Chapter 163

Madelyn’s expression froze, then she calmed down, resuming her laughter. "That's right," she said. "Good things are about to happen. Life is destined, isn't it? Look at you and Jake. You've been together for so many years, but you didn't expect him to choose to marry—"

"Jake was great to me," Thea interrupted. "He told me not to work at Avon Ventures and stay home to be Mrs. Hendrix. He was terrified after learning about what happened to you. He sent many people to ensure I didn't end up in your situation. But I'm fine. My family is—" Madelyn's words were deliberately aimed at Thea's heart.

Thea's lips curled into a cold smile, but her expression remained unangry. She glanced behind Madelyn. "It seems you and Jake are quite close. He even shares private gossip with you."

Madelyn felt a surge of smugness and was about to happily confirm this when footsteps sounded behind them, followed by a man’s urgent voice.

"Thea, there's nothing between us. It's all her nonsense. I don't want to marry her. The person I want to marry is you," Jake said.

Madelyn’s face paled. She turned around in disbelief.

Jake frowned in annoyance. "What are you doing here? Why are you saying these things to Thea? Are you hoping her injury will recover more slowly?"

"Jake Hendrix!" Madelyn jumped up, tears in her eyes. Her fiancé had not only humiliated her in front of another woman, but also expressed sympathy for that woman.

Thea watched, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. She had suffered much; now, it seemed, Madelyn would too. What is this called? Retribution? she thought. Madelyn brought this on herself.

Ignoring Madelyn, Jake went to Thea's bedside. He looked at her with deep affection and heartache. "Thea, I know everything. That group of people went too far. You must be in a lot of pain. I understand. You were desperate to find Uncle Nicolas. But don't worry, I will protect you from now on."

Thea waved him off, her gaze cold. "Do you know the difference between you and Nicolas?"

Jake looked at her nervously.

"I know," he said. "He just wants to use you, but I love you."

Thea mocked him mercilessly. "Forget it. Your eyes are equally affectionate when you look at an animal. Do you think I'll believe your claims of love? The difference is, he's already planning for our future. You only know how to say empty words, just like the old you."

Jake’s smile vanished, his expression stiffening. His shaky self-esteem had once again been shattered by Thea.

Pleased, Thea issued an order. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix. My husband told me I need to rest. There's no need to pay attention to irrelevant people. Since I'm your aunt, I'll give you a few more instructions. Can you let me rest now?" Husband, aunt. Each word was a slap to Jake's face.

His eyes were red, but he remained indignant. "Thea, will you give up everything we had? I know my mistake and regret it. I realized the person I love most is you. We’ve been together for seven years. Have you forgotten?"

Thea glanced at the devastated Madelyn and asked coldly, "What do you think?"

Jake understood and stumbled away, dejected. Thea watched his back, her heart unmoved. Perhaps he regretted it, but it no longer mattered to her. She knew their separation wasn't solely Madelyn’s fault. With Jake's personality, he'd find other women even without Madelyn. His heart will never settle. Only death can make a man honest, she thought.

She'd provoked Madelyn on purpose, giving them something to do so they wouldn't bother her.

After they left, Thea felt the ward air fresher.

Madelyn struggled to catch up to Jake. Grabbing his wrist, she said stubbornly, "Jake, you've been hiding from me. If I hadn't come to see Thea, I wouldn't have seen you. What exactly is going on?"

"Don't you understand? She doesn't have any feelings for you. She only cares about money and fame. Otherwise, why would she sleep with Nicolas? You're the one who matters to me. You said you loved me. Have you forgotten?"

Jake found Madelyn annoying. He shook off her hand fiercely, his face cold. "Don't you understand? I'm no longer interested in you. I could have married a better woman, but now, I'm stuck with you. Do you know what that means?"

Madelyn felt a crushing pain as she saw the undisguised disgust and disdain in Jake’s eyes. Yet, she refused to give up. She knew Jake couldn't accept Thea and Nicolas. It's all Thea's fault. She should be dead. Why is she still interfering? she thought.

Madelyn’s expression hardened. "Jake, I'll prove my worth. I will."

Jake rolled his eyes impatiently and quickened his pace. Madelyn went to a corner, called someone, and said, "Come to Key Biscayne immediately. You said you would help me."

Chapter 163 (Continued)

Thea quietly recuperated. She had shattered Jake's self-esteem, knowing it would create animosity, but it was beneficial; at least she wouldn't see Jake again. Besides Nicolas, Joyce visited most often.

Thea initially withheld the truth. Joyce threatened, "Do you take me for a fool? Is this really just a fall? Why did you fall? You're not willing to tell the truth? Fine, I'll investigate myself."

Seeing Joyce’s insistence, Thea revealed everything that happened in the Rowland family. Joyce was shocked. "Are you sure you're their biological child?" she asked.

Thea smiled bitterly. "I wish I weren't, but unfortunately, I am."

Joyce was furious, but a trace of sadness crossed her face. "I thought your family was reasonable. I didn't expect them to be like this," she said.

Thea sensed something was amiss. "What's wrong?"