Chapter 157

Finally, his gaze landed on Max. "Mr. Rowland, I thought you were a smart person. Although you're from a humble family, you're quite capable. But now it seems my impression of you was a misunderstanding. Knowing about Thea's marriage, why did you force her into the Xander family? This alone is grounds for a lawsuit." Max was drenched in cold sweat, his legs weak.

Ivy quickly approached him. "What's going on? Didn't you say Thea was lying?"

Max gritted his teeth. "She's married, but her husband's details were unavailable. How could I know Nicolas would actually marry her?"

Emmalie refused to accept this. Pointing at Thea, she raged, "Thea, shame on you! Jake is Nicolas's nephew. How could you seduce both of them? Having you as a sister is a disgrace!"

Thea chuckled, her words sharp. "Then I apologize. You always wanted to marry into the Hendrix family, but I'm the one who secured the position you craved. So, what should I do? Even if I divorced Nicolas now, he wouldn't choose you." These words shattered Emmalie. Her body swayed, as if she might faint.

The Rowland family was in chaos, extremely nervous. They could only glare at Thea, too afraid to speak. The situation had changed; Thea had Nicolas's support.

Ivy, the family's backbone, stood and glared coldly. "Thea, I wish I didn't have a daughter like you. You didn't even discuss this marriage with us. Were you afraid you wouldn't find a husband?"

"Discuss it with you?" Thea scoffed. "Why? To give you a chance to replace me? I feared Emmalie would become the bride. In your eyes, I should always sacrifice for her. The good things belong to her, I deserve nothing, right?"

Ivy raised her voice. "That's what you owe her! Look how fragile she is, because of her illness. Why don't you give in to her more?"

Nicolas waved his hand, and Darwin brought in a doctor. "We heard Miss Emmalie Rowland is unwell and faints often. Mr. Hendrix couldn't bear to see her suffer, so he found a doctor."

Emmalie, still feigning unconsciousness in Duncan's arms, trembled. She slowly opened her eyes. "No need. I'm fine now." The atmosphere became awkward.

Nicolas ignored them, bending to carefully lift Thea from her wheelchair. She was frightened but couldn't resist, clinging to his chest. "Does it still hurt?" he asked.

Thea's eyes welled. She'd endured pain and a stimulant injection without crying, but Nicolas's question almost broke her. She buried her face in his arms, wanting to hide her vulnerability.

To outsiders, it seemed normal, but Nicolas felt her trembling. He knew her heart was breaking. His own heart ached, and his gaze turned colder as he regarded the Rowland family. Thea's situation couldn't wait, so he turned to leave. Emmalie made a final attempt.

"Nicolas, you've been deceived!" Tears streamed down her pale face. "She's vicious and scheming. When I was young, she let me be trafficked. She watched, did nothing, didn't call the police or tell our family. I was held captive in the mountains for years. Open your eyes! Don't be deceived!"

Thea looked at her in disbelief. Memories flooded back. Emmalie had gone out alone that day. Why claim Thea was there? The Rowlands hated Thea for supposedly abandoning her sister.

Nicolas's eyes were cold as he looked at Thea.

Emmalie forced a smile. "I I don't want Thea to repeat her mistakes. Nicolas, I truly like you. I don't want to see you fooled and hurt." Nicolas avoided her outstretched hand. "Your sister is right. Even if I weren't with her, I wouldn't be interested in you. You chose the wrong path." This was more than rejection; it was humiliation. Emmalie stared in disbelief, consumed by sorrow, despair, and hatred.

Thea, her emotions easing, tugged at Nicolas's clothes. "Let's go. I'm tired."

Nicolas nodded and carried her to the car, ignoring the Rowlands.

Max finally understood. Had he known Thea and Nicolas's relationship, he wouldn't have been so foolish. Emmalie was stunned. Thea, whom he'd considered worthless, was now precious to Nicolas.

Ivy comforted Emmalie, "He doesn't love you. There are other men. You're good, you'll find someone better."

"No!" Emmalie cried, rejecting Ivy's comfort. "I can't accept it! You promised to give me what Thea owes me! I'll only love Nicolas!"

Max, exasperated by her outburst, spoke harshly, "Nicolas doesn't like you! You said Thea was just his mistress! If you hadn't misled us"

The final sentence ("SEND GIFT") and the numbered lines at the end appear to be unrelated and were removed.