Chapter 195

"Dad, Jan, I have something to attend to. Thea, please look after them for me," Nicolas said.

Stefan frowned, pressing the issue. "Haven't all the company matters been settled? Ian and Winnie came all the way from Bangolware. Is there really anything that can't wait until after dinner?"

"It's personal. You all go ahead and eat without me," Nicolas replied.

Thea understood immediately; it was almost certainly related to Stephanie. She intervened to ease the tension. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of them. You can handle your business without concern." Stefan sighed, his expression troubled. He waved at Nicolas. "Since Thea says so, just go quickly and come back before dinner if you can."

On the way out of the villa, Darwin noticed Nicolas's foul mood. Understanding the source of his distress, Darwin said, "Mr. Hendrix, it's my fault that Ms. Ralap followed us from Silvercreek… Ever since the accident, Stephanie has been mentally unstable. Since Nicolas returned to Key Biskane, her inability to see him has led to tantrums and even self-harm to get his attention. The caretakers, fearing to act rashly, only reported up the chain. Out of consideration for Stephanie's brother, Nicolas couldn't ignore it."

When Nicolas returned to Belcrane Villa, Stephanie lunged at him, wrapping her arms around him.

"Nicolas! I knew you wouldn't abandon me… I don't want to stay in the hospital alone, especially since I can't find you. I'm so scared! You promised my brother you'd take care of me, so please, can you always bring me along wherever you go!"

Nicolas instinctively pushed her away. "Enough!" his voice sharp.

Stephanie, eyes red-rimmed, looked at him in disbelief, feigning innocence. The villa fell silent. Everyone in the living room held their breath; the quiet was so profound they could hear the wind outside.

Nicolas had run out of patience after Stephanie's repeated outbursts since her return home, especially since his recent warning. He hadn't expected another incident so soon.

He began, "I promised your brother I would take care of you, but look at what you've done since coming back, Stephanie. You've disrupted my normal life. If you continue this, all the ties we formed because of your brother will be completely severed."

Stephanie, refusing to yield, choked out, "During those years abroad, I was always by your side. Don't you understand my feelings? I don't get it. How did everything change just because I was in an accident… Is it because of that mistress?" Hate flickered in her eyes.

Nicolas frowned. "Thea is my wife. You should respect her."

Stephanie screamed hysterically, covering her ears. "I won't listen! I won't accept this! You promised you'd take care of me for my brother. Why are you going back on your word? If my brother were still alive, he wouldn't treat me like this!" She wouldn't listen unless she got her way. Nicolas was weary of her unreasonable tantrums.

Chapter 193

A cold glint flickered in his eyes. He spotted a fruit knife next to a fruit platter on the table. He strode over, picked it up, and tossed it in front of Stephanie. She fell silent, looking at him in confusion.

Nicolas said, "I owe your brother a life, but sometimes I truly regret it. I regret letting him die for me, and even more so for promising to take care of you at his dying request. Stephanie, I've tolerated you out of gratitude for your brother saving my life, but you are truly unbearable." His expression was indifferent, his voice chilling. Stephanie felt a premonition of doom and nervously clutched her shirt. "Nicolas…"

"Didn't you just say I should be the one who died back then? If you're willing to end this, I can give my life back to you at any time," he added.

Darwin, standing nearby, was both surprised and worried, fearing Stephanie might lose control and something terrible could happen. He sympathized with Nicolas, who had been dutiful to Stephanie for years, only to be morally blackmailed in return. If Stephanie hadn't been so reckless, Nicolas wouldn't have been driven to this point. She could have lived comfortably, but she was too greedy, coveting what didn't belong to her and abusing his kindness without respect.

"You'd rather let me kill you than have any more ties with me? Nicolas! You're so heartless…" Stephanie wept uncontrollably, instinctively clutching her chest.

Nicolas didn't respond, turning away wearily, waiting for her decision.

Stephanie trembled as she picked up the knife, pointing the blade at Nicolas. "Are you really going to force me like this?"

Silence was his only answer.

Darwin's heart leaped into his throat; he was ready to restrain her if she harmed Nicolas. But then, Stephanie twisted the knife and plunged it into herself. The sound of a fall caught Nicolas's attention. Almost simultaneously, Darwin shouted, "Ms. Ralap!"

"Quick! Call a doctor!" Nicolas exclaimed, unusually flustered. He rushed to check Stephanie's injury and saw blood seeping from her chest wound. "What are you doing?" he roared.

Stephanie touched his brow, still smiling. "Nicolas, I knew you were just pretending to be tough. You wouldn't really abandon me… At least you still care about me."

Nicolas's expression darkened. She did this on purpose, he thought.

At Sunnyend Manor, dinner ended, and Nicolas still hadn't arrived. With guests present, Stefan refrained from expressing his dissatisfaction. After settling his grandmother and Ian's accommodations, he called Thea to his study. After practicing calligraphy, he turned to Thea. "I heard there were some unexpected events with Max's marriage?"

Thea's heart sank. "You've heard about it."

"News spreads quickly in Key Biskane, and many rumors haven't been kind to you. It's hard not to know. However, Nicolas has already sent someone to handle it, so you don't need to worry," he said.

"It's my fault for causing trouble for the Hendrix family," Thea admitted.

"I'm not here to reprimand you… Thea, I'll be honest. My health is declining, and as you know, what I'm most concerned about now is Nicolas. I hope he can be happy," Stefan said.

Thea tightened her grip. "I understand. I'll bring up the annulment of the engagement soon to free Mr. Hendrix and avoid putting you in a difficult position." It was time to decide about the child as well.

Stefan coughed.

Thea helped him until he calmed down.

Once settled, Stefan said earnestly, "That's not what I meant, dear. I initially thought I'd let you young people make your own decisions, but by now, there hasn't been any progress between you two."

Thea was confused. "Progress?"

"I know Nicolas better than anyone. I've been there myself and can see that your position in his heart is unique, Thea. I'd like to hear what you think," Stefan said.