the last incident, Madelyn had only grown bolder, constantly clinging to Jake in the office.

At the company, her presence by his side had become routine, drawing more and more curious eyes in Thea's direction whenever the three of them were in the same room.

That day, a bouquet of tulips appeared on Thea's desk. She looked up to see Jake standing there, a frustrated look on his

face.

"Thea, you've been sulking for days. Isn't it time to let it go? he said, trying to sound reasonable.

Thea chuckled softly. "Jake, didn't we break up already? Aren't you worried Madelyn will get jealous and faint again if she sees you talking to me?"

Jake's expression stiffened, and he snapped defensively, "Madelyn isn't that immature."

As he saw the growing disdain in Thea's eyes, Jake's pride was wounded, and his face darkened. "I've already lowered myself to come here. What more do you want? Do you really want us to break up for good? Is that what will make you happy?"