Chapter 129

Stephanie’s smile froze. "What?" Her tone was anxious, her eyes brimming with tears. "Nicolas, you’re lying. Why are you married?"

Before returning home, she’d heard Nicolas had a woman by his side. After her return, she’d investigated. However, Stephanie had always believed Thea harbored inappropriate feelings for Nicolas. She hadn't expected them to be married.

"So, were my years of waiting meaningless?" Stephanie thought. "I should be Nicolas's wife." She couldn't bear to relinquish that position.

Nicolas nodded. "It's true. I can prove it if you doubt me. I'm telling you this so you'll keep your distance. I can't upset my wife."

Stephanie took a deep breath. Her tone was laced with resentment. "This is sudden. You never mentioned it. Is your father pressuring you to marry?"

"But Nicolas, marriage isn't child's play! You can't just get married like that. Besides, I don't think Thea respects you. You should reconsider."

"I can't accept this. You've been so good to me since my brother died. Now, you want me to accept sharing you with another woman? I'm disappointed."

Nicolas's expression was cold. "Stephanie, let me be clear. I cared for you because your brother died for me. It was my duty. I had no other intentions. However, after all these years, if you still can't understand boundaries, I'll cut off your funding. Thea is my wife, regardless of our relationship. That can't be changed. I expect you to respect her."

Tears welled in Stephanie's eyes. She hoped her tears would evoke pity. But his gaze remained unchanged. She knew further protest might jeopardize her current situation.

Wiping her tears, she smiled gently. "Nicolas, you've misunderstood. I only worry about you. You're like a brother to me. I have no other feelings. If you're happy, I'm happy. I just worried"

Nicolas's expression softened slightly. "She's reasonable. I'll explain about you and me. She won't mind."

Stephanie blinked. "Let me do it. My behavior today offended her. I'll apologize."

Nicolas agreed and left. The last vestige of Stephanie's smile vanished, replaced by resentment and unwillingness.

Chapter 129

Thea received a message from Stephanie and another from Nicolas.

Stephanie's message read: "Miss Rowland, I apologize for my misunderstanding. This afternoon, in Nicolas's office, I wrongly assumed you had ill intentions. It was a misunderstanding. Nicolas says you're his most capable employee. Although your words were unreasonable, he's willing to give you another chance. Don't worry, I'll speak up for you."

An employee speaking up for me? Heart-wrenching, Thea sneered inwardly, but chose not to reply.

Nicolas's message asked if she was free that evening. He felt they needed to talk. However, Thea felt it unnecessary. They were divorcing; Nicolas's affairs were none of her concern. She only needed to explain things to Stefan.

At that moment, Corey contacted her, reminding her of their agreement. A competition required her presence that night.

Thea agreed, tactfully rejecting Nicolas: "I'm sorry, I have a prior engagement. Another day." Nicolas didn't reply.

After ten minutes, Thea put her phone away. She followed Corey's motorcade to a neighboring city (a four-to-five-hour drive). Their destination was a suburban location, where they would spend the night in a small hotel. Thea didn't mind the basic conditions. Corey, however, insisted on sleeping in the car.

A round-faced girl in their team whispered to Thea, "Mr. Sandy's a neat freak. He's not used to these places. He's very fastidious."

Thea was surprised. Corey's organization was ruthless; even his smiles seemed cold. Yet this girl wasn't afraid.

The girl smiled, showing dimples. "I'm Corey's cousin, April Sandy. He's afraid his family will find out he brought me here, so he won't dare do anything to me."

"Oh, you're his cousin," Thea realized.

Chapter 129

April blinked. "I'm curious why my cousin asked you instead of hiring a professional racer. But it doesn't matter. I liked you instantly. Maybe we can be friends. Work hard, I'll cheer for you."

Thea appreciated April's frankness and exchanged contact information. She was curious about the Sandy family. She’d never heard of them in Sarlimar or other major cities. How could they command such obedience without significant power? And Corey operated on the fringes of the law. Though April seemed innocent, everyone in Corey's organization respected her. Thea sensed something unusual about Corey and April, but it didn't matter; their cooperation was temporary, and she would follow the contract. Yet, trouble still found her. During dinner, Thea felt someone watching her. She discreetly located the source of the unsettling gaze.