Chapter 175

Thea faced her so-called family. To get what they wanted, they'd smeared her and blamed her relentlessly—behavior she found utterly unseemly. Unruffled, she offered a gentle reminder: "I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. Grandpa willingly gave me these things. I have his letter. Call the police if you like. Need my assistance?"

They exchanged glances, complex emotions swirling in their eyes. Thea's demeanor suggested she wasn't lying; the ten percent of shares had indeed been left to her by Joshua.

Emmalie was the first to object. "It's unfair! We're all Rowland children. Why should you get everything? I don't believe Grandpa would do this. Maybe he left you some, but not all of it!" Duncan agreed. "Thea, don't be so self-centered."

"I am that self-centered. Can't stand it? Call the police," Thea yawned, realizing arguing was futile. Since they saw her as a villain, she'd play the part.

Duncan was speechless at her audacity. Thea ignored them, turning to Max. "Max, perhaps a private chat?"

Of the three, Max was in the worst mood. Joshua, overriding objections, had made him chairman of the Rowland Group before he even graduated. They'd later fallen out over Thea, but Max had always considered himself Joshua's chosen successor. He'd expected the remaining ten percent of shares, believing Joshua would give them to him to secure his position. Discovering Joshua had given them to Thea was a shock. He seethed with resentment, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He inhaled deeply. "Emmalie, Duncan, leave."

Emmalie started to speak, but Max's icy glare silenced her. She reluctantly left. Out of his sight, she worriedly asked Duncan, "What do we do? I don't think Max will get the shares back. He's treating Thea differently; he never used to scold me for Thea." Duncan sympathized. "It's alright. Max doesn't have to control everything. Let's tell Mom; she'll support us."

Emmalie brightened, then hesitated. "But Mom's recovering. This will upset her; it's bad for her health."

Duncan affectionately pinched her cheek. "What are you afraid of? Mom's weathered worse. Max is indecisive. I worry about him running the Rowland Group. Let Mom decide." Seeing ambition in Duncan's eyes, Emmalie smiled. "I'll support you, no matter what."

Duncan was touched. Just as he was about to respond, his phone vibrated. He stepped away, his expression unnatural, answering the call.

Emmalie grew suspicious. Why was he taking calls behind her back? She tiptoed closer, hearing a delicate, coquettish female voice. Remembering Ivy's words about Max and Duncan's marriages—Max's would be arranged; Duncan hadn't commented then—Emmalie's eyes turned cold. She didn't want another woman distracting Duncan. She sprang out, tapping his shoulder.

Duncan jumped, smiling helplessly. "Emmalie, I'll be right there."

Emmalie refused to leave, eyeing his phone. "Duncan, is that your girlfriend? You hid her well!"

Duncan coughed. "We've only been together briefly. I'll introduce her after things settle down."

The woman on the other end sensed something was amiss. Why introduce her to his sister first, instead of his parents? It seemed his sister's approval was crucial. She sensed Emmalie was formidable.

Emmalie snatched the phone. "Hello, sister. I'm Duncan's sister, Emmalie."

"Teri Langstaff," the other woman replied politely, but stiffly.

Emmalie smiled. "Sister Teri, Duncan's kind. He's always doted on me; the rest of the family can't compare."

Teri felt uncomfortable. "It's natural for an older brother to dote on his sister."

"Of course," Emmalie retorted, snorting at Duncan. "Even when Duncan marries, you can't forget me."

Duncan affectionately rubbed her head. "Of course not. Emmalie's my favorite."

Teri felt disgusted but couldn't show it. She'd worked hard to be with Duncan. She decided to cooperate. "Duncan mentioned you. He said you're beautiful. I know art world masters; I can introduce you. It's for Duncan." She positioned herself as the future mistress of the household.