Chapter 159
Thea's hand rested softly on Nicolas's chest as she cuddled close with birdlike gentleness. She had never shown this kind of dependence before. Nicolas moved gently, careful not to hurt her. Neither spoke, but Jake clearly understood the silent communication between the men.
A deep sense of dread and anger overwhelmed Jake. Feeling unsettled, he followed them, watching as they disappeared into a room. Instantly betrayed and furious, he rushed forward to kick down the door. Feeling morally justified, he surged with newfound strength. Just before his foot connected, the bodyguard at the entrance gave him a cold, warning glance. All his courage vanished. Jake shrank back, feeling small and insignificant.
The men under Nicolas's command respected only Nicolas—a fact Jake had learned as a teenager. He had frequently suffered beatings for crossing lines, and even his parents couldn't intervene. Still, Jake lingered at the doorway, reluctant to leave, his head lowered to hide his resentment.
Click. The door opened, and Nicolas stepped out. He didn't seem surprised to see Jake, his expression as cold as usual, tinged with disdain. "Is there a problem?" he asked, hands in his pockets. Nicolas, without a suit jacket, was half a head taller than Jake, with broad shoulders and a trim waist. His rolled-up sleeves revealed muscular forearms, making Jake look even thinner by comparison. Jake's gaze dropped for a moment before he gathered himself, red-eyed, and demanded, "What's the meaning of this? Thea is my girlfriend, Uncle Nicolas. Even if you wanted to get involved, this is too much!"
Nicolas gave a derisive laugh. "Her, your girlfriend? Didn't you two break up some time ago? As I recall, Dad mentioned you and Miss Terell are getting married. Congratulations."
That struck a nerve. Jake's fists clenched, his teeth grinding. "Madelyn and I won't be getting married! Thea is my wife, and she's going to marry me. You should stay away from her!"
"Ouch!" Jake received a hard punch to the head. He staggered, bracing himself against the wall.
It wasn't Nicolas who delivered the blow. Nicolas had always disliked Jake, considering him utterly useless, and the shared surname was humiliating. Nicolas stepped toward Jake, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Say that again, and I'll give you another punch."
"Nicolas!" Jepson roared from the hallway. He stormed over, glaring at his defeated son. Jepson felt angry and embarrassed. "I don't know how my son offended you, but we're still family. You're his uncle! What kind of elder treats a younger family member like this?" Jepson snapped. "Just because Dad's indulged you doesn't mean you can treat everyone this way." Nicolas ignored the provocation, raising an eyebrow. "And what's wrong with an elder teaching a junior who's clearly crossed a line?"
"You're talking nonsense!" Jake yelled, hiding behind Jepson. "I'm telling the truth! You're going after your own nephew's girlfriend—you're shameless!" Nicolas's eyes narrowed. Jake shrank back, trembling.
"My nephew's girlfriend?" Nicolas repeated, as if amused. "The woman in that room is my legal wife—your aunt." He smirked. "And you tried to make a move on her. You should be grateful I'm in a good mood."
Jake was stunned. Jepson looked disbelieving. "What? You married Thea?"
"How could you have married Thea?" Jake shrieked.
Nicolas remained impassive. "She and I, both unmarried—is that so strange? Besides, it's official." Jake clutched his head and wailed. Like a trapped animal, he frantically banged his head against the wall. Jepson, humiliated, ordered servants to remove Jake.
Jepson paced, his gaze icy. "Is this your revenge?"
Nicolas sneered. "Persecutory delusion, brother? Do you think I'm seeking revenge, or are you guilty of something?" His sharp gaze seemed to pierce Jepson's mind.
Jepson continued his accusation. "I know you've always looked down on us. You're planning to push us out of the family. But this time, you've gone too far. You know how strict Dad is. Thea and my son have been together for eight years." A smug look crossed his face. Nicolas had always strived for perfection, receiving all the recognition Jepson had lacked. But even he couldn't resist youthful indiscretion. He'd made a big mistake.
Nicolas remained calm. "Complain? I'll call Dad."
The smugness vanished from Jepson's face. "Are you insane?"
Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "If you want to talk to Dad, go ahead."
Jepson cursed and stormed off. Thea, more composed as the stimulant wore off, felt relieved. She glanced at the slightly ajar door, catching a glimpse of Nicolas's back. His presence brought her strength and courage. She felt touched by his open acknowledgment of their relationship. The one person she could trust was her husband, even in a marriage of convenience.