Chapter 125

"You've grown up," Duncan said, turning and smiling at the commotion. "On the surface, you look much more mature than before." He had silver-white hair and a handsome face, but his eyes held only coldness and gloom. He was like a dangerous viper, circling in the shadows, waiting to strike.

Thea took a deep breath, concealing her unease. "Shouldn't you be looking for Mrs. Rowland and Emmalie? Why are you here? There's nothing to discuss between us."

"Mrs. Rowland? That sounds distant and cold. Have you fallen out with our family?" Duncan's tone was concerned, but Thea felt a chill.

She gritted her teeth. "Why would you care? I suspect you're the one eager for me to leave. If you have something to say, say it. I don't want to see you."

Duncan sneered. "If Emmalie hadn't come crying to me, saying you'd let our family down and made her sad, do you think I'd be here?"

"Yes, I did," Thea said mercilessly. "So what? Are you going to kidnap me and force an apology? I won't go back. Consider me estranged."

Duncan tapped his fingers on the seat. His tone grew colder. "You enjoyed everything the Rowland family provided, growing up with the best resources. Now our family's arrangements don't suit you, and you want to sever ties? Fine. But return all their investments."

Thea was shocked by his audacity. Anger quickly gave way to understanding. "My 26th birthday is approaching. You're afraid I'll take Grandpa's inheritance, so you're trying to get money from me now?"

"Then I'm sorry. I won't repay you. Call me ungrateful. Sue me if you can. Let the law decide."

With that, she opened the car door and left. Duncan watched her determined back, a strange emotion flickering in his eyes. She's changed a lot, he thought. Years ago, she would have eagerly obeyed and pleased them. Even when exiled to Yurtinas, she'd cried and begged to be accepted. Has she truly let go? He doubted it. This is just a tantrum. She's nothing without the Rowland family. She's not half as sensible as Emmalie.

He sighed, then shouted, "I'll give you one last chance. Get in the car. I'll speak for you, pretend nothing happened."

Thea found this laughable. I've done nothing wrong. The Rowlands mistrusted and let me down. Now he wants me to apologize? Why should I? Do I need their forgiveness?

Chapter 123

With that thought, Thea didn't stop. Duncan's expression froze, anger flashing in his eyes. He clenched his jaw. "She'll regret this." He started the engine and drove away.

Sebastian wouldn't meet her, and Thea thought she was out of options. Unexpectedly, another chance arose.

She drove to a neighboring town, following her navigation system until she found a small, unassuming house. It wasn't grand, but it was clean and warm, with vegetables and fruit growing in the courtyard. The owner clearly loved life.

At the door, Thea pressed the doorbell. A white-haired head popped out. "Hey, Miss Rowland."

It was an old man, Taylor Lancelot. He smiled warmly. Seeing his familiar, kind, yet aged face, Thea's heart ached.

"Mr. Lancelot," she said. "It's been so long. How are you?"

Taylor had served her grandfather, acting as his butler. But when her grandfather fell ill, Taylor and his son were dismissed from the Rowland mansion after his son was accused of theft. Thea hadn't seen them since. She'd doubted their guilt, but with her grandfather ill and her own position precarious, she hadn't investigated.

Taylor warmly invited Thea inside. The house was cozy, but he seemed to be alone. Thea was astonished. "You worked for my grandfather for years. Ivy said you received a large severance package. Why… why are you living here?"

This wasn't just a small town; it was remote.

Taylor's eyes reddened. He wiped them with a dry hand. "It's all in the past. I'm fine alone. My son works overseas; he sends enough money."

Thea frowned. "Mr. Lancelot, I'm here about Grandpa's inheritance. I know your loyalty. I need the truth."

Taylor sighed. "My son didn't steal anything. No one believed us. Later, I went to see your grandfather, but he'd passed away. I spoke with Miss Emmalie Rowland, who promised to convey my request to Mrs. Rowland. Instead, my son and I were attacked, and our severance pay was taken."

His voice was choked with emotion. "I knew how difficult things were for you. I knew Mrs. Rowland and your brothers favored Emmalie, so we left."

Tears streamed down his face. "Soon after, my son fell ill… and passed away."

Thea gasped. He'd lived alone here all these years. Emmalie hadn't mentioned this to Ivy or anyone else. She likely orchestrated the attack on Taylor and his son. Why? Why was she so ruthless? Thea clenched her fists, forcing herself to calm down. "Mr. Lancelot, what do you want to tell me?"