Chapter 147

Duncan strode over, grabbed Thea's wrist, and yanked her out. Thea accidentally stepped on the cake with her high heel, losing her balance and falling. She had no choice but to change her dress. Raising her head, she glared at Duncan. "Duncan, what are you doing?"

Duncan clenched his fists, his joints cracking. If not for the crowd, he would have slapped her. He pointed at Thea and shouted, "What am I doing? You dare ask? Is this funny, Thea? Emmalie was already being careful around you, prioritizing your feelings. I saw you constantly making things difficult for her. Now that Emmalie has been humiliated, are you satisfied?"

The cream on Emmalie's face was mostly cleaned, but her makeup was ruined. She cried, looking at Thea with accusation and hatred. "Thea, what do you want from me?"

Ivy shook her head helplessly, disappointment etched on her face. "Thea, I can't believe you. You have a bad temper, but this is beyond the pale, even for family."

Many didn't see what happened clearly. Thea was standing near Emmalie; any actions would have been visible. However, that was irrelevant. Even the Rowlands claimed Thea was responsible. Everyone believed them. The onlookers' attitudes shifted instantly.

"Thea has a terrible temper. She causes trouble when she's unhappy. Luckily, she's not my child," one person commented.

"True. If she were mine, I'd have banished her long ago," another agreed.

"Get lost!" Duncan grabbed Thea and shoved her out. "Get lost!"

A strong hand seized Duncan's wrist, nearly crushing it. Duncan's face darkened with pain. Recognizing Nicolas, he suppressed his anger. Nicolas looked at him coldly. "The matter hasn't been fully investigated. Aren't you being biased?"

Duncan, though dissatisfied, dared not protest openly. "Mr. Hendrix, Thea is vicious and manipulative. She appears innocent, but she planned this."

Nicolas's tone grew colder. "Regardless, she deserves an explanation."

Everyone stared in disbelief. What's going on? Isn't Emmalie related to him? Why is he defending Thea?

Thea's scraped knee throbbed. She steadied herself, noticing she was still in Nicolas's arms. Her face flushed. She quietly withdrew, creating distance.

She observed coldly. As the accusations fell on her ears, her expression remained unchanged.

"It's always the same. Regardless of my guilt, the blame falls on me," Thea stated.

Duncan's expression darkened. "Are you saying we're wronging you?"

"Aren't we?" Thea sneered. "Or perhaps, you don't care who did it. You want to blame me, punish me. After all..." she raised her voice, "...Grandpa's will leaves the inheritance to me, but you're trying to get rid of me to seize it. I believe you orchestrated today's events. Why else would I target Emmalie?"

Ivy paled, her voice sharp. "Thea, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Duncan's expression changed drastically; fear flickered in his eyes.

"Am I lying?" Thea produced her phone. "Shall I release the chat logs? Showing how you've tried to get me to relinquish the inheritance these past few days? Grandpa's will clearly states I inherit at 26. You can't wait to get your hands on it, can you?"

Everyone exchanged glances, considering her words. It made sense. The Rowlands' dislike for Thea was no secret. The lavish birthday party, inviting numerous wealthy families, and Emmalie's conveniently scheduled birthday were all suspicious.

Emmalie returned, having changed her clothes. Hearing Thea's accusations, she nearly stumbled, cursing, "Are you crazy?"

Thea, once valuing family harmony, had never displeased the Rowlands. Now, she'd revealed this scandal, ruining their reputation.

Emmalie cried, "Thea, even if you're angry about my dress, you can't slander your family. They're doing this for your own good. Would they harm you?" Thea found this amusing, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "If anyone else said that..."

The passage ends abruptly. There's likely more to the story.