Chapter 182

Emmalie’s constant provocations and insincere remarks were unbearable, even for someone with Teri’s excellent upbringing. Teri couldn't understand why Emmalie acted this way; Duncan would marry eventually, as would Emmalie. What had she done to deserve this treatment?

Unseen, Teri stopped and discreetly pressed a check into the hand of a passing servant.

The servant’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Miss Langstaff, what are you doing? I can't accept this!"

Teri grasped the servant's wrist, lowering her voice. "Don't worry. I just want to ask a few questions. I won't cause trouble. Has Emmalie and Duncan's relationship always been this close?"

The servant nodded. "Since Miss Rowland's return, Mr. Duncan has been closest to her. He feels sorry for his sister. Everyone in the Rowland family knows this."

Teri's expression was troubled. "But isn't their relationship a little too close? It seems unusual."

The servant glanced around. "It's mostly Miss Thea's fault. She let Emmalie be kidnapped, wanting to monopolize the family's affection. After Emmalie's return, feeling unsafe, she clung to her brothers. Thea also used her relationship with the family to provoke Emmalie, even driving her to attempt suicide several times. The Rowland family, terrified, naturally doted on her."

Teri frowned. Thea's reputation was indeed poor. Willful and spoiled, she'd bullied classmates in high school, harassed her boyfriend's assistant (even involving the police), and recently separated from the Rowland family.

Teri sighed in relief. At least Emmalie, while perhaps superficial, wasn't scheming. Marriage to Duncan would minimize their contact. Thea, however, would be a different story. Teri foresaw future difficulties, largely due to Thea's influence on Duncan's excessive affection for Emmalie.

Her dissatisfaction turning to resentment, Teri waved her hand impatiently. "I understand. Let's go."

As the servant reached a corner, Emmalie appeared, pulling her aside. Smiling coldly, Emmalie asked, "Did you say what I instructed?"

The servant nodded. "Yes, every word. I think Miss Langstaff believed it."

Emmalie chuckled darkly. "Duncan shouldn't have married so soon. This is so annoying! I had to exert so much effort."

The servant ventured, "Miss Emmalie, not only Young Mr. Rowland, but also Eldest Mr. Rowland is…"

Emmalie raised an eyebrow. "What? He's getting married too? Who's his partner? Why wasn't I told? Max has never had a girlfriend! Why now?"

The servant whispered, "Joyce Maddox, from the Maddox family. An arranged marriage. Their parents have met. Feelings are irrelevant; the wedding is next month."

"Joyce Maddox?" Emmalie's voice rose. The name was familiar. After a moment, she recalled Joyce, the woman who'd mocked her at a birthday party. Emmalie laughed smugly. "Max has a first love. Find her. When they marry, bring her to Key Biscayne."

When Thea awoke, it was night. Her head was clear, but her body was exhausted.

The nurse was cleaning. Thea croaked, "What's wrong with me?"

The nurse beamed. "Miss Rowland, you fainted because you're pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Thea sat up in disbelief, nearly pulling her IV line. The nurse quickly intervened. "Miss Rowland, don't be agitated. Rest."

Thea stared at her stomach, stunned. "Pregnant? How?" It had only happened once. She covered her mouth, unsure whether to feel happy or worried. This was unexpected.

She placed a hand on her stomach, sensing the child's presence.

The nurse smiled. "The child is young. You'll feel the heartbeat later. Don't worry, the child is healthy, but you need to take care of yourself."

Thea blushed. "I understand." Thinking of Nicolas, she felt conflicted. "Where's Mr. Hendrix? Does he know?" She wasn't sure how to face him, or if he'd want her to keep the baby.

The nurse coughed. "Mr. Hendrix is next door, with a guest."

Thea asked if Nicolas knew. The nurse shook her head. Relieved, Thea asked the nurse to keep the pregnancy a secret.

After the IV was removed, Thea tiptoed to Nicolas's room, hearing voices inside. She frowned, opening the door to find Stephanie holding Nicolas's hand. Their posture was intimate.

They hadn't noticed her. Nicolas said coldly, "What are you doing here? Go back."

Stephanie looked wronged. "I miss you. I'm afraid to be alone. You're my boyfriend. Why can't I see you? Don't you want me anymore?"