Chapter 126

Taylor's gaze slowly hardened. He said, "Mrs. Rowland and your two brothers helped me. I shouldn't tell you some things, but their actions deeply disappoint me. I know you came looking for me because you couldn't reach Sebastian, but don't worry. They can't touch that inheritance without your approval."

Thea felt a complex mix of emotions. "Married? Aren't I already married?" she thought. However, she didn't know how long this marriage would last and wondered if she should talk to Nicolas about this.

Before leaving, Thea offered Taylor money, but he refused, pushing it back. Seeing this, Thea pretended to be angry, forcing him to keep it. Tears streamed down Taylor's face as he managed a weak smile. "If your grandfather were still alive, he'd be happy to see you grown up."

Thea felt a lump in her throat. If Grandpa were still alive, she thought, he'd be worried about my current situation. She didn't mention her falling out with the Rowlands, not wanting to worry him further.

Taylor hesitated, then said, "I sensed something was wrong with Emmalie. Before she disappeared, she was such an obedient and sweet girl. Even if she'd been lost and raised by others, I could understand a change in personality. But hers wasn't just a personality change; her actions and habits changed, too." He'd accidentally discovered something amiss. Emmalie, previously without allergies, once had a severe reaction after eating a few peanuts at the Rowland mansion. Emmalie hid alone, and Taylor, finding her, gave her medicine. She begged him not to tell anyone, fearing Ivy and her brothers would worry. He'd kept it secret until now, finding it increasingly strange. Coincidentally, shortly after this incident, Taylor's son was caught stealing.

Coupled with Emmalie's behavior, her guilt seemed obvious.

Thea frowned, realizing she'd never considered this angle. Everything seemed suspicious. However, she didn't voice her suspicions. Taylor was old; she wanted him to enjoy his life, free from the Rowlands' troubles. "Thank you for telling me the truth," Thea said. "I'll investigate what happened. If anyone wronged you, I won't let them go."

Taylor shook his head. "I'm not asking for revenge. I just want your grandfather to rest in peace. I don't want him to see you unhappy."

In the car, Thea tried to calm herself. She realized Ivy and the others had dug their own graves. If Taylor hadn't told her, she'd likely have asked Nicolas for a divorce in the next few days. Taylor hadn't wanted to betray them; Emmalie's pressure had forced his hand. It was all because of their beloved Emmalie.

When Thea arrived home, it was two or three in the morning. The brightly lit living room surprised her. Nicolas stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to her, his posture stiff and cold. He turned as she entered, his expression and gaze cold, as if looking at a stranger. Thea's heart tightened. "I'm back," she said.

Nicolas looked away, toward a table with a piece of paper and a pen. Thea's heart pounded; unease intensified. His voice, slightly cold, reached her ears. "That's the divorce agreement. Review it. If there are no problems, sign it. We'll finalize it when we have time. The sooner, the better."

Thea clenched her fists. She wasn't sure if her resistance stemmed from Taylor's revelation or the divorce itself. She wanted to tell Nicolas she didn't want a divorce, but remembered it was she who'd said he could initiate one anytime. Now, she had to explain her need to fight for her grandfather's inheritance, delaying the divorce—it felt manipulative.

Nicolas saw her hesitation and stepped closer. "Why? Are you dissatisfied with the terms?"

Thea grabbed his hand, summoning her courage. "Can we not divorce… yet?"

"Why?" Nicolas asked calmly, without anger.

"...because my birthday is soon. I don't want to divorce now. Don't worry, it's just a postponement. I won't refuse if you bring it up again later. I can write a guarantee if you don't believe me."

Nicolas's heart beat faster at her pleading gaze. He tore the agreement into pieces, his expression unchanged. "Since you've said so, I'll give you another chance. I hope you keep your word."

Thea felt a pang of bitterness, nodding vigorously. "I will."

Nicolas left without another word. Looking at the shredded paper, Thea felt sad. Even though she'd expected this, it was still difficult. She'd never felt this way with Jake, and wasn't sure if she was attracted to Nicolas.

Nicolas went downstairs and into his car. "She said she doesn't want a divorce now because of her birthday. Is she serious, or avoiding it?" he asked Darwin.

Darwin smiled. "I think Mrs. Hendrix can't bear to divorce. If she wanted one, she'd agree now. She's stubborn. Perhaps there's a misunderstanding between you two."

The coldness in Nicolas's eyes lessened slightly. "This marriage is a contract. Even if she doesn't mention it, I will, later."

"Mr. Hendrix, keep being stubborn," Darwin thought.

Nicolas's phone vibrated. It was Stephanie. He muted it and tossed it aside. Stephanie called Darwin instead, putting him under immense pressure. A heart-wrenching cry came from the other end. "Is Nicolas there? I'm so scared! They're going to beat me…"