Chapter 190

Darwin sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Miss Rowland, due to the previous friction between you and Ms. Ralap in Key Biscayne, staying there would only attract unnecessary attention. That could be detrimental to you. After all, the Rowland family is constantly—"

"Enough," Thea interrupted impatiently. "Whether he's looking out for me or not, I don't care. Let's assume he is, and I owe him one. Fine. But I don't like anyone making decisions for me. Even if something happens, I can handle it myself. I don't need him worrying about me. What's his plan? Keep me in Key Biscayne forever? Why not just strap an ankle monitor on me that blares an alarm the second I step outside Silvercreek?"

Darwin heard the frustration in her voice and, somewhat at a loss, turned to Nicolas.

Nicolas pinched the bridge of his nose. "The Rowland and Maddox families' wedding is today, and the Hendrix family is attending. Make sure my people take her back. You know what I mean." Darwin nodded. Nicolas was clearly supporting Thea.

After relaying Nicolas's instructions, Thea responded coldly, "So, he knew all along." Then, with a sharp click, she ended the call.

The plane landed in Key Biscayne. Upon exiting the airport, Thea was met by Nicolas's escorts. Without changing into formal attire, she headed straight to the Rowland and Maddox families' wedding venue.

Though annoyed, Thea felt slightly reassured knowing that, with Nicolas's people present, the Rowland family would hesitate to cause trouble.

"Wait here for me. If I need you, I'll call," Thea instructed them before heading toward the hotel's back entrance. She wanted to find Joyce and get the full story without attracting attention. As Thea slipped into the hotel's front courtyard, a familiar voice called, "Thea! I knew you'd come!" Jake's face lit up; he grasped her arm desperately, his tired eyes suddenly bright.

Knowing Thea was close to Joyce and would likely be at Max and Joyce's wedding, Jake had stationed people around the hotel to see her.

Disgusted, Thea pulled away, furrowing her brow. "Can you show some respect and stop hounding me?"

Jake's face fell. "Thea, I know you're still upset. I've really thought things over, and I know I was wrong. I just wanted to apologize in person, but I couldn't reach you"

"Save your act for Miss Terell," Thea cut in, turning to leave.

Jake blocked her path, looking strangely at her. "You went out of your way to avoid the front entrance You're not here to crash Max's wedding, are you?"

"That's none of your business," Thea said.

"Thea, you need to stop being so reckless!" Jake stopped her.

Already stressed and anxious to find Joyce, Thea was rapidly losing patience with Jake's interference. She gave him a cold, mocking smile. "Jake, don't you think you're acting ridiculous? You claim to be sincerely regretful, and yet you're hounding me, sticking your nose into my life. Do you even realize that a good ex should act like they disappear?"

Jake, unexpectedly angered, was flustered. He desperately tried to explain. "That's not what I meant. Whether you believe me or not, I never wanted to marry Madelyn. You're the one I truly love. Since marrying her, I've been miserable. I consider it my punishment. All I want now is to make amends. You're already on bad terms with your family. If you ruin the Rowland and Maddox families' alliance, things will only worsen. I can't stand by and watch you make a mistake!"

Suddenly, Thea noticed Madelyn approaching, eyes red with fury, glaring at Thea as if she wished to tear her apart.

"Thea! You're married to Nicolas, so why are you meddling in my marriage and clinging to Jake? Are you desperate for a man?" Madelyn roared. Jake's face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting? And why are you even here?"

"If I hadn't come, were you planning to rekindle your old flame? I'm just trying to protect my marriage," Madelyn retorted, her eyes glistening with tears.

Jake, weary of Madelyn's theatrics, instinctively moved toward Thea to explain.

But Thea, anticipating his move, slapped him, stopping him in his tracks. The silence was deafening.

Thea's voice was cold and authoritative. "I am your uncle Nicolas's wife, making me your elder. You're showing blatant disrespect for your elders and a lack of discipline and respect, revealing your poor family upbringing. This slap is a lesson. Remember it, and next time, steer clear of me. I won't tolerate this again."

Jake stood frozen, watching her walk away, dumbfounded.

Madelyn attempted to console him. "Jake, I told you that only I truly care about you—"

Before she finished, Jake slapped her, channeling his frustration. He summoned security guards. "Take her home. She is not to leave the Hendrix family residence without my permission." He then returned to the wedding, visibly displeased.

Dragged away, Madelyn looked shocked and betrayed. She vented her frustration on the guards. Madelyn knew her future depended on Jake. Fuming, she sent a message:

Madelyn: Miss Rowland, as per your instructions, I brought her to the hotel. Are you sure you'll succeed in utterly ruining that woman this time?

Inside the bridal suite, Joyce sat listlessly in her wedding dress, seemingly numb.

Emmalie put away her phone and approached Joyce, resting her hands on her shoulders with a taunting smile. Thea's call came through. Joyce's fingers twitched but she hesitated to answer.

"Well, what's it going to be?" Emmalie said lazily, toying with Joyce's hair. "Choosing freedom and happiness or clinging to a childish idea of friendship? I trust you know which is wiser." Trembling, Joyce answered. Thea's voice, laced with concern, said, "Joyce, I'm at the Pheton Hotel. Which room are you in? Let's meet."

Staring at Emmalie's sinister smile, Joyce's breathing hitched. "I'll have someone bring you here."

Joyce hung up. Thea sensed something was wrong, but thought she'd see Joyce soon.

A man in a black baseball cap appeared to escort her to the elevator. Thea noticed a dark tattoo on his neck.

"What's Corey's man doing here?" she wondered. Thea decided to bide her time.