Chapter 202

Thea blushed and coughed lightly. "What nonsense are you talking about? It's nothing. We've talked things out, and I even gave him a month's probation."

Joyce sat up, surprised. "A month's probation? What kind of new game is this? Look, men are unreliable, but Nicolas seems sincere, ignoring that Stephanie woman." Thea leaned closer, smiling, and placed Joyce's hand on her flat stomach.

Joyce looked puzzled, then gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. "You" she stammered.

Thea's face reddened further. Lowering her head and touching her stomach, her eyes were filled with unconcealable tenderness. "It's only been a month, so I haven't told him. I'm afraid I'm getting ahead of myself, afraid he doesn't want the child."

Joyce's shocked expression turned serious. "Thea, I know your past makes it hard to trust, but you should try. It might not be as bad as you think." Thea's eyes were confused, yet slightly relaxed; Nicolas's scent still lingered. That initial joy and excitement had been real.

She felt Joyce was right. Perhaps she could try. Life was long, offering many opportunities. Thea smiled, feeling more relaxed than ever. "You're right. We'll talk after this month. And I'm sure he won't let me down."

Joyce's eyes brightened as she hugged Thea. "That's great! I'm so happy for you. You deserve this."

Everyone considered Thea domineering and arrogant, merciless even to her family. But only Joyce knew how difficult Thea's life had been.

Their warm moment was short-lived. Joyce's phone rang, freezing her smile. It was an unknown number, but she knew who it was.

Joyce took a deep breath, wanting to hang up, but Thea held her hand. "Don't be afraid. Running away is useless. You have to face it."

Joyce nodded and answered. Harsh insults erupted.

Kelly screamed, "Joyce, you're a lowlife! I found you a good husband, but you rejected him for an illegitimate child? The Rowlands can't compare to the Xanders, but Max is the legitimate heir! Corey's nothing compared to him. You're just like Thea now—abandoned by Jake, Nicolas's mistress!"

Kelly's tirade intensified. Joyce, initially restraining herself, finally snapped. "Who's greedy and vain? I don't love Max, but you forced me to marry him! You didn't give me the right to happiness. Do you want me to become like you—forced into a loveless marriage? You abandoned your husband and child! Don't expect me to do the same!"

Kelly, speechless, was nearly suffocated by Joyce's counterattack. "You you"

A noise, then the phone was snatched. Ethan spoke, his tone cold, yet tinged with helplessness and fatigue. "Joyce, when will you understand your mother is doing this for your own good? Corey isn't a good person, neither is Thea. Come home. Let's go back to how things were, okay?"

Joyce choked back tears. "Dad, you weren't like this before she came back. You used to praise Thea, now you hate her. You're no different from those who slander her! This family isn't the one I know. I won't return unless you—"

Kelly's voice cut in, "Then let's do as she wishes, Ethan. My daughter's disobedience will embarrass me. If you don't resolve this, I'm leaving with Lily." Ethan panicked and hung up, hurrying to appease Kelly.

Joyce sobbed, covering her face. Thea watched, heartbroken, understanding Joyce's pain—a pain magnified by the fact that Thea had long given up hope for the Rowland family, unlike Joyce. Before Kelly's return, Joyce and Ethan had been close, deeply dependent on each other. Whether Ethan's true nature had been revealed or if his actions stemmed from his love for Kelly remained unclear.

Thea took a deep breath and held Joyce's hand. "Joyce, it might be cruel, but they won't let you go. What are your plans?"

Joyce stopped crying, looking at Thea with teary, vulnerable eyes. "I don't know. I've never left my family. I thought I was independent, but I'm not different from those who rely on their family."

"No, you're different. You have courage," Thea said. "Since you can't stay, why not come to Silvercreek with me? You're incredibly capable for your age. I've never managed a company independently"