Chapter 148

The man was in extreme pain and embarrassed in front of so many people. Humiliated, he flew into a rage.

"I'm telling the truth!" he shouted. "Your grandfather was always fine, but he's been unwell since you returned. How can we not suspect something? I think you have a guilty conscience. Otherwise, why are you so agitated?"

Someone in the crowd murmured agreement: "Exactly, exactly." Another voice countered, "I don't think that's right."

However, Thea's intense gaze silenced them.

Thea said coldly, "Then let's confront each other." She looked sharply at Ivy. "Mrs. Rowland, you know why Grandpa's health deteriorated. Why don't you say it?"

Ivy's face paled. She opened her mouth, but no words came. She knew the reason, of course.

After Thea was sent to the Rowland mansion, the family remained unforgiving. They didn't explicitly say they wouldn't let her go, but the image of Thea as a vicious, scheming child was deeply ingrained. They believed she needed to suffer and be reformed within the mansion.

Joshua, however, refused. He believed no child is born bad, and remembered Thea's innocent, sweet childhood. Why had her personality changed so drastically after Emmalie's return? He knew it was due to the family's favoritism and neglect of Thea's feelings. Unfortunately, no one listened.

Duncan, now older and influential within the Rowland family, had privately dismissed all the mansion's servants to pressure Joshua. He even sent people to school to harass Thea, forcing her to apologize to Emmalie daily and serve her. Thea lived like a servant, despite being a Rowland.

Ivy and Max knew about this and did nothing to stop Duncan.

Joshua, already in seclusion, was forced to intervene for Thea's sake. His fury was immense.

Because of this, Duncan forever lost his chance to inherit the Rowland family. However, he showed no remorse, instead directing his hatred toward Thea.

Joshua, ultimately, transferred Thea to another school. Afterward, his health suddenly collapsed, a victim of the Rowland family's cruelty.

Seeing Ivy's silence, Thea continued, "Why? Have you forgotten what happened? I'll refresh your memory. Although I was young, my memory is excellent."

Ivy and Max exchanged uneasy glances. Max went to stop Duncan, while Ivy stepped forward aggressively. Everyone expected her to reprimand Thea.

Unexpectedly, Ivy slapped the bespectacled man. The onlookers were stunned.

Trembling, Ivy coldly commanded, "Where are the bodyguards? Get this troublemaker out!"

Thea released the man's hair and looked at Ivy with a strange expression. "Why? Is being tough useless? Are you pretending to be kind?"

Ivy forced a smile, gently taking Thea's wrist. "Thea, I'm sorry. I was muddle-headed. Your sister explained; she accidentally fell." Emmalie widened her eyes to refute, but Ivy's sharp glare silenced her.

Thea scoffed. "Oh, really? I remember Emmalie saying I did it. Why the change of story after changing clothes? You love Emmalie most. Don't let her suffer because of me."

Ivy quickly shook her head. "How would Emmalie suffer? Thea, I'm sorry. I called you back to make amends." She wiped away tears. Her performance was convincing; Thea almost believed her. But Thea sensed Ivy's final words weren't for her, but for others. The image of a contrite mother was more persuasive than any explanation.

Ivy, who had single-handedly raised three children and supported the family, was undeniably powerful. Thea's contempt vanished. She needed to end this charade.

For the first time, Thea took Ivy's hand and smiled. "Mom, I know you still care. I'm your child. Today's my 26th birthday. Let's announce Grandpa's will to avoid future conflict."

Ivy's smile faltered; a public announcement would prevent manipulation. But she didn't refuse. "How about this? Change your clothes first. We'll discuss this later." Thea, noticing her disheveled appearance, agreed.

As Thea left, a cold glint appeared in Ivy's eyes.

Nicolas approached. "Mrs. Rowland, may I have a room? I need to change."

Ivy, with a polite smile, instructed a servant to lead him. Nicolas noticed the servant took him in the opposite direction of Thea's room. At a corner, Nicolas frowned. "The guest rooms are on the other side."

The servant panicked. "Mr. Hendrix, it was different before, but today, many things are piled up in the other rooms. The changing rooms are here."

Nicolas's suspicion grew. "All of them?"

"Yes," the servant insisted.

Nicolas's unease intensified. The servant continued leading him until, realizing he was gone, she turned around.