Chapter 133 Different Thoughts

Billy felt a rush of excitement. Sure, he still had some feelings for Maria, but it didn't hold a candle to his career goals. He and Julie were deep in conversation, completely ignoring Maria.

Maria didn't mind. She listened with a hint of sarcasm in her eyes. When the elevator stopped, she stepped out first without a word. Billy looked a bit guilty. "Maria's just too stubborn. Didn't even say goodbye. Sorry about that. Ms. Allen, how about dinner tonight? My treat to make up for it."

Julie gave a small smile, neither agreeing nor refusing. "I'll check my schedule and let you know, okay?"

Billy quickly agreed and they exchanged contact information before parting ways.

Julie returned to her department in high spirits. From Billy, she learned that he and Maria had broken up over some misunderstandings, and that they had been living together for several years.

A look of disdain crossed Julie's face. Someone like Maria wasn't good enough for Henry.

"Julie." A sudden voice broke her thoughts. She looked up to see Harper standing in front of her, smiling as if he didn't notice her irritation. "Julie, Mr. Larson wants you in his office."

"How do you know Mr. Larson wants to see me?" Julie asked, feeling uncomfortable with Harper's confident gaze. How dare this intern, who she could easily push around, look at her like that?

"Mr. Larson told me himself. You should go quickly, Julie. Don't keep him waiting." Harper smiled and turned back to his desk. Just as he sat down, he looked at Julie again. "Oh, by the way, Julie, I got a permanent position today. You would be happy for me, right?"

Julie's expression froze. She glared at Harper's smug look, then turned and left the office with a cold laugh.

In Vernon's office, Julie was immediately pulled into a tight embrace. Vernon hurriedly started undressing her. Julie didn't resist, letting him have his way. "Mr. Larson."

Breathless, Julie pushed Vernon off her, a look of disgust in her eyes, though her voice was sweet. "Did you make Harper permanent?"

Without looking up, Vernon replied, his voice thick with desire. "Yeah, why? Did she upset you?"

Julie's voice grew increasingly seductive as her fingers traced over Vernon's erect penis, teasing him. Hearing Vernon's breathing become heavier, Julie pouted coquettishly, "That Harper doesn't respect me at all. I don't want her staying here any longer."

"That might be difficult," Vernon said, making Julie's heart sink. Did Harper have some kind of backing?

"I'll tell Marshall to keep his woman in check and not to bother you. How about that?" Vernon smiled, touching her face.

Julie suppressed her disgust and probed, "You mean Harper is Marshall's woman?"

Vernon nodded with a smile. Julie felt relieved and then sneered. Just a manager's woman, daring to act like that towards her. She would make her pay.

"Mr. Larson, you're the best." Julie cooed, actively engaging with Vernon. Soon, they were lost in their own world.

As work time approached, Thea's desk remained conspicuously empty. Maria glanced at the clock, worry gnawing at her, and sent Thea a message.

In a private dining room, Thea sat across from her father, Ryder. The tension was palpable. Thea's eyes were icy as she glared at him. "I'm not going. Just drop it."

"Thea, I'm doing this for your own good. Marrying Henry would be a huge boost for the Ellis family. Your mother has worked so hard for the company. You should think about her."

Ryder's tone was fatherly, but Thea felt only revulsion. "My mother would never use me as a pawn for the company. Don't bring her into this. It makes me sick. You're doing this for yourself. Isn't being a shareholder of Luminex Innovations enough for you?"

Ryder's face darkened with anger, but he kept his voice steady. "Thea, I know you have some misunderstandings about me, but I'm your father. That won't change. I hope you'll attend the party tomorrow night. Otherwise, your mother will be disappointed."

Ryder's remarks were suggestive, and Thea's expression hardened. "What are you planning?"

"Thea, your mother wants a harmonious family, doesn't she?" Ryder countered. Thea's eyes filled with hatred. This was her father, Ryder, who would use her mother, Serena Ellis, to manipulate her. Thinking of Serena's recent exhaustion, Thea didn't want to upset her. She took a deep breath and said, "Fine, I'll go, but I want 0.5% of your shares in Luminex Innovations."

"Impossible." Ryder refused immediately. He only had 5% of the shares. Thea wasn't surprised and spoke with a cold edge. "What if Henry finds out you made me approach him? What do you think he would..."

"I'll give it to you." Ryder cut her off, his eyes conflicted. "You truly are my daughter. It's a shame your last name is Ellis."

Thea didn't catch his last words, and even if she had, she wouldn't have cared. Ryder had agreed to take Serena's last name when he married into the family. After her grandparents passed away, Ryder tried to take control of the Ellis family company, but he underestimated the other family members. The Ellis family business would always remain under the Ellis name. When Ryder couldn't take over the company, he demanded 5% of Serena's shares in Luminex Innovations. Serena, wanting a peaceful family, had no choice but to agree. But Ryder wanted more, even though Serena had accepted his child from a previous relationship.

Thea collected her thoughts, looking at Ryder with indifference. "Do you have anything else? If not, I need to get to work."

She saw Maria's message but hadn't replied yet. Without waiting for Ryder's response, Thea stood up and walked out of the room.

"Don't forget about the party tomorrow night," Ryder called after her. Thea's eyes were full of mockery. "Make sure to draft the share transfer agreement. You know I always keep my word."

With that, Thea ignored Ryder's darkening expression and left.

Thea arrived at the office just in time, slightly out of breath from running. Maria quickly approached her. "Are you okay? Why were you in such a hurry?"