Chapter 181

Nicolas's face was pale, but he forced a faint smile. "Protecting Thea is what I should do."

Eric looked at Thea again. "This is Hendrix."

As he finished speaking, a dull thud came from beside him, as if something had fallen. Thea turned to see Nicolas already fainted on the ground. Blood gushed from his lower body. She lowered her head, embarrassed. "Let me introduce you. This is my husband. His…"

Thea's eyes instantly reddened. She rushed to Nicolas, shouting, "Call an ambulance! Quickly!" Only then did she realize he'd been stabbed. He wore a black suit, and the dim room obscured the injury. She cried, "You have to hold on, Nicolas! What am I supposed to do if you die? I'll live with guilt and regret for the rest of my life!"

She decided to tell Nicolas her feelings when he woke. She wanted no regrets. Fortunately, some officers knew first aid. The wound, though scary, wasn't deep, and they stemmed the bleeding. However, Nicolas remained unconscious and pale in Thea's arms. This was the first time Thea had seen him so frail.

In a daze, Nicolas grabbed Thea's wrist, his lips moving. Thea leaned down. "Mom," he whispered.

A sense of familiarity washed over Thea. Years ago in Yurtinas, she'd saved someone covered in dirt, who'd also grabbed her wrist and called her "Mom." But… could that person be Nicolas? She dismissed the thought.

The paramedics arrived. Thea, struggling, escorted the ambulance to the village entrance.

Eric caught up, panting, worried. "Miss Rowland, I know you're worried, but you need rest too. Your face is frighteningly pale."

Thea touched his cold face, unsure if it was tears or rain. She shook her head, then looked back at the mountains. "Eric," her voice hoarse, "I'll fix the road. Tell me the truth—if workers have emergencies, they can't get here in time, right?"

Eric's voice was bitter. "Last time, a factory worker's family member had a relapse. She rushed back, but it was too late. This affects production and everyone's lives. But Miss Rowland, this isn't easy. If it doesn't work, forget it. We don't want you to lose money because of this factory."

"Don't worry," Thea breathed. "I'll settle everything."

When Nicolas woke, he felt intense pain. He frowned, then saw Thea sleeping beside him. A ripple crossed his calm black eyes. He raised his hand; Thea stirred but didn't wake. He lowered his hand. The scene triggered memories. Thea had stayed by his side until the ambulance arrived before. Stephanie's brother had died because of him; grief-stricken, he'd been targeted and almost killed. Lying injured in a ditch, Thea had appeared like a ray of sunshine.

Nicolas looked at Thea with mixed emotions. He wanted to apologize; he shouldn't have involved her. Even abandoned by her family, she deserved peace. But he was confused; he’d acted on impulse. Now, stabbed, he'd calmed.

The ward door opened; Darwin and the doctor entered. Thea woke at the commotion. She met Nicolas's gaze, embarrassed. She touched her face, blushing. "Why are you looking at me like that? Was I talking in my sleep?"

Nicolas smiled. "No. It's just…" His gaze lingered on the corner of her mouth. Thea understood. She stood, plaintive. "You can tease me. You're recovering."

The doctor smiled. "Madam, Mr. Hendrix's injury only looks serious; it didn't damage bones or tendons. If the knife had been angled differently, it would have hit his kidney." Darwin's eyes widened. "Doesn't that mean…"

Nicolas violently coughed. Darwin, under Nicolas's murderous glare, fell silent. Thea looked down, pretending not to understand. But she felt dizzy; the doctor's voice seemed distant. She realized the seriousness of the situation when everything doubled. She tried to speak, but couldn't. Nicolas, seeing something was wrong, lifted the blanket to get up, but Thea fainted before she could stop him.

This was Duncan's first time bringing his girlfriend, Emmalie, to the Rowland family. Duncan and Emmalie chatted and laughed ahead, leaving Teri behind, her eyes sad. Teri had sensed Emmalie's hostility on the phone. However, after considering their sibling relationship… they are just siblings.