I Married A Wicked Billionaire

Chapter Four: Dinner

Jendry Grovers completed his final video conference of the day, closing his laptop with a weary sigh. As he was about to leave his office, his secretary knocked and entered.

“Mr. Grovers,” the secretary said, “I have an invitation for you. The Blues family has extended a dinner invitation to the mansion.”

Jendry raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “The Blues family? What’s the occasion?”

“They didn’t specify,” the secretary replied. “They just mentioned that it’s a formal dinner and that they would be honored if you could attend.”

Jendry glanced at his watch. “I haven’t been to the mansion in two weeks. I’m not sure I want to go, especially not for a dinner without a clear reason.”

The secretary looked concerned. “I understand, but it could be important. The invitation seemed quite formal.”

Jendry rubbed his temples, considering his options. “I doubt Thea will be there. If she is, I’ll handle it. But if not, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to show up. Fine, confirm my attendance.”

“Certainly,” the secretary said, taking note. “I’ll let them know you’ll be there.”

As Jendry headed towards the exit, he muttered to himself, “I don’t know what they’re up to, but I suppose it’s worth checking out.”

Later that evening, Jendry arrived at the Blues family mansion, his mind still preoccupied with the day’s events. As he walked up the grand staircase, he tried to shake off the sense of unease, assuming this dinner would be uneventful and that he wouldn’t encounter Thea.

At the entrance to the dining hall, Jendry paused, mentally preparing himself for what lay ahead. He hoped that the dinner would be a simple affair, a formality he could endure without much hassle.

Jendry Grovers stepped into the grand foyer of the Blues family mansion, his eyes scanning the room with cautious curiosity. As he made his way toward the dining hall, the sound of laughter echoed down the hallway. He recognized the voice and his heart sank.

Entering the room, Jendry's gaze fell upon Thea, seated beside his grandfather, both of them engaged in animated conversation. Thea's laughter filled the room, and his grandfather's eyes twinkled with genuine affection.

“Jendry!” his grandfather called out, spotting him at the doorway. “Come in, come in. Join us.”

Suppressing a sigh, Jendry forced a polite smile and stepped forward. “Good evening, Grandfather. Thea.”

Thea looked up, her smile faltering slightly. “Hello, Jendry.”

His grandfather waved him over. “Take a seat, Jendry. We were just discussing some delightful memories. Thea was telling me about her recent visit to the charity gala.”

Jendry hesitated, glancing toward the exit, but his grandfather’s expectant gaze left him with little choice. “Of course,” he said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. “I’m glad to join you.”

“Wonderful,” his grandfather beamed. “You know, Thea has been such a wonderful addition to our family. She’s always so thoughtful and kind.”

Jendry clenched his jaw, hiding his irritation. “Yes, she’s very involved,” he said, his voice tight.

“And talented too,” his grandfather continued, oblivious to Jendry’s discomfort. “She has such a good heart. Just last week, she helped organize a fundraiser that exceeded all our expectations.”

Thea blushed slightly, glancing at Jendry. “It was a team effort, really.”

“Modesty is a virtue, my dear,” his grandfather said, patting Thea’s hand. “But you deserve the credit. Jendry, you should be proud to have someone like Thea in your life.”

Jendry forced a nod, feeling his frustration build. “Yes, Grandfather. I’m aware.”

The evening dragged on, Jendry enduring his grandfather’s endless praise of Thea. He managed to keep his composure, though inside, he seethed. Each compliment felt like a needle, pricking at his patience. He glanced at Thea, who seemed genuinely touched by his grandfather’s words, and wondered if she was aware of the growing tension.

After what felt like an eternity, dinner was finally served. As they ate, Jendry kept his responses polite and minimal, silently counting the minutes until he could leave. The evening was a stark reminder of the complex web of relationships and obligations that bound them all, leaving Jendry feeling trapped and resentful.

The dinner at the Blues family mansion continued, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. Jendry Grovers sat across from Thea, trying to mask his irritation as his grandfather engaged in lively conversation with her.

“Thea,” Jendry said, his voice carefully neutral, “it’s getting late. Don’t you have other plans this evening?”

Thea looked up, a serene smile on her face. “No, I don’t, Jendry. I’m happy to stay and enjoy dinner with you both.”

Jendry’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his tone even. “It’s just that you’ve been busy lately. I wouldn’t want to keep you from anything important.”

His grandfather interjected, chuckling. “Nonsense, Jendry! Thea is always welcome here. Besides, she’s been wonderful company tonight.”

