Chapter 166

Max returned with a calmer expression and spoke to Thea in a calm, distant tone. Thea sensed he'd taken her words to heart, finding this style of communication more comfortable.

"So, what's your next move? Did you bring me here because you need my help?" Max asked.

Thea nodded. "I know they've always coveted Grandpa's legacy. Let me guess: they plan to replace my name with Emmalie's in the will, right?" Max didn't deny it.

Thea thought, My guess is right. "I'm going home, but first, you have to help me find someone."

Max frowned, unhappy. "Finding him means openly opposing them. Thea, just because you've cut ties with your family doesn't mean I have to," he said.

Thea retorted sarcastically, "Since you sought me out, is that really necessary?"

There was no turning back for Max. He stood up, scowling. "I'll help, but I'm only ensuring Nicolas doesn't go too far. After all, this is the home you've lived in for nearly two decades, and it's one I can't—" Thea leaned back, nonchalant.

"If you want me to do that, I'll need to see what you've done first," she said.

Max took a deep breath, his gaze intense. After a long moment, he nodded helplessly. "I'll try."

Thea smiled. "Then I'll await your good news. Don't delay. I'm going to see the Rowland family now." She stood and left.

Watching her go, Max felt a headache. But Thea was right; there was no turning back. The family might be swayed by emotions, but he couldn't afford to be. The future of the Rowland Group rested on him. He had to decide what to do next.

At the entrance to the Rowland residence, Thea unexpectedly met an acquaintance: Corey, exiting the house with an unhappy expression, suggesting an unpleasant encounter with the family.

Seeing him, Thea didn't avoid him; she confidently approached.

"Mr. Sandy... No, Mr. Xander," Thea greeted.

Corey turned, his eyes dark. April followed, seemingly in good spirits, though she rolled her eyes at Thea, who ignored her.

Corey gritted his teeth. "Miss Rowland, your dishonesty about our cooperation has put me in a difficult position."

Nicolas had deliberately concealed information, hindering Corey's investigation of their relationship. Corey had previously questioned Thea privately, but her reluctance to elaborate only reinforced his assumptions. Any woman marrying Nicolas would announce it; Thea's calmness was unexpected.

Corey knew he'd miscalculated, but the collaboration was settled, requiring him to marry a Rowland woman. Thea said ruthlessly, "Do you think I'm crazy? Why would I be honest with you? Did you ever tell me you were plotting against me from the start?"

Now Thea understood April's hostility; April knew Corey wanted to marry Thea and was jealous. Corey's actions aimed to gain leverage over Thea: securing obedience through marriage, or threatening her with the information if she refused. No one anticipated this turn of events.

Thea blinked innocently. "What's wrong? Resentful? It doesn't matter; the die is cast. Even if you try to backtrack, it won't help."

Corey's smile vanished. He said maliciously, "Don't celebrate too soon. I know men like Nicolas. I don't know why he married you, but your marriage won't last. There's little affection between you two. Miss Rowland, I—" Thea was about to vomit from disgust. She looked at him with disgust.

"I'm sorry. You can wait, but your plan can't, right?" she asked.

Corey was taken aback, discomfort flickering in his eyes. Thea approached step by step.

April was alarmed, stepping in front of Corey, staring warily at Thea. "What do you want?"

Thea remained silent. Corey impatiently shoved April aside. "I want to talk to Miss Rowland. What are you doing here? Get lost!"

April obeyed, but tears welled up at being dismissed for another woman. She glared at Thea before moving aside.

Thea turned her gaze from April and said quietly, "Actually, you could change your target. My sister's reputation is far better. Furthermore, the Rowland family adores her. I don't know your motive, but Emmalie might be more suitable."

Corey remained silent, his gaze intense. He seemed to consider her words. Thea knew Emmalie wouldn't willingly marry him, but it didn't matter; Corey was sinister. They used him against me, so I can do the same, she thought, enjoying the impending chaos and the prospect of watching them destroy each other.

After Thea took a few steps, Corey called out, "Thea, do you really not believe I have feelings for you? Perhaps it's too early, but I admire your personality. We're compatible."

Thea rolled her eyes, not turning around. "Mr. Xander, we have no quarrel. Why bother me?"

Corey was stunned, his smile turning cold. April watched anxiously, nervously twisting her hands. The Rowland family members braced themselves, viewing Thea as a formidable opponent, especially Duncan, shielding Emmalie and shouting, "Those incidents were my idea! If you have a problem, come to—"