Chapter 122

"No!" Ivy rejected Emmalie sternly for the first time. She took a deep breath, attempting to persuade Emmalie. "It's impossible for Thea and Jake to be together now. If Stefan finds out, the Rowland family will offend the Hendrix family. What will we do then? Your father passed away early, leaving you, your brothers, and the family's well-being in your hands. At this critical juncture, don't create enemies for the family." Ivy's words, however, masked selfish motives.

If Nicolas liked Thea, this marriage might still connect the Rowland family to the powerful Hendrix family. Emmalie, seeing Ivy's loving touch, murmured shyly, "Alright, Mom, you're right. I'll listen to you."

Ivy smiled sweetly. "You're my most beloved daughter. How could I bear to see you suffer? Duncan is returning soon. With Max and Duncan, the three of us will ensure your comfort and help you marry the most outstanding man." After this, Ivy left.

Unexpectedly, Emmalie, with a cold expression, didn't go home but got into her car. A cruel smile touched her lips as she instructed her assistant, "Go check Stefan's recent whereabouts. I haven't seen him in a while; I miss him a little."

Meanwhile, Thea, engrossed in her conversation with Ivy, didn't notice Nicolas in the living room until she bumped into him. She stumbled, but Nicolas quickly caught her, his brow furrowed. "Since you weren't fully recovered, why rush your discharge?"

Thea saw genuine concern in his eyes. Warmth filled her heart. "I'm fine now. Thank you for what you did last time. If you hadn't arrived, I don't know what would have happened." Nicolas, his coldness softening, pulled out a chair. "Sit. Let's talk."

Thea sat obediently. Nicolas said, "I could have helped you that day. They would have believed me if I'd testified for you. Even if they didn't, they wouldn't have dared to do anything with me around."

Thea blinked, sincere. "But I didn't want to cause you trouble. We agreed not to publicize our relationship. The Rowland family wouldn't mind, but the Hendrix family is different." She didn't want to burden Nicolas or herself.

Nicolas was stunned. He'd had similar intentions, but not for himself, but for Thea, who'd recently broken up with Jake amidst much controversy. He'd assumed she'd be under pressure. He even introspected, realizing he'd never discussed this with her. He began to explain, but Thea, agitated, interrupted.

"Nicolas, I have to go. Contact me if you need anything. I won't contact the Hendrix family. I'll apply for leave from Avon Ventures; please get someone to approve it." She rushed off.

A strange emotion crossed Nicolas's face as the warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by a cold smile.

Thea, arriving at her destination, suspected deception and called. "Mr. Winston?" She finally reached him, her urgency evident. "Didn't you say you'd discuss my grandfather's inheritance today?"

"Miss Rowland," Winston's voice was helpless. "It's not convenient today. Another day? I might be busy for the next month. Discuss it with your family; you don't need me if you've already reached an agreement."

Thea understood his veiled warning: the Rowlands were watching him.

"Who threatened you, Ivy or Max?" she asked. He hung up.

Thea felt helpless. She couldn't easily change lawyers; her grandfather had appointed Sebastian. He'd been in terrible health, only wanting to leave Thea something good, fearing she'd be alone after his death. Money wasn't Thea's primary concern, though she needed it to escape manipulation; more importantly, it was her grandfather's legacy.

"What right do they have to take something so important to me?" Her grandfather's smile flashed in her mind, bringing her close to tears.

Footsteps approached. Thea turned, her heart leaping—Stefan, looking much older and weaker than a few days ago, sat in a wheelchair.

"What happened, Stefan?" Thea asked, worried. The butler hesitated. Thea understood his unspoken message.

Stefan's expression was grim. "I haven't felt well. And there's been trouble at home. Someone told me things about your past, Thea. Are you willing to talk to me?" Thea's heart sank. "I should have seen this coming. There's no point in explaining."