Chapter 171

Nicolas was vexed. "Since her return, incidents have been cropping up every few days. I know many were orchestrated by her, but her brother once did me a great favor"

Darwin was indignant. "Nicolas, her brother did you a favor. But after all these years, you've lavished resources on Ms. Ralap. The wealth she's amassed is beyond anything she could have achieved before. You've done more than enough."

"Shut up!" Nicolas's voice turned icy, sorrow in his eyes. "He and Stephanie lost their parents years ago. For years, it's been just the two of them. Before he died, he asked me to take care of his sister."

Darwin fell silent, pained by Nicolas's guilt. The more guilt-ridden Nicolas was, the better he treated Stephanie. However, Stephanie's recent underhanded moves worried him. She felt like a ticking time bomb.

Thea replied: "[I'm at the appointed restaurant.]"

Darwin relayed the message, but Nicolas was concerned. "I broke my promise. Naturally, she's displeased."

Darwin offered, "Shall I prepare gifts for Miss Rowland?"

Nicolas nodded, then shook his head. "I'll select them myself. Send me the pictures immediately." He strode away.

Thea held the diagnostic report, her hand trembling. She thought her heart had grown cold, but she was thrown into chaos.

Stephanie smirked. "If you stay with Nicolas, you'll only invite humiliation."

Thea put down the report. "When did this happen? Did he have an intimate relationship with you?"

Stephanie caressed her belly. "The report shows when I conceived. You can figure it out. Why would I lie? Show Nicolas; he can confirm it. I'll be his wife."

Thea's eyes welled up. "I'm going to find Nicolas and get to the bottom of this."

Stephanie, startled, rushed after her.

Thea saw Nicolas's car across the road and hurried toward it.

Stephanie caught up, panting, and grabbed Thea's wrist too tightly, scratching her with her nails. "Thea, must you court humiliation?"

Thea winced and shook her off. "What's the matter? He's here. Let's clear things up. I won't be bothered by your nonsense."

Stephanie, flustered, stood in the middle of the road. Nicolas exited his car and saw them struggling. His heart lurched.

A car sped toward them. He instinctively pulled Thea into his arms. Before she could react, a deafening crash sounded behind them.

Thea clung to Nicolas. His gaze shifted from shock to fear and anxiety.

"Nic" Before she could speak, he pushed her away. She turned and saw Stephanie had been hit.

Stephanie lay on the ground, pale, like a fragile doll.

"Stephanie!" Nicolas rushed to her, his eyes reddening. "Darwin, call emergency services!"

Thea watched, growing cold. She'd never seen Nicolas so distraught. It seemed Stephanie was his world. Their eyes met; she thought she saw coldness in his. The woman he loved had been in an accident because of her. She felt deflated, unable to speak, her heart heavy. She wished he'd asked what happened. She wanted to say the accident wasn't her fault, but she couldn't.

The ambulance siren pierced the night as Stephanie was loaded into the vehicle. Nicolas left without a word.

Onlookers recognized Stephanie and began to chatter:

"Oh my god, that's Stephanie! She looks exactly the same!" "Right! I'm her fan. Oh my God, why did this happen?" "Can we fans go to the hospital? I'm worried." "Is that man guarding her? He looks worried and handsome. Is their relationship exposed?" "That's Nicolas Hendrix! They've been dating for ages." "The couple I ship is real! I pray Stephanie's okay."

Thea heard their conversation. The ambulance was gone. Darwin stayed to manage the aftermath—primarily public opinion. Few people had been present, but the scene had likely been photographed. They could only minimize the impact.

Darwin noticed Thea. "Miss Rowland?"

Thea focused. "Yes?"

Darwin sighed, intending to speak for Nicolas. "Mr. Hendrix and Ms. Ralap's relationship may not be as it seems. Give him time; he'll explain."

Thea found this laughable. "That doesn't matter. Tell him I'm grateful for his past assistance. If he needs my help, I'll repay him."

Darwin looked bewildered. Thea, exhausted, left.