Chapter 176

Emmalie feigned deafness and turned to chat with Duncan. "Duncan, I saw a set of clothes a few days ago and was thinking of buying it. Are you free this weekend?"

Duncan readily agreed. "Sure, I'll pick you up. You can choose where we go."

Teri was furious. She couldn't help reminding him, "Duncan, haven't you forgotten our weekend appointment? It was planned a long time ago. I understand if you want to see your sister, but" Only then did Duncan remember his appointment with Teri, who had called to confirm details. He felt embarrassed, not guilty.

Emmalie pouted. "What's the problem? We can all go together. I can meet Duncan's girlfriend, Teri. Don't you want to see me?"

Teri inwardly cursed. Outwardly, she forced a smile. "Of course, that's fine." She feared Duncan's anger if she protested further.

Emmalie then pestered Duncan about dinner, seemingly ignoring his girlfriend.

After the call, Teri felt a deeper anger and resentment than ever before. With a last hope, she feigned indifference. "Since you and your sister are busy, I won't bother you further. Goodbye." She deliberately sounded annoyed, hoping for reassurance from Duncan, but he only hummed softly. "Then I'll hang up. Get some rest."

Teri stared at the black screen, blinking, feeling a pang of sadness and hurt. She had liked him for years and was reluctant to give up easily.

Emmalie watched Duncan hang up without hesitation. A sly smile touched his lips. "Duncan, Teri seems angry. What should I do? She might hate me."

Duncan smiled. "Why worry? I'm on your side. Teri's just a suitable marriage candidate. Don't be afraid. Tell me if she bullies you."

Emmalie happily clung to his arm. "I knew you'd be the best, Brother Duncan."

Chapter 176

Thea and Max were still locked in a standoff. Max's offer was exorbitant, but Thea remained firm. "Max, if someone else gave me this, I'd consider your offer. But Grandpa left it to me. It's priceless. Besides, I know each Rowland child" Max's face darkened. "Don't be greedy! You already have so many shares, or are you planning to take over the Rowland Group?" His gaze was dangerously cold and menacing.

Thea knew that admitting such intentions would lead to her disappearance from Key Biscayne. Max's position as chairman was paramount. She chuckled. "Max, why the rush? I haven't finished. Your concerns are what I want to discuss. This way, I'll have just over ten percent, second largest shareholder after you, posing no threat. But if you refuse, I might use Nicolas's methods to acquire shares from others. I might not succeed, but could Nicolas?"

Max was furious, nearly smashing his coffee cup. He suppressed his rage. "Are you sure you want to provoke me?"

Thea remained defiant. "Three days. If I don't have the share transfer agreement I want in three days, there's no negotiation. I'm willing to bet. Are you?" Max gritted his teeth. He couldn't risk it.

He sighed. "Alright, I'll consider it."

Thea smiled, her coercion and inducement tactics working. The contract arrived that same day, delivered by Darwin. Thea smiled, satisfied.