Chapter 1744

chapter1744

"Why isn't Thelma here yet? Is there traffic?" Warwick's voice brimmed with impatience.

He had waited long enough and refused to wait any longer. The more Thelma tried to avoid him, the more determined he became to have her.

"I'm not coming, Warwick. I'll return the contract termination fee tomorrow, and don't call me again." Thelma's voice was light, almost too casual.

Warwick's anger flared. "Do you even know what you're saying? Thelma, are you playing me?" he snapped.

Thelma stared at the apartment complex she was renting as if a light had illuminated her path. It was the light that Charles had given her earlier-a genuine source of trust and security.

"Warwick, you know very well what you've done to me these past few years. I've never liked you," Thelma said, her final words sharp and deliberate.

She truly despised him. Warwick was two-faced, pretending to be a kind man in public while secretly manipulating her in private. He had always claimed to love her, promising her a life of ease and comfort. But in reality, he was trying to buy her, to turn her into his mistress.

Warwick sneered. "Returning my money tomorrow? Did you meet someone? Did they promise you something? Thelma, do you think anyone else will treat you as well as I have? I'm giving you one last chance-come here now!"

"I told you I won't come, Warwick. No one else will treat me like you do forcing me to be your secret lover."

With that, Thelma ended the call.

Moments later, she noticed a message from Clement Feron. It contained the address of Charles' new studio.

She had heard rumors about Charles setting up his own studio, but she hadn't taken them seriously. To her surprise, it was true. Even more surprising was that she would be the first celebrity to sign with his company.

...

Charles had already informed Skylar about signing Thelma.

"I don't want Harvey to feel burdened Thelma is quite talented. I've watched some of her acting clips, She has great potential, and with the right training, she could have a very successful career."

Skylar was surprised by Charles' decision to sign Thelma. She suspected there

was more to it than Harvey being Thelma's high school classmate.

"Charles, you don't like Thelma, do you?" she asked, her tone teasing.

She knew Charles well. He was Charles

never the type to meddle in others' business or show unnecessary

compassion. Even if Thelma wamet

Harvey's classmate, it shouldn

have led Charles to help her to this extent-helping with the contract termination fee and offering an additional one million dollars. It felt more like charity than business.

Charles quickly denied it. "How could that be? m helping her because of Harvey think Harvey might've had a crush on Thelma back in high school. Helping her is like helping him."

He couldn't possibly like someone Harvey had feelings for. He wouldn't pursue someone Harvey had liked even if he wanted to date someone.

Skylar smiled knowingly. "Charles, I think you're just fooling yourself."

Charles was at a loss for words. "Joe went abroad. Are you bored staying home alone?"

Otherwise, Skylar wouldn't have the time to tease him.

He sighed internally. The reason he was helping Thelma had everything to do with Harvey. It was just a small favor. Skylar was reading too much into it.

Knowing that Charles would never admit it, Skylar changed the subject. "Mom and Ted want us to come home soon. Ted's birthday is coming up. Will you be able to make it?"

"Probably not, but I'll try to take time off. I can't miss Ted's birthday," Charles replied.