Chapter 352

Chapter 352

"It's just a minor scratch, hardly 'permanent scarring.' You clearly have ulterior motives," Theodosia snapped, frustrated that Paula wouldn't listen to reason.

Paula suddenly held up her phone with a sly smile. "I've recorded your defense of that awful man. I wonder how Mr. Ellis would react to hearing you stand up for Bobby?"

"You wouldn't dare share that recording—you care too much about relations between the Ellis and Owens families. Besides, who knows who Father would side with?"

Theodosia's heart raced seeing that Paula had actually recorded her, but she quickly regained her composure, lifting her chin defiantly.

Paula raised an eyebrow. "I'm curious myself—would Mr. Ellis choose me or you?"

With that, she tapped a few buttons, apparently sending the recording.

Theodosia lunged for the phone. "Stop! You're unbelievable! Take it back right now!"

Paula laughed coldly. "Dream on. Why would I retract something I deliberately sent?"

Theodosia tried to grab the phone, her voice rising with indignation. "Take it back! Are you trying to ruin me? You're just abusing your position as Dad's favorite. We share the same blood—how can you treat me like this? If I lose this project because of you, I swear... I already lost that partnership last time because of you. Now this? You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"You wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't provoked me. Don't blame me for your failures. Your incompetence is why people don't respect you. They should replace you."

Paula knew exactly how to twist the knife.

Theodosia grew more furious at Paula's words. "What do you mean 'incompetent'? You're clearly playing favorites. We have the same father, yet you're sabotaging me for an outsider."

"Don't claim we're family when it suits you. You don't compare to Melinda—she never shouts at me or throws her weight around like you do."

Paula's current status and position were the result of her hard work. Randy valued her because of her abilities. Unfortunately, Theodosia was too foolish to see the truth.

Paula was clearly losing patience. "If you keep spouting nonsense, just leave. Stop wasting my time."

Seeing that Paula was still willing to listen, Theodosia pushed her luck, trying to check if Paula had actually sent the recording.

Paula shoved her away. "Waste any more of my time and I'll throw you out myself."

"Wait, I have something important to discuss," Theodosia said, suddenly more conciliatory. "Quinlan's dating Idris now, and they're participating in that couples' reality show. Guess what? The producers invited me too!" She proudly waved an invitation card.

Paula narrowed her eyes. "And?"

Her expression clearly said, "You're playing with fire if you're threatening me."

Theodosia's breath caught when she met Paula's dangerous gaze.

Then she remembered she had the upper hand and couldn't believe she'd been intimidated by a mere look.

To bolster her confidence, she took a deep breath. "Don't be so tense. I'm just proposing a collaboration."

She explained further, "Quinlan is popular but vulnerable. Without protection, she'll be eaten alive in this industry..."

Paula recognized Theodosia's attempt at leverage. She knew that showing concern would only encourage Theodosia to make more demands.

So Paula remained completely unmoved. "My only connection to her is that she's Melinda's family. Our relationship is distant at best. I'm not particularly concerned about what happens to her."

"You..." Theodosia hadn't expected this response. She frowned and couldn't help but taunt, "Maybe you don't care, but what about your friend Melinda? When she discovers how heartless you are—unwilling to help Quinlan when you easily could—I doubt your friendship will survive. True character shows in difficult times. Melinda will see you for who you really are."

Paula smirked. "Someone like you wouldn't understand true friendship. You're delusional if you think you can come between Melinda and me."

Paula maintained her composure, refusing to show how much she cared.

She even turned the tables on Theodosia. "Even if we ignore whether Quinlan would actually face exclusion, this is a couples' show. Idris is Quinlan's boyfriend—if he doesn't defend her when she's in trouble, the public will turn against him instead."

Theodosia wasn't swayed by Paula's argument.

She smiled condescendingly. "What would you know? You've never worked in entertainment. This industry is far more complex than you realize."

Paula wanted to look at Theodosia with contempt.

Was her brain underdeveloped, or had she simply inherited Liliana's stupidity?

Paula's lack of industry knowledge was irrelevant. The embarrassing part was that Theodosia, who actually worked in entertainment, would suffer for her own ignorance.

"Stop being so stubborn. If you agree to my proposal, I'll join the show and, as an industry veteran, occasionally look out for the newcomer. That's not unreasonable."

Paula didn't believe for a second that Theodosia had good intentions.

"Just tell me what you're really plotting. Skip the mind games," Paula demanded coldly.

Theodosia's eyes flashed with irritation, but she finally stated her terms plainly: "Drop the issue with Bobby, and I'll look after Quinlan."

"No thanks. I'm afraid your incompetence would only make things worse for Quinlan."

Paula wasn't being insulting—she was stating facts.

Theodosia eventually stormed off in anger.

My call with Paula had remained connected the entire time, so I'd heard their entire exchange.

Having Theodosia as family was truly Paula's misfortune.

Just when we thought Theodosia had left and things would calm down, she suddenly returned.

Her complicated expression put Paula on high alert.

There was a set of golf clubs nearby, and as Theodosia approached, Paula picked up one of the clubs.

Her posture suggested she wouldn't hesitate to use it if Theodosia came too close or tried anything.

Theodosia's face darkened, but she kept her distance and asked, "You haven't actually backed up that recording to share it around, have you?"

Paula looked at Theodosia with disdain. "I'm not that petty. I keep these things only to ensure certain people behave themselves. Otherwise, I might get tempted to actually send them out."

She was indirectly telling Theodosia that she hadn't really sent the recording.

Theodosia sighed with relief, then gave Paula a contemptuous look. "I knew you didn't have the guts!"

Then she left—this time for good.

I couldn't help feeling concerned. "Paula, you should keep that recording. Theodosia seems ruthless, not the harmless person she pretends to be."

Paula chuckled lightly. "Oh, I know. Someone who could cause another person to break their leg at such a young age... With her temperament and how ruthless she is, she's going to do something reckless sooner or later. I'll be careful."

"Good," I said, relieved.

Paula reassured me, "And don't worry about Quinlan either."