Chapter 144

Thea hesitated before answering, glancing at Ivy, who was still busy nearby. Ivy pretended not to notice Thea's gaze. It was clear Ivy didn't want to defend Thea and even felt Thea should agree to whatever was being proposed. In the past, Thea would have agreed without hesitation, but today she refused. She was simply in a bad mood.

"Suitable? In what way?" Thea stood up. "Emmalie, you're shorter than me. This dress looks better on someone taller." Although sisters of similar ages, Thea was half a head taller than Emmalie. Thea's figure was, quite simply, perfect. If they wore the same dress, Emmalie couldn't compare. This is why Ivy had brought only the exquisitely dressed Emmalie to various banquets in recent years, yet people still remembered Thea's presence in the Rowland family. Every time Thea appeared, she was stunning. Even her bad temper and sharp tongue didn't diminish her fame. The more people talked about her, the more attention she received. No one ever criticized Thea's looks.

Emmalie's face flushed at Thea's harsh words. "Thea, what do you mean?" she asked, gritting her teeth.

Thea raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Is it difficult to understand? You're thin, but your figure isn't… well, it's not tall enough. This dress doesn't suit you. The other dresses would be better."

"You you" Emmalie stammered, unable to retort. Tears welled in her eyes as she tugged at her skirt. "Thea, why do you have to insult me like this? I'm not as good-looking as you, but do I deserve to be mocked?"

Thea sneered. "Aren't you asking for my opinion? Besides, this dress is mine. I decide who gets it. You know I'm blunt. You came to me; who am I to stop you? Let me guess—you're going to tell Mrs. Rowland, play the innocent victim, and complain about wanting a dress?"

She accurately predicted Emmalie's next move. Emmalie, slightly embarrassed, called Ivy, who, after a whispered conversation, glared at Thea. Thea braced herself for Ivy's scolding, prepared to give Emmalie the dress but not let her be smug about it.

Unexpectedly, Ivy soothed Emmalie, "It's just a dress. Forget it."

Emmalie's face hardened. "How can I let it go? Mom, can Thea insult me like this?"

Ivy, helpless, approached Thea. "You're the older sister. I know you're upset I brought your sister's birthday forward to celebrate with you today. Please understand my intentions. I sincerely hope you two get along. After today, do as you please. Is that enough?"

Ivy's unusually conciliatory tone seemed like favoritism towards Emmalie.

"She compromised for Emmalie, not because she considers me her daughter or us sisters," Thea thought. She stood, went to the cloakroom, and said, "Fine, she can have this, but I'll choose my own dress." She picked a similar fishtail dress. It was simpler, but Thea knew how to accessorize; she wouldn't be outdone by Emmalie.

Emmalie and Ivy's expressions changed. They realized Thea planned to compete with Emmalie at the party. Emmalie was close to tears. Ivy pretended not to notice and pulled Emmalie aside.

After they changed, many guests had arrived. Emmalie mingled easily, acting as if it were her birthday, not Thea's. Ivy pulled Thea aside and pleaded with her to give in to Emmalie, promising Thea could do as she pleased after the party.

Thea, sipping wine, smiled faintly. "You've warned the wrong person. Tell that to Emmalie and Duncan. As long as they don't cause trouble, nothing will happen. I won't let others bully me."

Ivy coughed, subconsciously defending Emmalie and Duncan. "That's not a nice thing to say. We're family. Why would they cause trouble for you?"

"Exactly," Thea retorted. "Why would I cause trouble for them? Is that what you think of me?"

Ivy remained silent, her expression a tacit admission. Thea, avoiding further argument, moved away.

Guests continued to arrive. Emmalie and Duncan chatted animatedly, though Thea sensed occasional malicious glances—disgust, disdain, and scrutiny. Clearly, Emmalie and Duncan hadn't spoken well of her.

Thea finished her wine and approached them, wearing a stunning black fishtail dress with pearl accents. Her hair was simply styled, her makeup light. The moment she stood beside Emmalie, Emmalie paled in comparison. Emmalie was about to lean on Duncan when Thea grabbed her wrist.

"Hello, welcome to my birthday party," Thea announced loudly.

Silence.

Unhurried, she looked at Emmalie, feigning confusion. "Why are everyone's expressions so confused? What's wrong? Did Emmalie only mention it was her birthday, not mine? Did she forget to mention she just moved her birthday?"

Emmalie blinked innocently. "Thea, what are you saying? Of course, I mentioned it. You're the most important person in the family. It's fine to celebrate together." It sounded as if the Rowlands favored Thea and disregarded Emmalie.

Thea nodded, understanding. "I see. You don't want this. Fine. I'll tell Mom. It's better to have your party separately." She turned to leave.