Chapter 115

Thea pinched her palms, trying to calm herself. "This has nothing to do with me. I have no reason to harm the child in Madelyn's belly." Her explanation felt weak and unconvincing.

Jake, enraged, stepped forward and slapped her hard. The slap drained his strength. Thea lost her balance, falling to the ground. Her head buzzed, and tears flowed uncontrollably. Gritting her teeth, she glared at him. "Are you crazy? I already said it has nothing to do with me! Madelyn approached me."

Jake, holding Madelyn, looked down at Thea. His voice was cold. "Why? Do you want me to believe Madelyn hurt her own child? She loves this child dearly and has been meticulously caring for it. It's already five months along."

Pressing against the door, Thea heard the doorknob turning on the other side. Using her remaining rationality, she braced the door. "I didn't do it! If you don't believe me, investigate. I'll take responsibility for my actions. This has nothing to do with anyone else."

The turning stopped. Thea breathed a sigh of relief. Whether out of selfishness or other reasons, she didn't want Nicolas's involvement exposed.

Jake smiled coldly and ordered his bodyguards. "Take her away and lock her up. Contact her family and tell them to come to the Hendrix family immediately. I want to know what the Rowland family has to say about Thea's actions." Thea was dragged away like a rag doll.

In the bedroom, Nicolas heard the fading footsteps. His expression darkened, his body radiating hostility. Anger surged, and killing intent flashed in his eyes. He didn't understand why Thea had stopped him from saving her. Was she afraid of their relationship being discovered? Or did she not want Jake to know? His phone vibrated.

Darwin's panicked voice came through. "Mr. Hendrix, something's happened. Mrs. Hendrix—"

Nicolas interrupted. "I know."

Darwin was stunned. He knew? How could he be so calm?

Nicolas took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. "I'll handle this myself. Go attend to other matters."

"Okay," Darwin replied before hanging up.

In the small, dark room, Thea felt intensely cold. She wondered if the Rowlands had arrived. She guessed only Ivy had come—Max was still dealing with Emmalie's situation.

Clunk. The door opened. Several burly men stood silhouetted in the doorway. They roughly hauled Thea up, treating her like a discarded rag doll. They forced her into a car and drove her to the Hendrix family's private hospital.

In the ward, Thea saw Ivy and Emmalie sitting in the corner. Her eyebrows twitched. "What is Emmalie doing here?!"

Everyone's expressions were grim. Madelyn lay weakly on the bed, unconscious. The baby hadn't survived.

Ivy ignored Thea. She stood, bowing respectfully to Simone. "Mrs. Hendrix, Thea acted insensitively. How can I appease your anger?"

Simone snorted, her eyes filled with anger. "I told Thea she was the daughter-in-law I wanted. I never expected her to be so ruthless. Madelyn's identity is clear to both of us. How can I let her marry my son? Her actions are tantamount to murder."

Ivy, sweating profusely, was speechless.

Thea's condition improved slightly. "I didn't harm Madelyn's child! Her miscarriage has nothing to do with me. I stopped loving Jake long ago. Why would I hurt her child?"

Emmalie cleared her throat. "Thea, what's done is done. Mom and I are here to help. Tell the truth, so we can help you."

Thea gave her a cold smile. "The truth? What truth? Why are you so sure I did it? What does it benefit you?"

Simone sneered. "You don't love him anymore? If you don't, why were you living in our house? I think your family spoiled you. If the Rowland family can't provide an explanation"

Ivy was shocked. "You can't call the police. Max and Emmalie's careers are on the rise. Don't worry, I'll give you an explanation."

Simone's expression softened.

Thea's heart turned cold. She looked at Ivy, making a final plea. "Mom, I didn't hurt her. You know me. No matter how vicious I am, I wouldn't hurt a child. It wasn't me."

Ivy slapped her hard. "Then you've disappointed me. The Rowland family has a small island overseas. I'll send you there tomorrow. I'll bring you back when you're ready to change." The pain in Ivy's eyes seemed genuine.

Ivy thought, My foolish daughter was so close to the Hendrix family. Now, I've lost everything.

Thea covered her swollen face. Her last hope faded. She laughed, looking directly into Ivy's eyes. "Mom, it's not that you don't believe me. You don't want to be embarrassed. My existence embarrasses you, doesn't it?"

Ivy couldn't meet her gaze. But she had no choice. Thea is no longer useful. I have other children. I can't let her ruin their futures.

Ivy looked at Simone. "Are you satisfied with this punishment?"

Before Simone could answer, Thea shouted, "Madelyn was poisoned. She wasn't physically harmed."