Chapter 124

Thea shook her head. "I know you want to comfort me, but it doesn't matter. I've made up my mind. If Mr. Hendrix asks, tell him I'll handle everything and won't cause trouble for Nicolas or the Hendrix family." The butler started to speak, but Thea quickened her pace and left.

When the butler returned to the study, Stefan was watering plants on the balcony. Hearing the door open and close, he listened intently. Realizing the butler hadn't spoken, Stefan coughed. "What's going on? Didn't I tell you to talk with Thea? Did you fail?"

The butler said helplessly, "I did. Miss Rowland was polite and understanding. She won't be dissatisfied."

"But?" Stefan was anxious. "Don't pause! You're making me anxious."

The butler chuckled wryly. "I think Miss Rowland has decided to divorce Nicolas. She probably won't change her mind."

"What?" Stefan spun his wheelchair around. "Didn't you say what I asked?"

The butler shook his head. "Miss Rowland's mind is made up. It's useless what I say, Mr. Hendrix. Don't worry. Your health is most important."

Stefan sighed. "I know, but I can't help it. I'm worried about Nicolas. Besides, even though they deceived me, they clearly have feelings for each other. Could it be because…"

The butler interrupted, "That's impossible. I investigated Miss Rowland and Jake's past. She's stubborn. Once she decides, that's it. They won't get back together." Stefan's expression improved.

The butler was puzzled. "Nicolas is outstanding. Many women like him. Miss Rowland is a good candidate, but their backgrounds don't match. The Rowlands seem greedy. Perhaps they'd be a stumbling block. Mr. Hendrix, why are you so…"

Stefan shook his head. "You don't understand. When I saw Thea and Nicolas interact, something felt wrong. Nicolas hid his emotions, but I'm his father. I know what he's thinking. I'll help him, but ultimately, it depends on him."

A maid entered. "Miss Emmalie Rowland is downstairs. She wants to see you."

Stefan's expression turned cold. The butler said to the maid, "Tell her Mr. Hendrix isn't feeling well. If she's sincere, she can come another day."

"Okay," the maid replied, conveying the message to Emmalie.

Emmalie felt uncomfortable but maintained composure. "Since Mr. Hendrix needs rest, I won't disturb him. I met a doctor; I'll ask for prescriptions. I brought supplements, especially good for older people." She gave the gift box to the maid, discreetly slipping in money.

The maid hesitated, but Emmalie held her hand. Whispering, "Don't worry. I just want to know if Thea was here today."

The maid sighed, relieved. "Miss Thea Rowland was here, but I don't know why. She didn't look good. They talked in the study, and then she left."

Emmalie almost smiled. "I see. Stefan still believes me. Ivy's unwillingness doesn't matter. I just need Stefan. Now he knows how unbearable Thea is, he'll break them up. I don't need to do anything. I just wish it were faster. Thea needs to disappear."

Thea was driving when several cars blocked her. Recognizing the license plates, she tensed, gripping the wheel. They honked, urging her to stop. Trying to escape, she checked her rearview mirror. Her phone vibrated. Answering, a cold voice said, "It's not easy for you to come back, my dear sister?"

Thea gritted her teeth. "I have nothing to talk to you about." She knew she couldn't leave without seeing him. She got out, walking towards the Maybach. A bodyguard opened the door. Inside sat Duncan, her brother, who was rarely home. They last met at Emmalie's party.

Chapter 121

The Rowland family had foreign properties. Max and Duncan weren't as harmonious as they seemed. Both coveted the family head position. Max was decisive; Duncan, a genius, had won numerous awards and started a jewelry company overseas. Emmalie was closest to Duncan. Thea and Duncan were once close, but that changed after Emmalie's return. Duncan was Emmalie's loyal protector; he was involved in Thea's exile to Yurtinas. Seeing him now, Thea felt only fear, not brotherly affection.