Thea glanced at the man who had spoken, surprised.
Darwin introduced him and said, “This is Marcus Compton, the chairman of Chilworthy Enterprise,”
Thea bit her lip. “Mr. Compton, you’re mistaken. I was responsible for managing the data, but I didn’t sell it. The leak was due to my poor oversight, not Mr. Hendrix’s fault.”
Nicolas’s expression softened. He looked up at her and said, “I brought you here to tell you two things. First, the disciplinary file on you from headquarters is confidential. As for the rumors that everyone in the company has a copy, you should investigate that yourself.
“Second, after giving it some thought, I’ve decided to suspend you temporarily. Can you accept that?”
Thea was taken aback, feeling a lump in her throat. It wasn’t because she felt wronged; it was that she hadn’t expected Nicolas to remain calm and not make things unbearable for her out of anger.
“Thank you, Mr. Hendrix,” she said earnestly.
Nicolas then gestured toward Marcus. “The buyer’s right here. If you have more questions, you can ask him directly.”
Marcus’s eyes widened slightly. “Why ask me? I don’t know anything. My people handled it. I just know the information was sold to me, and why wouldn’t I take it?”
He flashed a mischievous grin at Nicolas. “It’s rare to see you take a hit. I couldn’t
pass up the chance.”
Regaining her composure, Thea sat down next to Marcus and gave a small smile. “Mr. Compton, maybe you don’t know the details, but you must know which of your people contacted the person pretending to be me.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I’m no fool Why should I tell you anything when there’s no
benefit for me?”
Thea’s smile faded, and she said calmly but firmly, “I don’t care. Worst case, I go to jail. But before that, I’ll make sure to tell the media that you hooked up with me to get secrets from Avon Ventures. After getting what you wanted, you disappeared. “As far as everyone else is concerned, I’m already the one who leaked the data. If I say you were the buyer, who do you think they’ll believe? Helping me clear my name helps you as well. Exposing the real culprit would prove you weren’t involved.
Marcus stood abruptly, laughing in frustration. He pointed at Nicolas. “I really thought you invited me out for a drink. Turns out you and your subordinate were setting me up.”
Nicolas remained calm, his lips curling into a slight smile. “She just saved you from more risk, didn’t she?”
Marcus angrily threw down his business card and stormed out, still muttering curses under his breath.
Thea was in high spirits, even waving Marcus off with a sly grin,
Watching her, Nicolas couldn’t help but be amused. “You provoked Marcus in my name. Do you think I won’t be upset?” he asked, raising an eyebrow
Holding Marcus’s business card like a prized possession, Thea shook her head seriously. “From the moment I walked in and saw the look in your eyes, I knew you believed me. I’m not sure why maybe because you value my work. But I won’t let you
down.”
Nicolas’s expression softened, and he said with a half smile, “If that idiot Jake had really married you, I might have actually thought better of him. With that, he got up and left.
1/8
Chapter 14
Even though Thea was suspended temporarily, she returned to the company once to collect her things from the office. But when she arrived, she was shocked to find her belongings scattered outside, her former office completely changed. The once simple and professional design had been replaced with a gaudy look – fancy but cheap in every corner. The nameplate on the desk now read – Madelyn Terell, Deputy Manager.
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Just as she was taking it all in, someone bumped into her shoulder hard. “You’ve got some nerve showing up here,” the person spat, rolling their eyes. “Do you realize we’ve all been stuck working overtime because of you? I don’t know how yo can be so thick–skinned”
Before Thea could respond, Madelyn’s soft voice came from behind. “Don’t be so harsh on her,” she said, making her way through the crowd like a celebrity.
Feigning consideration, Madelyn added, Tm the deputy manager now, and I’m willing to give you a chance, Thea. You can stay on as my assistant. I won’t hold a grudge.”
The crowd that had been sucking up to Madelyn now eyed her with a new, more calculating gaze. Madelyn narrowed her eyes, and tears began to well up as if she had just endured some terrible injustice.
Hearing the commotion, Jake rushed over and subtly positioned himself in front of Madelyn, shielding her.
“That’s enough, Thea,” he said, sounding exhausted and defeated Tknow you’re upset, but don’t take it out on her. We need to talk properly.”
Jake quickly stepped in front of her, his voice rising with frustration “Do you realize how much I’ve been–running around trying to clean up your mess? If you keep this up, don’t think I won’t actually sue you”
Thea sensed how reckless Jake might become in his current state, and with a glance at her watch, she said, “Fine. You’ve got
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