Stephanie, dressed in beautiful clothes, took selfies in front of the mirror, smiling brightly. Her post read: "I'll be going to Flaminshire for a while in a few days. I won't be posting daily updates. Dear fans, please wait for my return." The comments below urged her to be careful, while others praised her beauty. Some negative comments were also made, but only one caught Thea's attention: "Don't you find it strange? What a coincidence. The celebrity who competed with Stephanie for the female lead role a few days ago was disfigured."

This comment led Thea to discover various online articles. Stephanie, recently returned to the country with Nicolas's support, lacked significant work experience. A well-known director was adapting a popular IP, and while a female lead had been chosen, Stephanie had somehow interfered. Articles claimed Stephanie was better suited for the role, and due to her backing, the director suggested an audition to decide. The audition never happened; instead, the original actress was disfigured, leaving Stephanie as the frontrunner.

Thea recalled seeing Stephanie at Corey's, initially dismissing it as coincidence. Now, however, she suspected Nicolas's involvement. Dismissing these thoughts, Thea took a deep breath and put down her phone. She was staying at the Hendrix family residence per an agreement. Stefan, rarely there, spent most of his time at the Hendrix mansion. The sprawling residence kept Jepson's family separate from Nicolas and Stefan's villa.

As Max suspected, Madelyn was being kept there. Madelyn, employing an unknown method, was treated politely by the Hendrix family—even picking up the pregnant Thea. Madelyn smiled gently, acting as if there were no ill feelings between them. She held Thea's hand, blinking. "Miss Rowland, the past was a misunderstanding. I hope we can get along well. We both love Jake; why can't we be peaceful?"

Goosebumps rose on Thea's body. She said coldly, "Madelyn, save it. Don't do polygamy; it's disgusting. Only you would do something so shameless." Madelyn's face stiffened; she bit her lip, fighting back tears. A servant tried to defend Madelyn, saying that as an esteemed guest, she deserved care, but Madelyn anxiously interrupted, defending Thea. "Miss Rowland's reaction is understandable. My only regret is not getting her forgiveness. I've reconsidered; I regret the past. I want to make amends, and I won't compete with you for anything. I'll leave after giving birth. If you don't like the child, I'll take him."

Thea viewed Madelyn with suspicion. Had she truly changed? Unlikely. Even if Madelyn meant it, Thea doubted Jake would agree, considering his reputation. Before Thea could speak, Jake arrived nervously. "Thea!" he growled, pulling Madelyn aside. "What are you doing here?"

Thea smirked, adopting an ostentatious, vicious smile. "Didn't your parents tell you? I'm here to nurture our relationship—we're getting married. Besides, I need to keep an eye on you." She looked meaningfully at Madelyn, who quickly said gently, "Jake, it's alright. I'm satisfied being by your side. I've spoken with Miss Rowland; I'll obey and leave with the child after giving birth. She won't make things difficult." Madelyn continued, "This is the best outcome. As long as I have your child safely, nothing else matters, not even my life."

Jake's eyes reddened. Thea sneered; Madelyn's words had manipulated Jake. Jake held Madelyn's hand, declaring he wouldn't let her leave and would protect her. The target of his threat was clear.

Thea, surprisingly calm, instead of anger, simply carried her suitcase towards them. "I won't interrupt your romance, but don't block my way. If you want to appreciate each other, go to the side." Jake's expression froze, while Madelyn glared at Thea.

At dinner, Simone's attitude towards Thea had drastically changed; she was kind and friendly, unlike their previous conflict. Thea found this strange. Madelyn, humbly serving Simone, received a less cold response. Madelyn's smile widened as she sat beside Thea, causing Thea to feel increasingly uneasy, seated between Simone and Madelyn.