Chapter 168

Thea stared coldly at Ivy, leaving Ivy feeling helpless. Thea, always quick-tempered, had previously valued family affection. Threats had worked in the past, ensuring her obedience. However, in recent years, she'd become increasingly defiant and estranged from her family.

Ivy quickly identified the turning point: Thea's breakup with Jake. Ivy suspected Thea now believed Nicolas provided her with a backer, eliminating the need to maintain appearances at home. Ivy dismissed their relationship, believing Nicolas, with his abundance of female companions, held no genuine affection for Thea. Ivy anticipated Thea would eventually return, crying and begging forgiveness.

This bolstered Ivy's confidence. Straightening her back, Ivy warned Thea, "You're young and impetuous. I don't blame you, but pushing this too far will only hinder your return." Thea sneered, "Returning to the Rowland family is what would truly block my way back."

Estimating the time was right, Ivy smiled, "I forgot to mention I brought a special guest—someone you all know. Prepare to be surprised." Ivy's eyelids twitched. Her smile froze upon seeing the incoming individual.

"Why are you here?!" she shrieked.

The lawyer, avoiding Ivy's gaze, approached Thea and whispered, "Mr. Rowland promised to ensure my safety if I cooperated. Miss Rowland, I had no choice but to help the Rowland family. I'm an ordinary person; I didn't expect this level of madness. My family and I have been under surveillance. If you protect us, the inheritance is yours."

Thea finally smiled. "Don't worry. Since I invited you for a fair confrontation, I'll protect you. If you don't trust me, trust my husband, Nicolas. Be brave; tell them their actions are illegal."

The lawyer breathed a sigh of relief and announced, "Mrs. Rowland, the legally valid will left by Mr. Rowland clearly bequeaths all his possessions to Thea. Failure to hand them over constitutes embezzlement."

Ivy trembled with rage. How had Thea found this lawyer? Logically, it was impossible. Had she used Nicolas's influence? There had been no indication.

Resorting to moral blackmail, Ivy pleaded, "Thea, are you crazy? Suing your relatives? Even if Grandpa loved you, he had other grandchildren. Your ruthlessness is appalling! Aren't you afraid of a curse?"

Thea laughed. "Mrs. Rowland, do you think I'd fear that? Since childhood, haven't I endured enough accusations? I grew up under everyone's scorn. Speaking of which, I should thank my sister, Emmalie. If not for your attempts to smear me, I wouldn't have this strong heart. Let them curse—I don't care. I might even think their curses aren't strong enough." She winked at Emmalie.

Ivy, speechless, recoiled, pointing at Thea.

Emmalie supported Ivy, then reproached Thea, "Thea, you're being excessive. Is this more important than family?" She then turned on the lawyer, "I'm reporting you. Helping bullies is unacceptable for a lawyer!"

The lawyer stammered, forcing a smile, "I apologize, Miss Emmalie. I'm not taking sides; I'm upholding the law. You only remember family now? Convenient, isn't it?"

Thea observed the lawyer's skillful wordplay.

Duncan stepped forward, his eyes fierce. "Thea, I concede. I'll give you everything. But Mom's condition is critical. Are you sure you want to continue? Can you bear responsibility if someone dies?"

Thea asked the lawyer, "Have I harmed or insulted anyone?"

The lawyer shook his head. "No."

Thea shrugged. "See? This isn't my fault."

Duncan's rage was palpable. "You're cruel!"

Ivy, overwhelmed, fainted.

Chaos ensued. Emmalie urged Duncan to take Ivy to the hospital.

Thea intercepted Duncan, taunting Emmalie, "What? You can't act independently? You can take Mrs. Rowland to the hospital alone. He stays here."

Emmalie fumed, "Thea, look what you've done! You're too much!"

"You have time to blame me but not to send someone to the hospital. What a dutiful son. I'll keep an eye on you."

Emmalie left, face red. Duncan glared at Thea. "Are you satisfied?"

Thea was honest. "No. I'd prefer you and Emmalie were in the hospital."

Duncan, enraged, raised his hand to strike her.

The lawyer intervened, "Mr. Rowland, striking her will land you in court."

A servant brought a safe—Thea recognized her grandfather's old safe. Her heart trembled slightly. No matter how strong she appeared, a vulnerability remained