Chapter 162

She released Nicolas. "No matter what, I have to thank you. If you hadn't come to save me, things might have been much worse."

Guilt flickered in Nicolas's eyes. "I'm late. Announcing our marriage would attract attention. I arranged everything and thought I was fast enough, but I didn't expect…"

He hadn't expected the Rowland family to be so ruthless. Thea was their own flesh and blood, yet they still chose to harm her.

Tears welled in Thea's eyes, but she managed a smile. She was touched by Nicolas's efforts. "They've always been like this. I've embarrassed myself in front of you."

Thea blamed herself for not being strong enough. She never expected Nicolas to go to such lengths to save her.

Nicolas had long planned to publicize their marriage. Although Thea didn't follow the news closely, she knew the announcement would cause a stir, perhaps even affecting Nicolas. The more she thought about it, the guiltier she felt.

"I'm sorry," Thea whispered, lowering her head and clutching his shirt. "This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't returned to my family." Nicolas frowned. "Their influence is strong, and you fell victim to it. Do you think all your mistakes are entirely your own?"

His words were sharp, but Thea had to admit he had a point. She wiped her tears and pouted. "Your words are unpleasant."

Nicolas extended a hand. "Can you walk? I'll take you to the hospital for a checkup. I saw you slept all night yesterday, so I didn't disturb you. Your leg has been treated, but we need to be sure."

Thea nodded and took his hand. Feeling his warmth, her cold heart began to thaw. Last time, she hadn't been thinking clearly and hadn't noticed others' reactions. But when Nicolas carried her out, she felt many people's doubts, surprise, curiosity, and even malice. She whispered, "This doesn't seem appropriate, does it? Why don't you put me down?"

Nicolas smirked. "What's inappropriate? Morally? Legally?"

Thea couldn't argue. After thinking it over, she realized there was nothing inappropriate; they were married. A husband carrying his wife was perfectly normal. She straightened her back.

At the hospital, Nicolas summoned the best orthopedic surgeon. The doctor advised rest; it would take 100 days for her bones to heal completely. The injuries weren't serious, but recovery would take time. Thea's heart skipped a beat. If she suffered any lasting effects, she would personally break Emmalie and Duncan Rowland's legs.

As if reading her mind, Nicolas asked, "Do you know who did this?"

Thea glanced at him. She knew the answer but didn't speak. Nicolas understood her gaze and said, "Since you know, focus on resting and recovering. Only then will you have the strength…"

After Nicolas left, Thea checked Max's message. She wasn't in a hurry to reply, but a news notification popped up:

[The Luxurious and Lively Birthday Banquet at the Rowland Family's Residence: Announcing the Family's Heir.]

Thea's eyebrows furrowed. A bad feeling washed over her. The article included photos of a woman in a light blue fishtail dress, looking elegant. The facial features were unclear, but Thea recognized it as a Rowland family counterattack. They'd bribed the media to make Emmalie the heir. If Thea spoke up, they could accuse her of trying to monopolize the inheritance.

However, they'd missed something crucial: Thea's grandfather hadn't specified the inheritance as money. No one knew what it was, including Thea. The Rowlands seemed to assume it was money.

Thea realized she needed an ally. She messaged Max: [Okay, I'm willing to talk. But I have a condition: No one else in the Rowland family can know.]

Max replied swiftly: [I assure you they won't know.]

Thea didn't fully forgive Max, but she knew his priorities were self-interest, not family. He was also the only one aware of the consequences of offending Nicolas.

Regardless of her future with Nicolas, for now, she was Mrs. Hendrix.

"Miss Rowland," a female voice called from the doorway.

Before Thea could react, Madelyn rushed in, carrying something. "I heard you're sick, so I came to see you. How are you feeling?"

Madelyn glanced at Thea's phone; Thea quickly switched it off. Madelyn looked different—flashy, nouveau riche. Thea thought, Money can't buy class. She reflected that Jake had chosen Madelyn for her docility.

Thea wasn't surprised Madelyn could enter; Nicolas's influence made the hospital his territory. She straightened her back and said indifferently, "I heard you and Jake are getting married. I'm glad. I wish you a happy life."

Madelyn's smile faltered. She'd intended to provoke Thea, but Thea's calmness surprised her. Madelyn felt a pang of discomfort. She’d worked hard to get where she was, yet Thea still looked down on her. Why? she wondered.