“Of course, Grandfather,” Jendry replied, forcing a smile. “I just thought she might have other commitments.”

“Actually, Jendry,” his grandfather said, his eyes twinkling, “there’s something I’d like you to show Thea. I recently acquired a new vinyl record I think she’ll love. Why don’t you take her to the study and play it for her?”

Jendry’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. “Sure, Grandfather. I’d be happy to.”

Thea maintained her calm demeanor, her eyes meeting Jendry’s. “That sounds lovely. I’ve always enjoyed your vinyl collection.”

“Right this way,” Jendry said, standing up and gesturing for her to follow.

They walked in silence to the study, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them. Once inside, Jendry moved to the vinyl cabinet, selecting the new record.

“Here it is,” he said, handing it to her. “Enjoy.”

Thea took the record, her fingers brushing against his. “Thank you, Jendry. I appreciate it.”

Jendry crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “You know why I wanted you to leave, don’t you?”

Thea met his gaze steadily. “I’m aware. But I’m not going anywhere.”

Jendry’s eyes hardened. “You’re pushing your luck.”

“I’m just trying to be part of the family,” Thea said softly. “Your grandfather appreciates my presence.”

“Don’t think you can win him over,” Jendry replied coldly. “It won’t change anything.”

Thea placed the record on the turntable, carefully setting the needle. As the music filled the room, she looked at Jendry with a calm resolve. “I’m not trying to change anything. I’m just trying to survive.”

Jendry watched her, his expression inscrutable. The music played on, a haunting melody that seemed to underscore the tension between them. They stood in the study, the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future hanging in the air, as the vinyl spun its tale of conflict and longing.

In the dimly lit study, the haunting melody of the vinyl played softly in the background. Jendry Grovers’s anger simmered, his eyes fixed on Thea as she stood by the turntable.

“You think you’re clever, don’t you?” Jendry’s voice was cold, laced with contempt.

Thea looked up, confusion in her eyes. “What are you talking about, Jendry?”

“Don’t play innocent with me,” Jendry snapped, taking a step closer. “You’ve been manipulating my grandfather to get me back here. You think I don’t see through your little game?”

Thea’s eyes widened. “I didn’t do anything of the sort. Your grandfather invited me—”

“Lies!” Jendry interrupted, his voice rising. “You’re trying to use him to get to me. You’re desperate, Thea, and it’s pathetic.”

“I’m just trying to help my family,” Thea pleaded, her voice trembling. “I don’t want any trouble.”

“Trouble?” Jendry’s laugh was bitter. “You haven’t seen trouble yet.”

He advanced on her, and Thea instinctively backed away until her back hit the bookshelf. Jendry’s eyes were wild with anger, his face inches from hers.

“Jendry, please,” Thea whispered, her breath coming in shallow gasps. “I didn’t mean to—”

“You’ve always been a pawn in this game,” Jendry snarled. “A tool for your family’s ambitions. But now, you’re going to pay for it.”

He grabbed her wrist, his grip tight and painful. Thea winced, unable to pull away. “You’re hurting me,” she choked out.

“Good,” Jendry hissed. “Maybe now you’ll understand what it feels like to be at someone’s mercy.”

Thea struggled to breathe, her vision blurring as panic set in. “Jendry… please… don’t…”

Jendry’s grip tightened, his rage boiling over. “Do you know why your family is falling apart, Thea? It’s because I made it happen. Every failed deal, every lost opportunity—it was all me.”

Thea’s heart pounded in her chest, the full weight of his words sinking in. “You… you did this?”

“Yes,” Jendry said, his voice low and menacing. “I orchestrated your family’s downfall. It’s my revenge for what they did to me, for forcing me into this sham of a marriage.”

Tears streamed down Thea’s face as she realized the depth of his hatred. “How could you?”

“How could I?” Jendry echoed, his voice mocking. “How could they? They thought they could control me, but they were wrong. And now, you’re going to suffer the consequences.”

Thea’s knees gave way, and she sank to the floor, gasping for breath. Jendry released her, his face a mask of cold fury. “Remember this moment, Thea. Remember who holds the power.”

He turned and walked out of the study, leaving Thea crumpled on the floor, her heart shattered and her spirit broken. The vinyl continued to play, its melancholic tune a stark contrast to the violence that had just unfolded, as Thea lay there, consumed by despair and the devastating truth of Jendry’s calculated revenge.