Chapter 149

Thea was selecting a gown in the break room when she heard a click behind her. Alarm bells rang. She cautiously approached the door, intending to peek through the peephole. She sensed someone trying to open the door, but saw only darkness. Something was wrong. Cold sweat broke out. The peephole was gone. Then, she saw a human eye!

Before she could react, the door swung open. A pungent-smelling handkerchief clamped over her mouth and nose. She struggled as the world spun. The man tightened his grip until Thea slumped unconscious.

Nicolas returned to the party, intending to leave with Thea, when a strong perfume scent hit him. He frowned.

Emmalie approached, offering a glass of red wine. She blushed and smiled. "Nicolas."

Nicolas looked at her indifferently. "If there's nothing important, please don't obstruct me."

"Nicolas, I apologize," Emmalie said, blinking innocently. "Mother and I were anxious after the last incident. We misunderstood Thea because of Madelyn's lies. We said we'd send her away to protect her." Nicolas chuckled but didn't reply. Emmalie felt awkward. "I accept reality. I know you don't have feelings for me, and I hope you and my sister are together, but…" She moved closer. "Whether she forgives you is her choice. I can't influence her."

She continued, addressing Nicolas directly: "I want to talk to my sister, but she won't give me the chance. Please help me persuade her. I want to let go of our grudge." Nicolas's voice was cold. He turned to leave.

It was obvious Nicolas didn't believe her. Emmalie panicked and pursued him. "I understand. Please listen. My sister is still a Rowland. This will harm her. If you love Thea, consider her future. After leaving the Rowland family, she'll be alone and vulnerable."

Nicolas stopped. He turned, his gaze cold. "How can you be sure she'll be alone without support?"

Emmalie paled. She understood his implication. Could Thea be more than just a mistress? His words suggested he planned to marry her. Emmalie had previously resented Thea's favor with Jake. Now, she had to accept Thea as Nicolas's future wife, the future hostess of the Hendrix family. Hatred and resentment surged. 'I can't fail tonight,' she thought.

"Is that so?" she said, swallowing wine and forcing a strained smile. She clenched her fists. "You're looking for my sister, yes? I'll take you. In return, help me speak to her alone."

Nicolas couldn't refuse. If they planned to harm Thea, he needed to be close. He nodded.

Emmalie smiled, offering him wine. It was a gesture of cooperation. Nicolas took a sip and urged, "Take me to her. I need to talk to her urgently."

Emmalie, in good spirits, gave her wine to a passing waiter. "No hurry. I've promised."

As they left, Ivy witnessed their departure. Her eyelids fluttered. She sensed something amiss and wanted to follow.

Duncan stopped her. "Mother, where are you going? There are many guests. If you and my sisters leave, we'll be overwhelmed."

Ivy patted his hand. "You and Max handle things. Something feels wrong. I need to check. I'll be back."

Duncan wouldn't let her go. He lowered his voice. "Mother, if you want what's best for Emmalie, don't interfere."

Ivy was stunned. "You know what Emmalie plans? Why didn't you tell me?" Duncan looked uncomfortable. "She loves Nicolas deeply. Let her try."

"Are you mad?" Ivy exclaimed, coughing from anxiety. Duncan patted her back, but she dodged his hand. "Do you think you're helping her? You're harming her!"

This didn't faze him. He retorted, "Are you still thinking about Thea? Their relationship is scandalous. I'm helping Emmalie and cutting off Thea's hopes. She's still a Rowland. It's bad if her affair with Nicolas is revealed."

Ivy pointed at Duncan, speechless, sighing helplessly. "Waking Thea up and ending her relationship with Nicolas is fine, but Nicolas has no feelings for Emmalie. We both know his personality. If he realizes we tricked him, will Emmalie have a good life married to him?"

Duncan couldn't refute her, so he twisted the truth. "Even so, I believe Emmalie's beauty will win him over. She's outstanding and kind. The arrow is on the bowstring. We have no choice." Ivy pointed at him, sighing again. She could only pray for a miracle.

Duncan, having persuaded Ivy, relaxed. He made a call. "How are the arrangements? What? They refused the job?"