Chapter 108

At the thought of this, Thea took a deep breath. "Nicolas, let me think about it."

"Alright." Nicolas sensed her unnatural behavior. Without further questioning, he turned and left. Only then did Thea answer the call.

Max's accusatory voice filled her ear. "Thea, do you think hiding this is helpful?"

Thea was confused. "I didn't do anything. What am I hiding?"

Max's voice was laced with suppressed anger. "Half of Key Biscayne knows about the online news. Mom is furious, but you haven't contacted us or responded to her messages. What exactly are you planning? Do you intend to let another woman steal your position as Mrs. Hendrix?"

"Don't you understand the importance of the Rowland-Hendrix marriage? Must you wait until there's no turning back?"

Thea's frown deepened. She took several deep breaths to calm herself before responding.

She remembered Ivy's messages. She'd blocked Ivy primarily because of Emmalie.

"Max, is criticizing me helpful?" Thea asked. "I was with Jake for eight years. When I learned about him and Madelyn, I tried to salvage things, but he doesn't want me; he wants Madelyn. What was the point of my efforts? This is Jake's choice. No matter how capable I am, I can't force him to love me."

Max scoffed. "Do you think I don't know Jake has contacted you repeatedly lately? But you refused. It was just dating then, so I didn't interfere. But now, if you'd complied and found a way to get pregnant, things wouldn't be like this."

Those callous words were typical Max, and Thea knew him well. He didn't disrespect her, but he prioritized benefits above all else. Family interests were paramount; his own family came last, and Thea might not even be considered family in his eyes.

"Max, if Emmalie were in my situation, would you urge her to lower herself?" Thea asked.

Silence. Max avoided the question.

"Emmalie's health isn't good," he said. "I wouldn't force her under normal circumstances. Thea, this concerns the Rowland family's future. You're a member; you should take responsibility."

Thea's heart ached. Resentment and arguments welled up, but she lacked the energy to voice them.

What's the point? Thea thought. The Rowland family has never cared about my feelings.

Max seemed to sense her unhappiness. His tone softened. "I'll come get you and take you to the Hendrix family."

Thea pursed her lips. "Must I go?"

Max hung up.

Thea sighed, packed her things, and left. Arriving at the Hendrix residence, she understood Max's urgency. The Hendrix family had summoned Madelyn.

Jepson sat sternly in the main seat, Simone comforting him. Jake knelt, while Madelyn sobbed on the sofa. Thea was relieved.

Hearing footsteps, Jepson looked up, his expression strained. He instructed the butler, "Entertain our guests."

Max whispered to Thea, "Kneel beside Jake and show them, with your posture, that you'll stand by him."

Thea's scalp tingled. "Why kneel? This is about Jake and Madelyn."

Max gave her a hard look. Thea understood. He planned to keep Madelyn's child and get rid of Madelyn. A daughter wouldn't matter, but a son would be Jake and Thea's.

Thea took a step back. "Even if we wanted that, they might refuse. You know how much Jake loves Madelyn."

Max sneered. "Do it first. His agreement is irrelevant. We need to show our intentions."

Simone stood and approached Madelyn, but passed her to reach Thea.

"Thea," Simone said, grasping Thea's hand warmly, smiling gently for the first time. "Jake's been insensitive, but you two have been together for years. Don't let it end like this. Don't worry, I'm on your side. I'll talk to Jake. In my heart, you're my daughter-in-law."

Madelyn's face paled with jealousy. She didn't understand. She'd come with Jake's child, yet they only saw Thea.

But Thea knew the Hendrix family was up to something. Simone had never been this polite. Before, Simone ignored Jake's infidelity. Now, seeing Jake's predicament, she turned to Thea.

The Hendrix family, while powerful, had strict rules, especially with Stefan around. A scandal would force Jake to marry Madelyn, something Simone, arrogant and snobbish, wouldn't accept. She'd previously looked down on the Rowlands, but their standing in Key Biscayne was far superior to Madelyn's family. Simone only saw Thea's value now.

Thea couldn't openly rebuke Simone in front of Max. She forced a smile. "Mrs. Hendrix, shouldn't we ask Mr. Hendrix first?"

Simone disapproved of Thea's formality. "Thea, call me by my name."

Thea's scalp tingled. She smiled weakly and tried to change the subject.