Chapter 137

The other party's angry laughter turned cold. "Is that so? I only planned to teach Thea a lesson. You were the one who told me that such a woman would only be obedient and sensible if we had something on her," he said. "Now that something is about to happen, you want to get away with it? Dream on!" He hung up.

April was furious, nearly throwing her phone. Fear of attracting attention forced her to contain herself. Then, an idea struck her, and her anger morphed into a cold smile.

Unbeknownst to her, Thea emerged shortly afterward, her expression dark. Thea had deliberately spoken vaguely to April.

When had Thea’s suspicions begun? Perhaps when April made repeated, overzealous advances. Or perhaps when, after their meal that day, Thea noticed April’s feelings for Corey. Thea, however, couldn't understand April's hostility. She and Corey had a purely cooperative relationship; she didn't know why April targeted her. She decided to proceed cautiously.

Thea glanced at her phone—a recording of April and Chad's conversation. She remembered that only Nicolas's intervention had saved her the previous night. She wouldn't let those involved go.

Returning to her room, she contacted Darwin. "Can you help me make some arrangements? I want to meet someone."

Darwin agreed. A sharp knock interrupted them. Thea quickly hung up, pausing before opening the door. "What's the matter?" she asked.

The other party was polite. "Miss Rowland, are you free? Mr. Sandy wishes to speak with you."

"Talk to me?" Thea's eyelids twitched. She couldn't fathom Corey's intentions but agreed. After a quick tidy-up, she followed the person to Corey's room.

Corey stood at the window in his robe. At the sound of footsteps, he turned. "Nicolas is here. Did you know?"

Thea was stunned. "Yes. And then?"

Corey smiled coldly. "You said you didn't want to race due to your special status, so I kept it secret. But you hired him?"

Thea frowned, studying Corey's reaction. Why the strong response to Nicolas's presence? She had a sudden suspicion: Perhaps Corey hadn't brought them for a race, but for something shameful. She felt she'd boarded a dangerous ship.

Maintaining composure, she replied, "It's because of my identity. But I didn't lure Nicolas. I don't know why he's here. Furthermore, I've spoken to him, and he's agreed to my participation. It won't affect anything. If you don't believe me, remove my name and let me leave."

Corey gritted his teeth. "You want to leave after receiving the benefits? What kind of logic is that?" His expression was grim.

He continued, "Thea, I admire your personality and skills. I've been tolerant, even when you framed my subordinates. But that doesn't mean you can manipulate me." His already feminine features seemed more dangerous in his anger.

Undeterred, Thea calmly produced a contract. "This is our agreement. It clearly states that I'll compete according to the rules, and you'll grant my three requests. It doesn't mention that relatives and friends invalidate the contract. Perhaps I overlooked something. Shall we consult a lawyer? Or are you simply venting your anger, Mr. Sandy?"

Corey's jaw clenched. He hadn't expected Thea to have the contract. His expression shifted, and he smiled. "I'm joking. Of course, you're not at fault. Nicolas is… well, you might be his beloved lover, but that shouldn't influence his decisions."

"Beloved lover?" Thea was speechless.

Corey continued, somewhat self-righteously, "Is there a problem? He's unmarried. Do you think you can still be his girlfriend?"

Thea felt a pang of sadness. As his legal wife, she was merely a lover in others' eyes. She was also surprised. Nicolas was more formidable than she'd imagined; Corey's forces couldn't even find Nicolas's marital status.

With a new thought, Thea asked, "If my next request concerns Nicolas, can you fulfill it?"

Corey's smile faltered, then quickly returned. "Miss Rowland, you're interesting. We haven't resolved this, and you're already planning your next request?"

Thea smiled enigmatically. She had a plan.

She changed the subject. "So, I don't need to compete the day after tomorrow? How does Nicolas's presence affect the competition?"

Corey opened the door, gesturing for her to leave. "I have future arrangements, and I can't reveal more."

Thea nodded. As she turned to go, she stopped and mocked, "I thought you were cold, but you're quite kind to your cousin. You're not as aloof as you appear."

"What cousin?" Corey asked.

Thea turned, feigning surprise. "April told me you're her cousin. She even recounted childhood stories. Aren't you cousins?"

Corey's face darkened. He chuckled nervously. "Ah, April. She's my cousin, but I've almost forgotten, she's been around so long."

"Is that so?" Thea raised an eyebrow, noting the coldness in his eyes.

Before leaving, she heard his phone call: "Get April here immediately."

The two had a complex relationship, Thea mused. These people were far more cunning and sophisticated than she'd initially thought. Corey hadn't brought her here just for a race.