This apartment near Cheney Corp isn't large, just over two hundred square meters, but it's more than enough for Thea Lynch living alone.
She only brought back two suitcases from abroad; her uncle hasn't sent her other things over yet. With so few belongings, she tidied up in less than an hour after seeing Ian Preston off.
Knowing she'd moved here, her aunt specially came over early the next morning to help her prepare some daily necessities.
As she arranged the vases, her aunt inquired about her recent situation at the company.
"How's the new job? Are you getting used to it there?"
"Everything's fine, you don't need to worry too much."
Once assured that Thea was adapting well, her aunt switched topics. "Your third brother's marriage to Nina Sinclair still hasn't been settled."
The scissors in Thea Lynch's hand slipped, taking off an extra inch of the flower stem.
She smirked slightly, placing the roses into the vase with a casual tone, "Didn't they already get engaged?"
Her aunt didn't notice her odd reaction and continued speaking on her own, "They wanted to finalize things years ago, and I even mentioned how you were abroad and might not make it. But for some reason, it's dragged on until now. But it's perfect timing; now that you're back, you can attend."
"Mm."
"Hey Thea, you probably haven't met Nina Sinclair yet, have you?"
Thea remained silent.
Regarding the Sinclair Family, she knew little beyond the fact that Nina's father entered politics and moved to Coronet a few years back due to a job transfer. Nina and Ian Preston were college buddies, and she majored in broadcasting; now she's a host for a show at Coronet's main station.
"Do your young siblings hang out well? Hasn't your third brother mentioned marriage plans during your gatherings?"
"I just returned to the country and haven't seen much of him."
"True," her aunt nodded, "So how are things recently with Norbert Rhodes? He was late last time because of work. That kid seems decent, maybe not as steady as your third brother, but still excellent."
Just the mention of this topic gave Thea a headache.
"Let's talk about it later; there's no rush."
"How can that be? You're almost twenty-five, you should start considering it," her aunt reluctantly nudged. However, realizing that in the family, aside from Thea, the elders were getting on in years, she worried Thea would be left with no close family once they were gone.
"There are plenty in the courtyard older than me who are still single, aren't Sir Fourth and the others in the same boat?"
Her aunt playfully scolded, "There you go again. I should really urge those guys; otherwise, you'll keep using that as an excuse with me."
Since childhood, Thea had been adept at bringing up Silas Cheney and the others as a shield. Being the youngest in the courtyard, whenever they were mentioned, the elders wouldn't press her.
Dodging another bullet, Thea shrugged it off with a smile, not taking the matter to heart.
——
On Friday evening, Stratus Technologies' R&D department left work early because Thea Lynch was treating everyone to dinner.
Nobody knew the location she picked, assuming it was just a simple meal. But when they arrived, they found themselves standing dumbfounded at the roadside, gazing up at the luxurious entertainment club across the street, too shocked to close their mouths.
"Foreman Lynch, w-we're really eating here?" Foreman Chandler stammered in shock, exchanging glances with the others.
This place was known as the playground for the elite young offspring of Coronet, located in the city's most bustling district. It's rumored to require a membership, with just an "entrance ticket" costing a million. Most people wouldn't dare to even glance at it in passing.
Walking ahead, Thea replied, "Yes, it's close to the company, quite convenient."
The group: "..." Is this really about convenience?
Seeing her so composed, everyone squashed their apprehensions and quickly followed.
At the entrance, a waiting attendant promptly greeted her upon spotting Thea.
"Good evening, Miss Lynch," he said, gesturing to invite her in.
The hall was silent, devoid of any noise apart from footsteps.
Attendants stood on either side, smiling and bowing slightly, all greeting Thea, "Good evening, Miss Lynch."
The group walked while curiously glancing around, a bit intimidated by the grand spectacle.
Behind them, Thea's assistant and some colleagues whispered, "Online, they say even one lamp here costs a million, no idea if that's true..."
"It's true, ma'am," an attendant ahead turned back to indicate, "All the lighting you see in the lobby is custom-made, several of these chandeliers do indeed cost a million."
Hearing this, the group gasped, their eyes showing more caution when looking at Thea.
Thea had been with the company for a week, but they knew little about her, aside from her friendship with Mr. Cheney and her overseas education. She never mentioned her family's background, and many tried probing in vain.
Due to her enigmatic nature, rumors circulated privately; they speculated she had some background, but never imagined her status to be so extraordinary.
——
By the elevator, an attendant just pressed the button. Thea absentmindedly rubbed the beads on her wrist, staring calmly ahead.
The neighboring elevator doors opened first, letting several people out. Then, a familiar female voice sounded, "Thea?"
The voice struck a chord, causing Thea to furrow her brows lightly and look over. There, opposite her, a woman in a strapless cocktail dress stood, looking very polished.
"Nina Sinclair?! Is that you!" Before Thea could respond, her assistant exclaimed in excitement.
Nina smiled, "Yes, I'm Nina Sinclair, hello."
"It really is you! I love your show! You're even prettier in person than on TV!"
"Me too! I love your work!" other colleagues hurriedly chimed in.
"Thank you, you're very pretty too," Nina complimented, then turned back to Thea, "It really is you, Thea. When did you return to the country? Ian never mentioned it."
Thea's face showed little expression as she curtly responded, "Mm," ending the conversation.
She acted like she didn't recognize Nina Sinclair.
Seeing this, the crowd of onlookers fell silent, eyeing both women back and forth. After a few seconds, the assistant hesitantly asked, "Foreman Lynch, do you know Nina?"
Thea kept her gaze forward, her eyes never flicking towards them, only replying, "We've met, not close."
The contrast in their attitudes was stark: one warm and one detached.
The assistant realized something, quickly shutting her mouth, cautious not to speak further.
Nina took a step closer, her gaze sweeping over Thea's ear, "I just noticed you're not wearing a hearing aid. Are your ears hearing now?"
"You seem to speak more fluently than before. Unlike before, you barely spoke, which was quite moving. Over these years, you've changed so much, grown even more beautiful."
The implications of her words were huge, and everyone held their breath, blending into the background.
Finally, Thea's usually calm face showed a trace of emotion; she folded her arms and turned slightly, arching a brow as she met Nina's gaze.
"Can't compare to Miss Sinclair. Even after seven years, you haven't changed a bit. Your sharp tongue is as unpleasant as ever."