Nicolas was in the smoking room. The moment Darwin entered, a strong whiff of cigarette smoke assailed his nostrils. Nicolas held a half-smoked cigarette, weariness unmistakable in his handsome eyes. Scattered around his leather boots were numerous cigarette butts. This was the first time Darwin had seen him in such a state, and concern immediately welled up within him.

"Mr. Hendrix," he began, "is Ms. Ralap's condition really bad?"

Nicolas pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, the doctor said her life isn't in danger. She'll need time to recuperate. Her leg is broken, but it's treatable."

"But she's pregnant," Darwin said, a glint of coldness flashing in Nicolas's dark eyes. "Perhaps she came to me to tell me about this."

Darwin was taken aback. "Ms. Ralap? Pregnant?"

Nicolas tossed his cigarette butt to the ground, grinding it out with his foot. "I've had someone look into it. She slept with a producer to secure a role, keeping it remarkably secret. She could have asked me for help, but why do you think she chose this way?"

He let out a cold laugh. "To ensure her competitors wouldn't get acting gigs. She knew I'd refuse, so she took matters into her own hands. Darwin, look at the kind of person she is. If it weren't for her brother, I'd" He trailed off.

Darwin was astonished.

Nicolas took a deep breath. "I intend to send her abroad after she recovers. When she was nearly hit by that car today, I was terrified. I was afraid of facing her brother and didn't want to get entangled in this mess." Darwin felt a sense of injustice on Nicolas's behalf. He thought, All because of a favor, he's gotten into this trouble with Stephanie.

Just then, noisy footsteps erupted from outside. Darwin furrowed his brows, about to investigate, when his phone rang. The message infuriated him. "What on earth is going on? How did the media get wind of this?"

Nicolas chuckled coldly, his eyes icy. "Someone tipped them off. I'll handle them. You find out which mole we have among our staff."

"Yes," Darwin nodded, taking his leave.

When Nicolas opened the door, he was swarmed by reporters. Flashbulbs flashed incessantly; camera lenses were almost in his face.

"Mr. Hendrix," one shouted, "is your relationship with Ms. Ralap genuine or fabricated?"

Another yelled, "How is Ms. Ralap's condition? Why the car accident? Insiders say she was arguing with your suitor."

A third pressed, "Is Ms. Ralap pregnant, as rumored?"

Nicolas's face remained impassive, hostility emanating from him. He didn't answer, instead countering, "Did the person who sent you here mention the consequences of offending me?"

The reporters exchanged glances. They were from small media companies, some interns or newbies, having rushed over without much thought.

"You have five minutes," Nicolas said sternly. "Leave now, or face the consequences."

Thea was dazed returning home. Whenever she closed her eyes, she saw Stephanie lying in a pool of blood. Nicolas was there, but far enough away that she couldn't see his expression clearly. She only knew he seemed to blame her.

On a whim, she checked online. The comments speculated that the baby was Nicolas'. Someone noticed Thea had been present but unrecognized.

"Thea seems off," one comment read. "Why the car accident? Her expression was strange."

Another replied, "I was there too. Don't accuse people randomly. If it were her, Nicolas would have caught her. He wouldn't let the culprit go."

The theory about Thea was quickly dismissed, attention remaining on Stephanie's miscarriage. Some lamented; others waited for Nicolas's rage.

Thea stared at a photo of her back, her heart growing cold. Nicolas will seek revenge, she thought. But why his silence then? Perhaps he hadn't reacted yet. Given their relationship, he probably plans to settle the score later.

A tumult of emotions churned within her. A shrill ringtone startled her—a call from the lawyer. He'd arrived overseas safely and thanked her, urging her to take care of herself. A warmth spread through Thea as she thanked him.

The lawyer lowered his voice. "Miss Rowland, make the items legally yours quickly. Even if they try to take them back, it'll be useless. I'm sorry I can't help much being overseas." He didn't need to go to such trouble; he could have simply blocked her. But that's how relationships work.

Thea didn't want to disappoint him. "Please give me his contact information. I'll speak with him."

The lawyer readily agreed, sending the contact. Thea sent a friend request and set it aside. Her focus should be on her grandfather's belongings. She found the key to the safe. Inside were photos and a letter. They felt weighty in her hands. She felt like crying.

The letter was long, her grandfather's handwriting. He rambled, pouring out unsaid words. His writing grew increasingly sloppy towards the end. He hoped Thea would return to the Rowland family, not for superficial harmony, but because he felt it lonely for her to be alone, unsupported. He sighed, adding that if the family remained stubborn, she should keep her distance. He ended with a poignant sentence.