Chapter 192

"Who do you think you are to talk about my friend like that?" Joyce glared at Kelly, her eyes blazing with anger.

In the crowd, Joyce scanned for her father, hoping he would intervene. But Ethan said, "Joyce, your mother is only looking out for your best interests. Don't argue with her."

Despair enveloped Joyce. Thea, sensing Joyce's distress, understood why the once proud and carefree girl had become so withdrawn. She took Joyce's hand and stood firmly beside her, offering silent support. "Mrs. Maddox," Thea said, "my reputation is less than stellar, thanks to certain individuals. In the past, I wouldn't have cared if you disregarded me. But now, I'm a member of the Hendrix family, and I represent them. If you're going after me, you're also going after the Hendrix family."

Kelly's arrogance faltered. Dodging the real issue, she responded, "I have no problem with the Hendrix family, and I'm not targeting anyone specifically. I just can't stand someone who disrespects their elders. That's not how the Hendrix—" Thea chuckled softly. "It seems you've forgotten that the Rowland family and I are deeply intertwined. So, let me ask: if you think so little of us, why marry your daughter into the family?"

The groom, Max, frowning deeply, approached, his gaze landing on Thea. "Thea, this is enough. After the ceremony, Mr. Maddox will be my mother-in-law and therefore your elder. If you're not here to offer your blessings, I kindly ask you to leave." Max still resented Thea regarding the Rowland Group matter. While Joyce wasn't his ideal wife, the family alliance was beneficial, and he felt obligated to show Kelly respect.

Emmalie quickly interjected, echoing Max's sentiment. "Mrs. Maddox, today is a joyous occasion for both our families. I apologize for Thea's impulsive outburst. She's just a bit outspoken but means no harm." Fry offered further words of support. Kelly's expression softened slightly.

Kelly, studying Thea, subtly urged an apology. "Parents who love their children plan for their future, and as elders, it's our duty to guide the younger generation. We'll be family now, and I'd prefer to keep things harmonious."

Emmalie, feigning kindness, turned to Thea. "I understand you're part of the Hendrix family now, and you should consider their reputation. But Mrs. Maddox is our elder, and you must show her respect. Otherwise, people will think you're arrogant because you've climbed—" This veiled insult aimed to portray Thea as superficial.

Thea, unfazed, gave a cold laugh. "You're right. I do look down on the Rowland family and despise their ways. You've all done shameful things outsiders wouldn't know about, but surely, you understand? Should I remind you? Oh, Emmalie, you—" Emmalie's eyes blazed with anger. "Thea, I know you don't like me, but could you at least not embarrass your family at a moment like this? I knew you had bad intentions! Get out of here. You're not welcome!"

Duncan glared venomously and called security to remove Thea. Joyce attempted to intervene but was held back by Kelly.

Just as Thea was about to be escorted away, Jake burst onto the scene, pushing past the others. "Don't you dare lay your filthy hands on her! Who gave you the audacity to touch someone from the Hendrix family?"

The onlookers were unsure of Thea's connection to the Hendrix family, only knowing Jake had recently married a woman of unknown background. The drama attracted a larger crowd. Duncan sneered. "Mr. Hendrix, before you defend Thea, shouldn't you consider the implications of your relationship with her?"

Feeling the curious gazes, Jake's face flushed with embarrassment. Unlike Nicolas, he lacked power and influence. News of his marriage to Madelyn had circulated widely, signaling he would never lead the Hendrix family. His respect stemmed solely from his connection to the family.

Realizing his situation mirrored Thea's, Jake faltered, staring blankly at her. He'd planned to appear when she was vulnerable, but his plan had backfired.

"Are you in such a hurry to get rid of me because you're afraid I'll say something I shouldn't?" Thea met Duncan's furious gaze, smiling calmly. "Why the rush to turn on each other?"

"Getting thrown out or leaving on your own, Thea—it's your choice," Duncan said.

Thea's expression hardened. "If you want me to leave, then Joyce is coming with me."

The wedding was hastily arranged, and Thea had only grasped the situation in the last hour. Besides Nicolas's assigned protection, she hadn't prepared anything else.

Emmalie attacked Thea directly. "You're here to ruin Max's wedding! Have you ever considered Max and our family's feelings? Thea, how can you be so malicious?"

"You ungrateful daughter! You you're beyond redemption!" Ivy raged.

"Stop wasting time with her. Throw her out! Make sure she doesn't come back in!" Duncan ordered.

Max, though furious, remained calmer, knowing he couldn't offend Nicolas. "Thea, if you leave now, I'll pretend I never heard what you just said."

Security, following Duncan's orders, began escorting Thea. Determined, Thea refused to let the wedding continue. Joyce, in her wedding dress, struggled against her family, trying to help. The scene spiraled into chaos. Suddenly, a guest cried out, "Someone just fell from above!" All eyes turned. No one noticed Emmalie's gleeful glance and faint smirk at Thea. Moments later, someone rushed in, terrified. "Mr. Rowland, Ms. Clayton has jumped! We checked. She has no pulse."

Max felt a shock. Usually composed, he grabbed the person by the collar, incredulous. "Are you sure it was Chelsea?" He'd arranged for her to be sent away. The person nodded nervously. "The one escorting Ms. Clayton said she never boarded the flight. She disappeared at the airport"

Max lost control, punching his subordinate. "Useless!" He felt weak.

Ivy exclaimed, "Max, it was Chelsea who jumped? Your first crush—"

The voices faded. Max's gaze sharpened, fixing a deadly glare on Thea. "It's you! And you too, Joyce! You must have done something to Chelsea!"