Chapter 146

Joyce, observing Emmalie's smug expression, lowered her voice to a mocking whisper. "This was supposed to be your birthday party, but she showed off arrogantly, hogging the spotlight. Can't your family see her clumsy tactics?"

Thea smiled wryly. "They've always known, but there's nothing I can do. Bias is bias. In their eyes, Emmalie is their child, and I'm just a bastard."

Joyce bristled. "They don't know what's good for them. They'll regret it one day."

Thea paused, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. "Will they?" she mused. She didn't need their regrets.

It was time to cut the cake. Everyone surrounded Emmalie, singing "Happy Birthday." Many pulled out their phones to record and take photos. She was a princess, bathed in love and attention.

Then, a clear voice cut through the celebratory atmosphere. "I seem to recall this is Miss Thea Rowland's birthday party, isn't it?" It was Nicolas. His voice, though quiet, carried clearly to everyone.

The lively crowd fell silent. Ivy spoke, bewildered, "Where's Thea?"

Thea stood nearby, arms crossed, observing the scene. Meeting everyone's gaze, she offered a faint smile. "Go on. I think my sister is quite happy."

Emmalie, setting down her belongings, frowned in embarrassment. "Thea, I've already said I want to share this moment with you. I know you don't like crowds, but you can't be completely antisocial. You should join us."

They were the ones isolating Thea, yet her words framed Thea as the recluse. Thea, however, didn't play along. She blinked, a helpless expression on her face. "Can you blame me? I was just afraid you'd be unhappy. If I came, you'd cry again, claiming I'd bumped you or said something wrong. You're a little princess, a fragile porcelain doll—I have to be careful."

Anyone could see her sarcasm. Joyce, standing beside Thea, chuckled. Recognizing her, no one dared to comment.

Emmalie's eyes welled up. "Thea, how can you think of me like that?"

Thea clicked her tongue. "Did you see that? She's about to cry again. My sister must be made of water."

Kamal [The text is unclear here – likely a name and action are missing] She fought back tears. Emmalie then clung to Thea's arm, attempting appeasement. "I'm sorry, Thea. I didn't think it through, didn't consider your feelings. Don't be angry. How about this? I'll give you half my gifts. Max and Duncan gave me nice things—I'll give them all to you."

"Emmalie, what are you doing?" Duncan asked, unhappy, his expression dark. Emmalie's words seemed intended for Thea, but were really a blatant display.

Thea nodded, realizing the situation. "You mean my gifts, but I didn't receive any? I prepared the same for you as well.” Max’s expression was unhappy, but he eventually admitted, "There's a gift? I prepared one for you, too. I just didn't say that earlier and left a tiny present... You also know I am actually pretty low-key."

[The following text is largely unintelligible and appears to be garbled or incomplete.]

...Emmalie's face paled as she was guided toward the cake. The next second, someone shoved her. Everything happened so fast. Before she could react, Emmalie landed squarely on the cake—a custom-made confection, half a person's height, adorned with a sculpture of two girls, symbolizing Thea and Emmalie's sisterhood. Thea quickly stepped aside.

Emmalie landed face-first in the cake, cream coating her body and face, making her look disheveled and ridiculous. Joyce, unsympathetic, laughed uproariously. "Happy birthday, Miss Rowland! You certainly look thrilled!"

A panicked Emmalie was helped to her feet. Never had she suffered such humiliation. Rage and tears combined to create an ugly spectacle.

Thea, attempting to stifle a laugh, covered her mouth in surprise. Realizing the potential for further embarrassment, she quickly pulled Emmalie to the center of the room.

Ivy's heart ached. Ignoring everything else, she embraced Emmalie, gently wiping the cream from her face. Emmalie sobbed uncontrollably.

Duncan, furious, scanned the crowd, his gaze settling on Thea, who seemed to be enjoying the show. SEND GIFT