Chapter 118

Nicolas carefully carried Thea from the car. Seeing her shivering, he placed his coat around her. Feeling the familiar warmth and scent, Thea slowly calmed down.

She was nervous. "Nicolas, let's go quickly. We're at the entrance to your family's hospital. It'll be troublesome if they see us."

Nicolas snorted softly. "After being bullied like that, your first thought is to escape?"

Thea shook her head, about to explain, when she heard crying from the door. Emmalie and Ivy emerged. Their faces darkened at the sight of them.

Emmalie trembled with rage. She strode forward in her high heels, teeth gritted, glaring at Thea. Her expression shifted, however, to one of anxious helplessness as she looked at Nicolas.

"Nicolas, don't be fooled by her! Thea caused Madelyn's miscarriage and almost killed her. She even bribed the drug seller to frame Madelyn. That's why we planned to send her away. You've just arrived and don't know the truth," Emmalie declared.

She reached for Thea, attempting to pull her from Nicolas's arms. "Thea, you can't exploit Nicolas's kindness! Come down. This is embarrassing!"

Nicolas pulled Thea closer, evading Emmalie's hand. Thea, emboldened, turned to Emmalie, her eyes filled with provocation and sarcasm. Though her voice was hoarse, she spoke clearly. "Emmalie, considering how Nicolas is carrying me, what do you think our relationship is now?"

Emmalie's heart clenched. She glanced subconsciously at Nicolas. His silence was tacit agreement. Unwillingness and anger surged within her, threatening to overwhelm her composure. Tears welled in her eyes as she threatened Thea, "Are you sure you want to be so shameless? You had an affair with Jake, and now with Nicolas? Aren't you afraid of what the Hendrix family will think?"

Thea closed her eyes, ignoring her. Previously, she'd been concerned and mindful of their contractual marriage, careful not to arouse suspicion. But now, with things at their worst, she no longer cared. "Since Nicolas feels the same, why should I pretend?"

Nicolas ignored Emmalie, placing Thea in the car before turning to Ivy. Ivy was speechless, a sheen of sweat breaking out on her back as Nicolas approached. She felt a fear and powerlessness she'd never experienced before.

Chapter 118 (Continued)

Nicolas's tone was indifferent, his eyes emotionless. "Mrs. Rowland, let's be clear. Thea is one of my people. I don't believe she had anything to do with Madelyn's miscarriage. There are many unanswered questions, wouldn't you agree?"

Ivy was shocked and angry at the deception. However, she couldn't show it to Nicolas.

"Your people? What kind of relationship do you mean?" she asked tentatively.

Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "Are you also curious about the Hendrix family's affairs?"

Ivy, speechless, reluctantly changed the subject. "However, the evidence regarding Madelyn's incident is conclusive. Thea can't deny it. I know you're doing this for Thea and the Rowland family, but she must face consequences. As her mother, I won't let her suffer unduly. Sending her away is for her own good."

Nicolas sneered, exposing her lie. "Is it because you can't undo this, or because you're embarrassed and want a quick resolution? Let me ask you something, Mrs. Rowland. She's your daughter, your biological daughter. So"

Ivy attempted to retort, but Nicolas's cold gaze silenced her. She panicked, questioning her harshness towards Thea, but the doubt was fleeting. She'd always considered Thea disobedient, a bad child capable of anything. While she'd lost Jake's support, she'd gained Nicolas's. This made Ivy resentful. Jake and Nicolas were vastly different; Jake was easier to control. But Nicolas…

Ivy was also secretly hopeful. If Thea gained Nicolas's love, it would greatly benefit the Rowland family.

Nicolas entered the car and drove away. Emmalie approached Ivy, her resentment unconcealed. "Mom, look at Thea! She's Nicolas's mistress! What will people think of our family? You can't ignore this."

Ivy rubbed her forehead wearily. "This is Nicolas's choice. I can't control it. Besides, Nicolas is known for his moral integrity. He wouldn't keep a mistress."

"But are you sure he'd like someone like Thea? She must have used underhanded tricks to seduce him, forcing him to take responsibility. It's shameless! She should be banished to that island for life!" Emmalie's anger flared.

Ivy stared, surprised. She'd never seen Emmalie so vicious. Emmalie, realizing her outburst, softened, burying her face in Ivy's arms. "Mom, I shouldn't have said that about Thea, but I'm hurt. I loved Nicolas first! Why is she taking everything? Becoming his mistress… she's so shameless."

Ivy, seeing her distress, softened. "What would you do if she kept doing this?"

Emmalie smiled. "I know you love me most, Mom."

Back at Nicolas' residence, Thea suddenly developed a fever. Nicolas laid her on the bed, touching her burning forehead. "This is serious. We need to go to the hospital." He shook her gently. "Thea, can you hear me?"

Thea felt the world blurring, as if falling into an abyss. Helplessness and fear enveloped her. She instinctively grasped Nicolas's hand, clinging to it as a lifeline. Weakness became her shield, allowing her to freely express her dependence.