Chapter 150
"I contacted several companies," the other party replied in a trembling voice. "When they heard it was about Nicolas, they all refused. They said they couldn't afford to offend him." Duncan pinched the bridge of his nose, his gaze hardening.
"Then offer them more money," he said. "A tempting enough reward will attract bolder players. Furthermore, once my sister becomes Mrs. Hendrix, there will be significant benefits for them. Present them with a clear analysis of the pros and cons."
"Understood."
The call ended, and Duncan heard Max's voice. "What are you arranging?"
Duncan's hand trembled. He quickly pocketed his phone and turned, affecting an air of nonchalance. "Are you going to start interfering with my subordinates now?"
Max's tone lacked respect. He coughed lightly, appearing somewhat helpless. He'd been dissatisfied with Joshua's decision and sensed Duncan's ambition, but he felt compelled to secure the headship of the Rowland family, believing himself to be the only one truly acting in its best interests.
His tone sharpened. "Don't lie to me. I have ways of investigating what happened. Duncan, I just heard Nicolas's name. Don't be impulsive."
Duncan retorted irritably, "Max, that's rich. Even with my abilities, I can't touch Nicolas. Besides, we both know our goal. Why should Thea monopolize Grandpa's money? It belongs to the Rowland family. I—" Max's expression faltered. "—can't—"
Max's expression shifted, becoming slightly unnatural. "This is a one-time thing. My goal is simple: the Rowland family. The Rowland Group is deteriorating; we must use this money."
Duncan sneered, unconcerned with exposing Max's hypocrisy. At that moment, the butler approached and whispered to Max.
Max coughed, feigning anger. "Why are you avoiding him? Duncan's family. Speak freely."
The butler wiped his brow, nervously replying, "The Xander family has arrived. They're asking when they can have Thea."
Max checked the time. "It should be soon. Tell them to wait. If the plan goes smoothly, we'll hand Thea over in five minutes."
The butler nodded and hurried away.
Feeling relieved, Duncan offered Max a cigarette. Max, glancing at nearby onlookers, shook his head. Duncan, accustomed to Max's hypocrisy, said nothing. "I never understood Grandpa's choice of successor. Now I do. Your intellect surpasses ours."
"The Xanders proposed a marriage alliance days ago. You disliked their illegitimate son, yet didn't refuse. You planned to marry Thea off then, didn't you?"
"Grandpa's will stipulates Thea inherits upon marriage at twenty-six. We can't force her to renounce it, but we can marry her to someone cooperative. We'll control things from the inside." Max's discomfort was evident.
"Duncan, you make it sound like I orchestrated everything. Your initial plan was to cripple Thea. I won't dwell on who's cruel. She's your sister," Max countered.
Duncan smiled cynically. "We both know Emmalie's trafficking wasn't accidental. It was Thea's plan. Mom still holds out hope and refuses to estrange herself from her. I haven't mentioned it, but—"
"The trafficker's wife confessed. Thea was the target, but Thea pushed Emmalie. Do you know how Emmalie lived afterward?" Duncan's body trembled, his eyes blazing with hatred.
Max regarded him with a complex expression. He knew Duncan's love for his sisters, especially Thea. The revelation of Thea's ruthlessness was devastating to him.
"Thea was only a few years old, already so vicious. She's inherently wicked. Only disablement will make her obedient," Duncan said cruelly.
Max coughed, warning softly, "Hand her over to the Xanders. Don't go overboard."
Thea's head struck something, jarring her awake. She felt a familiar presence in the darkness, seemingly her room. A man had moved her there and left. She heard a phone call, indistinctly. Pain wracked her head as she tried to orient herself. The conversation ended, followed by footsteps.
Emmalie, hurrying toward their destination with Nicolas, stopped abruptly. "Where's Thea? Are you lying?" he asked coldly.
Emmalie shook her head innocently. "I brought you to see my sister. Why would I lie? If you don't believe me, see for yourself." She opened Thea's bedroom door, revealing a sleeping figure.
Emmalie chuckled. "Thea's exhausted from yesterday's party preparations. I was going to bring her to meet my friends later. Nicolas, wait in the next room. I'll wake her."
Nicolas nodded. Once he was inside, Emmalie's smile vanished. She entered Thea's room, slapping Thea's face hard. "Even if he's yours, he's mine now. Your existence is a mistake. I won't have to worry about you competing with me for the family's affection." She pinched Thea's face, jealousy burning in her eyes. "Why are you so beautiful? If I wasn't worried about them rejecting you, I would have ruined your face."