Chapter 199

"Are we going to let Joyce off so easily?" Max's eyes were red with hatred.

Duncan frowned impatiently. "Could it be that you've changed and want to ruin your own sister's life for a dead person?"

After a few minutes of silence, Max gave in. Emmalie and Ivy did not reappear. Instead, two servants followed Max and Duncan, carrying Joyce.

Corey’s lips curled into a smirk. "Looks like the rumors are true. Miss Emmalie is indeed pampered."

"We've agreed to hand Joyce over. Mr. Xander, you must keep your word. The marriage with the Rowland family must be annulled," Max clenched his fists. He did not want to experience another humiliating threat.

An imperceptible calculation flashed across Corey's eyes. Having confirmed Emmalie's value, he wouldn't give up easily. He gave his subordinate a look and said, "It's getting late. I'll take her away. I won't disturb you further."

Joyce was supported as she walked out of the villa with Corey. The servant had said her lover had come to pick her up, but she had never met Corey. She carefully sized him up. After leaving the Rowland family, she lowered her voice and asked, "Why did you go to so much trouble to help me?"

"I was entrusted by someone," Corey replied playfully.

When they reached the car, his subordinate opened the door, revealing Thea sitting inside. Joyce immediately understood. Her eyes reddened as she sobbed, "Thea…"

Thea saw Joyce's messy hair and haggard appearance. She reached out to pull Joyce closer, anxiously asking, "How are you? Did they hurt you?"

Guilt, grievance, and various emotions surged through Joyce. She shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

Corey's voice floated over, leisurely. "Miss Rowland, helping you save her cost me dearly. You'll have to compensate me in the future, or future cooperation will be difficult."

Having seen many kinds of people, Joyce instantly recognized Corey as untrustworthy. She thought, To help me escape, Thea didn't hesitate to deal with someone like him.

"I knew tonight wasn't a coincidence. Thea, it was really you!" Emmalie's cry attracted their attention. From the moment Corey appeared, Emmalie had been secretly watching and keeping tabs on them. As expected, she discovered something as they left. The Rowland family members, hearing her shout, emerged from the villa.

Corey, far from being remorseful, acted as if it were none of his concern. He gloated to Thea: "I've done as you asked. As for this sudden situation, it's not my problem. However, I can intervene and help you. Just use another…you know." Thea said, "As expected of a businessman. How ruthless. I can handle the rest myself."

The matter couldn't be hidden from the Rowland family; they would realize the truth eventually. Thea didn't plan to escape and quickly got out of the car.

Joyce said, "Thea."

She patted Joyce's shoulder. "Don't worry, nothing will happen. Get in the car and wait for me."

Seeing Thea emerge from Corey's car, Ivy trembled with rage. "It's really you! How could you collude with outsiders to betray your family?"

"Is there anything she can't do?" Duncan mocked.

Max's face darkened. "Are you declaring yourself completely against me and the Rowland family?"

Thea expected their accusations. She stood tall and said calmly, "If you don't target my friend, I won't harm you."

This reply only fueled their anger. Max was the first to address Corey. "Mr. Xander, if you want to take Joyce, fine. But Thea stays. She's one of us. You won't interfere further, will you?"

Corey shrugged, noncommittal but clearly intending to watch the unfolding drama. Max, sure of Corey's non-interference, signaled his bodyguards to restrain Thea.

Thea said, "Wait, don't be so hasty. Who gave you the right to associate with me? I have nothing to do with the Rowland family. Our signed agreement is legally binding."

Ivy was stunned. "What did you say? What agreement?"

Thea's gaze fell on Duncan. She raised an eyebrow. "Apparently, Duncan didn't tell you we signed a severance agreement. You repeatedly tried to coerce me using our kinship; that's a breach of contract."

Ivy said, "Duncan, didn't you tell me you were just spreading news to cut off her escape route so she'd comply? She's your sister!"

Faced with Ivy's pained expression, Duncan avoided her gaze, finally meeting Thea's with resentment. He said, "It's because Thea was so heartless that she got someone to draft and send the agreement. That's why I signed it on behalf of the family. She doesn't consider us family anymore! Mother, when will you realize that!" Ivy was so agitated she felt faint.

Emmalie supported her, patting her back. "Mother, Duncan's right. You can't blame him. Thea has long since abandoned us. Otherwise, she wouldn't have ruined Max's marriage and the family's reputation."

Ivy found this reasonable and accepted it. If she had to blame someone, it would be Thea's ruthlessness. She pointed at Thea and scolded, "You're a plague! I shouldn't have given birth to you, allowing you to harm your family!"

In the past, such words would have saddened Thea. Now, she felt nothing. She thought she might have suffered less if she'd always been this cold. She looked coldly at the Rowland family and smiled disdainfully. "Since you know I'm a plague, you still dare to detain me? The old Thea is dead, thanks to you. Now that I'm unhappy, don't expect peace yourselves!"

At Beltrane Villa, Ford Hutchinson called Nicolas to inform him that Thea had borrowed a car and driven to the Rowland family. Nicolas was worried. He called Thea, but she didn't answer. Considering the Rowland family's methods and their attitude towards Thea, he was anxious to leave for the Rowland family. Stephanie Ralap, having been treated by a doctor, heard the call. She immediately removed her IV drip and rushed to the door, blocking his path. "I won't allow you to go!"