Chapter 151

A man rushed in, saying cautiously, "Miss Rowland, I need to escort her out. The Xander family is waiting."

Emmalie nodded, adding, "No need to be gentle. Just ensure her appearance is presentable; nothing else matters. Understand?" The man nodded eagerly, smiling obsequiously. "Yes, I understand." Emmalie checked the time, then heard a heavy thud from the next room. Her lips curled into a slight smile. "Settle it quickly. And leave a door open for the media later."

Reaching the door, Emmalie didn't immediately enter. She tossed her hair, adjusted her collar to appear more alluring, and then called out to Nicolas before opening the door.

Once inside, she was swiftly and forcefully restrained. According to her plan, the drug should have taken effect. But Nicolas, instead of being incapacitated, sat on the bed, appearing perfectly normal.

"Nicolas, what are you doing?" Emmalie's voice sharpened.

Nicolas looked at her coldly. "Are you sure I drank the wine you gave me?"

Emmalie, startled and panicked, retorted, "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

"Playing coy?" Nicolas sneered, gesturing to a bodyguard who produced a glass of red wine. Emmalie knew its contents. She struggled violently, but to no avail, and was forced to drink it. Her body immediately went limp, her face flushing unnaturally red. Except when Thea was present, Emmalie was always confident in her appearance. Now, her eyes were filled with what she thought was alluring passion. However, Nicolas's eyes held only disdain; he looked at her as if she were filth.

Deeply affected, Emmalie wept, whether from pain or fear, she couldn't say. She deeply regretted underestimating Nicolas's capabilities and his ability to anticipate her plan.

Nicolas waved a hand. A bodyguard mercilessly stepped on Emmalie's hand and covered her mouth.

Chapter 151 (continued)

"Tell me your goal. What do you intend to do to Thea? You know my methods. I have countless ways to make you talk. Let's see how much you can endure," Nicolas said. Emmalie nearly fainted from the pain, but her mind briefly cleared. She shook her head, attempting to evoke his pity. "I I like you, so I set you up, but I don't know anything about my sister. I can't tell you even if you ask." Nicolas sneered at this.

Then, the man from Thea's room was thrown in, beaten. Emmalie's eyes widened in horror. How did he do that? How did his men get into the Rowland residence unnoticed?

"I won't let you get away with this if I learn you had anything to do with it," Nicolas stated, leaving. The sound of his shoes and the man's moans tortured Emmalie's nerves. But now, she had a bigger problem: the drug's overwhelming effects caused her to collapse in despair. Fortunately, Nicolas, though not merciful, left her alone in her drugged state.

Emmalie was in agony. The wine wasn't the strongest element; she’d also used incense. Nicolas appeared unaffected, but it was only a matter of time.

The truth quickly emerged. Nicolas's expression grew colder with each revelation. "Cripple him, put him in a bag, and send him to the Xanders." "Yes," the bodyguard replied.

After the bodyguards left, Nicolas entered Thea's room. Thea, sensing his presence, could only moan and frown. His hands found hers; a familiar scent reached her.

"It's me," he said softly. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

Thea's breathing steadied. Just as Nicolas was about to leave, a surge of heat overwhelmed him. Desire and reason warred within him.

Chapter 151 (continued)

He realized Emmalie's secondary plan. Thankfully, he'd dealt with her beforehand. Otherwise, he might have been compromised. He panted, his eyes reddening, his face flushed. In his vision, Thea rose, unbuttoned his clothes.

Duncan signaled the butler, who lured Ivy and Max away. Ivy suspected Duncan's intentions. She almost spoke, but then thought of Emmalie's smiling face. Perhaps he was right. Emmalie loved Nicolas, and as a mother, she couldn't ruin her daughter's dream.

Max sensed something was amiss. "Mother, are you and Duncan hiding something?"

Ivy denied it, claiming fatigue. Max remained suspicious, looking towards Duncan.

Duncan admitted reporters, instructing them to photograph Nicolas clearly but protect Thea's privacy. "Have you prepared the articles?" "Yes," the reporter replied.

Relieved, Duncan warned, "If you fail and Thea is harmed, I won't spare you. Success will be handsomely rewarded." A bodyguard produced suitcases. A reporter weighed one and beamed. "Mr. Rowland, don't worry. We're professionals. You and Miss Emmalie can await good news."

They reached Emmalie's floor and heard a commotion.