Chapter 123

"At least you're willing to give me a chance to explain," Thea said. "But Mr. Hendrix, I'll take you back first. With you in this state, the wind will worsen your condition." Stefan coughed a few times and nodded in agreement.

Thea then got into their car and drove them to the Hendrix mansion. Stefan asked all the servants in the living room to leave. The butler supported him as he sat on the sofa. Stefan looked at Thea and asked, "Is it true about you and Jake? I know that man betrayed a woman's sincerity, but I didn't expect that woman to be you."

"Yes, it's true," Thea said, unable to meet his gaze. "I had a difficult past with Jake, but once I discovered his infidelity, I ended the relationship. I only got involved with Nicolas after some time had passed. It's not what that person said."

Stefan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Do you know who told me these things about you?"

Thea smiled sarcastically. "To understand me so well and devise ways to harm me I think this person is easy to guess."

Stefan changed the subject, his expression suddenly serious. "Then I'll ask you now. Did you break up with Jake because of Madelyn?"

Without hesitation, Thea said, "Yes, but that's not all. It's also because of Jake's character. I saw clearly that he wasn't a responsible person. Even if Madelyn hadn't appeared, there would still have been other girls. He was destined to be that kind of person. However, I was deceived back then. In addition, I was too dependent on Jake. Otherwise, I wouldn't have stayed with him."

"Are you sure?" Stefan's voice turned cold. "Are you sure it's not because Nicolas has a better chance of inheriting the Hendrix family fortune than Jake? If you weren't interested in the Hendrix family's wealth, you wouldn't only date Hendrix men. Don't you think so?"

Thea suddenly raised her head, looking at Stefan in disbelief. She understood his questions and doubts, but the hurt was undeniable. She opened her mouth to explain, but felt it would be futile. Stefan continued to stare at her, inwardly regretting his words. He had no choice; time was running out, and his youngest son, Nicolas, was his only remaining concern.

Thea clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and looked at Stefan with determination. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix. I can't tell you why I'm with Nicolas now, but I hope you can believe me. I have no ulterior motives. I only have my own difficulties. I swear, once this matter is resolved, I will immediately divorce Nicolas. If you're still unconvinced, I will leave Sarlimar and never return."

Chapter 123 (continued)

Stefan was taken aback. He hadn't expected that. "You and Nicolas are already married. Even if I'm unwilling, it's useless. Why do you have to?"

Thea shook her head. "It doesn't matter. This marriage was a mistake to begin with. Moreover, I've troubled him too much recently; I'm too embarrassed to continue."

Stefan chuckled. "Why do I feel like you haven't treated him as your own after all this time? I didn't expect my son, who always rejects women, to be rejected by a woman. It's a first for him."

Thea wanted to refute this—it wasn't a lack of trust in Nicolas, but past experiences had taught her to trust herself more than others—but felt explanation was unnecessary.

Stefan started to speak, but seeing Thea's determined expression, he swallowed his words. Unbeknownst to them, Nicolas was at the door, having overheard their conversation. His heart tightened, especially at Thea's declaration of an immediate divorce. He showed no emotion, however.

Darwin, standing beside him, observed Nicolas' expression. "Perhaps it's just a misunderstanding," he said softly. "Miss Rowland might think that this is what you think too."

Nicolas seemed to consider this. As he reached for the doorknob, he paused. "It doesn't matter anymore," he said. He saw Thea's lack of feeling for him. They were married; even Stefan's objections were meaningless. Yet, Thea still chose to divorce without hesitation, never truly trusting him.

Releasing the doorknob, Nicolas stepped back. His dark eyes grew colder. "Let's go," he said, turning and leaving without waiting for Darwin's response.

In the room, Stefan remained silent, contemplative. Thea's back was drenched in sweat. She sighed. It was the person in charge of supporting the Hendrix family back then. Though no longer young, his viciousness and aura remained imposing. An unknown amount of time passed—it felt like a century to Thea.

Finally, Stefan said, "Forget it. Though Nicolas is inexperienced in romance, he's not an idiot easily fooled. Since he chose you, he naturally has his reasons. I called you here because I was angry. I tried my best to plan for you. I didn't expect the two of you to join forces to lie to me."

Thea, unable to look up, apologized profusely. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Forget it," Stefan sighed. "It's not your fault. It's done; there's no point dwelling on it. Let's pretend this conversation never happened. You understand."

Chapter 123 (continued)

Thea nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Hendrix. I'll resolve the matter between Nicolas and me as soon as possible."

Stefan's eyebrows twitched. He wanted to speak but remained silent, waving her away.

As Thea took a few steps, the butler hurried to catch up. "Miss Rowland, please wait." Thea stopped and turned.

The butler approached, lowering his voice. "Mr. Hendrix is serious and intolerant of deceit. Your situation with Nicolas is complicated. But I don't think he's truly angry. I wanted to assure you, to ease your burden."

Thea smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

The butler sighed. "Honestly, every time you and Nicolas visit Mr. Hendrix, he's genuinely happy. He might still want you two together."