Chapter 114

Nicolas was stunned, a rare flicker of confusion in his eyes. "What are you talking about? What other women?"

Thea was about to show Nicolas that she had already added Stephanie to her contacts when another urgent knock pounded on the door. The sharp sound cut through the silent night, making Thea's heart leap into her throat. Who could be looking for her at this hour? Had her conversation with Nicolas been that loud?

Before she could ponder further, a voice called out: "Madelyn."

Her voice, though still gentle, sent a chill down Thea's spine. "Miss Rowland, you're not asleep, are you? I heard your voice. I need to talk to you," Madelyn said.

Thea's tension eased slightly, but her voice remained cold as she demanded Madelyn leave. "There's nothing to discuss. Please don't disturb me. Go away." She considered complaining to Jake.

Madelyn, however, showed no intention of leaving. "Miss Rowland, please don't be angry. I'm here to apologize—Mrs. Hendrix's request. If you won't open the door, I'll have to tell her you refuse to see me. Then she'll come herself."

The veins throbbed in Thea's forehead. Normally, she wouldn't be concerned, but this was different. Looking at Nicolas, resting on the sofa with a grim expression, she knew she couldn't attract more attention from the Hendrix family.

"Wait a moment," she said, then approached Nicolas, lowering her voice. "Nicolas, perhaps you should hide in my room for a while?"

Nicolas looked up, his deep eyes fixed on her. His response surprised her. "One who is overly solicitous often hides ill intent. Madelyn's motives are suspect. Are you sure you want to let her in?"

Thea was taken aback. "I'll play it by ear," she said helplessly. "We can't reveal our relationship now."

Nicolas frowned, clearly unhappy with her decision, but he got up and went to her room.

Thea opened the door with a cool expression, admitting Madelyn. Madelyn, without hesitation, sat on the sofa. Her pregnancy had visibly bloated her features, making her already unremarkable face appear even fuller. Only her watery, pitiful eyes hinted at the reason for Jake's continued interest.

In stark contrast, Thea's natural elegance and beauty were undeniable, even in a simple nightdress. Her mere presence commanded attention.

Madelyn's eyes flashed with jealousy and resentment. She touched her pregnancy-marred face, sighing sadly. "Miss Rowland, you've had such an easy life. Your family is so rich, and you are so beautiful."

Thea frowned at these strange remarks. "You wanted to apologize? Apologize and leave. I need to rest."

Madelyn abandoned her usual humility. Standing, hands resting on her belly, she approached Thea, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Thea, do you know how much I've struggled to get where I am? But I can't accept that I'll never measure up to you, no matter how hard I try. What right do you have to live so well while I…"

Thea's unease intensified. She reached for her phone to call Jake and Simone, but Madelyn, reacting violently, snatched it away.

"What are you doing? Calling for backup? Impossible! I'm the future hostess of the Hendrix family, and you'll be beneath my feet! You might wonder why I'm doing this, but recall what happened when you were eighteen. You'll remember who I am," Madelyn snarled.

Thea stared, breathless. Though she'd harbored suspicions, she hadn't delved into them. Madelyn's face seemed unfamiliar; she had no memory of her. While Madelyn had made strange comments during the earlier incident, Thea hadn't taken them seriously as the events of her eighteenth year were hardly a secret. Now, however, she understood the situation was far more complex than she'd imagined. Madelyn was likely an acquaintance from her past.

Chapter 114 (continued)

"Who are you?" Thea's gaze was icy as she gripped Madelyn's wrist, desperate to see past her disguise.

Madelyn smirked, a sinister twist to her lips. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that you're in my way. I'm taking back what's mine." Suddenly, Madelyn clutched her belly, screaming, "It hurts! Miss Rowland, what are you doing? My baby!" Blood gushed from her lower body, staining the small room.

Thea was shocked and enraged. "Are you insane?" she demanded.

Madelyn had used her child's life to frame Thea—a possibility Thea hadn't considered, though it made sense given the child's importance to Madelyn's position within the Hendrix family.

The pieces seemed to fall into place, though the full picture remained unclear. Thea released Madelyn's wrist, attempting to distance herself, but not quickly enough. Her nightdress was stained crimson.

Madelyn's face was pale with pain, but she managed a strange smile. She mouthed something, but Thea couldn't hear.

Footsteps sounded outside. Jake and Simone burst in, confronted by the bloody scene. Madelyn, lying in a pool of blood, whispered weakly, "I'm sorry, Jake. I couldn't save my child. Don't blame Miss Rowland. It's my fault. I don't deserve to be here." Simone vomited. Jake's heart ached. He looked at Thea…