Chapter 174

Something suddenly occurred to her. Returning to her room, she retrieved a piece of paper and tossed it to Nicolas.

"Last time, due to my grandfather's will, I couldn't divorce you. I admit I took advantage of you. Consider this my amends. I agree to the divorce and will restore your peaceful life," she said coldly. Nicolas found the bold headline of the divorce agreement offensively glaring.

He clenched the paper. "Do we really have to do this?"

A glimmer of understanding crossed Thea's eyes. "Do you think a divorce now would negatively impact you and Ms. Ralap? That's fine. Let me know when you want to proceed. Consider this repayment. In the future, if you—" She slammed the door shut.

Nicolas, his face darkening, flung the divorce agreement aside. It fluttered to the ground.

Thea wept as she heard his receding footsteps. She hastily wiped away her tears. She had planned to leave; there was no need for excessive sadness.

She had intended to discuss Rowland family affairs with Max. Unexpectedly, he and Duncan sought her out. This encounter, however, differed from their previous amicable cooperation; Duncan's presence changed things. In the private room, Max’s face was taut, and Duncan’s eyes were icy. They seemed to regard her as a formidable adversary.

Thea entered with a faint, mocking smile. "You two are quite a sight. You invited me, yet I feel like I'm holding you at knifepoint?"

Duncan sneered, disgust evident in his eyes. "If we didn't have something crucial to discuss, I wouldn't be here. Thea, don't you feel guilty about Mom being unconscious in the hospital?"

Thea pointed to her leg. "Need I repeat myself? If that person had hit me harder last time, I'd be in a wheelchair."

Duncan's bravado faltered, but he remained obstinate. "If you hadn't been uncooperative, I wouldn't have resorted to that."

Ignoring him, Thea turned to Max. "What is it? Be quick; I'm in a rush."

Max cleared his throat. "We're here because of Grandpa's bequest…"

"Impossible," Thea interrupted. "Don't even think about it. I won't hand it over, even if you kill me."

She leisurely poured coffee, resting her chin on her hand and regarding them mockingly. "I'd rather give it to a beggar than you two."

"You!" Duncan slammed the table. "Do you think I wouldn't dare?!"

"Alright," Max rubbed his temples. "Let's discuss this calmly. Negotiation is possible. Things turning sour won't benefit anyone."

Duncan reluctantly shut his mouth, his gaze flickering between them. "If I were our so-called 'good elder brother,' I wouldn't be as kind."

Thea found this amusing. "You think Max is kind? How unkind are you?"

Max struggled to maintain his composure. He took a deep breath, produced a contract, and handed it over. "Hand over Grandpa's will, and these things are yours. The contract is legally binding and takes effect upon your signature. Consult a lawyer if you doubt it." Thea glanced at it, surprised.

Duncan snorted. "I told you, she only cares about money. How greedy! I'm ashamed she's my sister."

Thea flung the contract back. "Don't you have brains? I'm not surprised by the amount; I'm shocked by your audacity!"

She was furious, almost shouting.

Max's eyes widened. "Thea, did you even look? That's five percent of the Rowland Group's shares. Is that insufficient?"

Duncan looked disapprovingly at Max. "If you're giving her five percent, give her a token amount. Why so much?"

Max ignored him, focusing on Thea. "I can explain the five percent. I'll give you another chance."

Thea found this laughable. Instead of answering, she asked, "Grandpa's heirloom is in my possession. You don't know what's inside. Why are you so desperate? What if the contents aren't worth five percent?"

Max opened his mouth, speechless.

A charming female voice cut through the silence. "Because it rightfully belongs to us. Thea, you want to sever ties with the Rowland family. Grandpa's belongings have nothing to do with you!"

Emmalie stormed in, standing beside Thea's table, regarding her guardedly. "I urged my brothers to get it back. If you have a grievance, come after me. Don't make things difficult for—"

Duncan looked at her disapprovingly. "Emmalie, come here. Stay away from that lunatic."

Thea laughed. "I don't want the five percent. I have something far more significant."

She produced a contract and handed it to Max. He saw the contents and sprang to his feet. Emmalie leaned over, her smile vanishing.

Her voice was shrill with shock. "This is fake! It must be fake!"

Max took a deep breath, his eyes inscrutable. "Thea, how did you obtain this? This ten percent belonged to Grandpa. Did you coerce him?"

Emmalie grasped the key point. "I knew something was off about Grandpa's illness. He was healthy. Why did he suddenly fall ill? It's terrifying."

Duncan snatched the contract, his face contorting. "What other reason could there be? Thea's maliciousness is beyond imagination. Call the police!"

Chapter 175 (Begins here)