owed Jendry Grovers as he walked out of the elevator. She could feel the

grabbed Jendry's sleeve, her grip tight and u

ated. "Thea, this is highly i

ath. "It's my family. We're on the brink of bankruptc

ed. "I'm not sure ho

ther for years. Our families have always been close. I need you to st

tical. "And why should I get invo

ultimatum is real. If we don't get help now, there won't b

e. "I understand you're in a tough spot, but you can'

businessperson, but as someone who knows how much this means to me and

uarded. "Alright, I'll hear you out. But this better

g her. "I promise I'll explain everyth

to make Jendry understand the gravity of her situation. She had to make hi

ndry Grovers settled into a chair across from her. She could feel the w

cold. "Alright, Thea. Tell

acing bankruptcy. We're about to lose everything. I'm asking

'm sorry to hear that, but I'm not f

ef. "You know my family. We've had connections for years. I'm

m afraid I don't recall any personal ties

"Yes, I am. But you know we've been close

ry replied coolly. "My decision doesn't

hysical blow. "Are you sayi

"I don't have any obligation to interve

d to hold back tears, feeling u

in. "This is not something

end of the meeting. Thea sat there, feelin

ded by curious onlookers. Their whispers and stares made her feel exposed and defeated.

his car, his stride purposeful. Thea, her heart pounding,

r voice cracking. "I'll do anyth

ethodically removed her hand from his sleeve. "Thea, y

aded. "I'm asking you to

elding. "Desperation doesn't change anything. Y

a asked, confusion and

orchestrated the Hecters' downfall. It was a respon

ou did what? But why? What does

age. It was a punishment, a way to make your family

!" Thea exclaimed. "Why

y's actions were never forgotten. Your family caused m

trembling. "You're saying you've

l. "I don't owe you or your family anythin

r wash over her. "You're cruel, Jend

"Goodbye, Thea. I suggest you find a

and heartbroken. The weight of his words hung heavily on her, and she