Chapter 227

Ollie had been dismissed. Ursa remained alone in the large conference room. "Mrs. Hendrix," she said, "you should understand the consequences of holding a press conference now. Silvercreek reporters aren't easily fooled." Thea closed her eyes wearily. "I need to clear this up. I still want to conduct business online. My reputation can't be severely damaged."

Ursa left. Joyce looked at Thea worriedly. She thought, How devastated will she be after this unforeseen event and rushing to handle Sparkle Rocks' affairs? Perhaps only she knows.

"Thea," Joyce said, "you shouldn't overwork. Let me send you home to rest."

Thea patted her hand. "That's okay, Joyce. Go on ahead I'll be there later." She forced a smile. "I'd think of him if I didn't fill my life with work." Even Thea wasn't sure if she meant her child or Nicolas.

Joyce couldn't persuade her. After Joyce left, Thea returned to work. She finished the backlog of contracts and work accumulated during her hospitalization in half a day.

Walking out of Sparkle Rocks, Thea saw stars in the sky. The underground garage was silent. She remembered the attack by Stephanie there. Thea hated her own carelessness.

"Thea" A shout stopped her. She became instantly vigilant, her eyes filled with disgust. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you've been through a lot, so I wanted to see you," Jake Hendrix said, his expression unusually gentle. "I also want to tell you that after everything we've been through, we should know who's best for each other. Thea, your situation is serious. I pleaded with my mother, and she finally agreed to let you become my wife after divorcing Nicolas." Thea thought, How dare he decide for me? Why didn't anyone ask if I wanted this?

Thea's eyes turned cold. "Who told you Nicolas and I are divorcing?" She thought, The news spread quickly. Did Nicolas bring Stephanie home already?

Jake said, "The entire Hendrix family knows. I know Nicolas better than you do… He's always been cold-hearted. After what you've done, it's no surprise if he doesn't want you."

Jake was conflicted. He wanted Thea back, believing she was the most suitable wife, but he couldn't ignore her past. He tried to manipulate her: "Thea, you probably don't know yet, but Nicolas brought home a five-year-old boy. I hear it's his son."

Thea felt a shock. I'm still married to Nicolas; his son is my son. Why didn't I know about this boy? Bitterness washed over her. No wonder Nicolas reacted so lightly to my miscarriage. He already has a child. Even if my baby had lived, it would have been a burden to Nicolas.

While Thea was stunned, Jake grabbed her wrist. "Look at you, you've lost weight…" He lowered his voice, making Thea's skin crawl. "It seems Nicolas doesn't treat you well. No wonder you looked elsewhere. Thea, it's heartbreaking to say this… We've been in love for seven years, but you wouldn't let me touch you. You even caused me to make a huge mistake. Why would you sleep with another man?" Jake's tone was full of resentment.

He'd previously blamed Thea's lack of sexual interest for his affair with Madelyn Terell. But now, he saw Thea as more valuable than Madelyn, being a Rowland. He regretted never having slept with Thea.

Thea sneered. "So, you think I forced you to cheat on me with Madelyn?"

"Isn't that true?" Jake said confidently. "Thea, I'm a man with normal needs. My mistake is common. But I know you're obsessed with this. Now that you've cheated on Nicolas, let's forget the past, okay?"

In his anger, Jake was forceful, ignoring Thea's pain. Thea's eyes were cold. He hadn't changed at all.

"Bullshit," she said, breaking free. "Who said men always cheat? Jake, you're a scumbag, but don't paint all men with the same brush."

Jake's touch disgusted her. She wiped the areas he'd touched. This only fueled his anger.

"Thea, don't be shameless! Do you think Nicolas will accept the child you lost? It's a bastard. Nicolas told Grandpa that boy is his only child." His words pierced Thea's calm facade.

She no longer cared about the child's parentage. She only wanted to know why Nicolas did this.

"Thea, come back to me. Let me see how well Nicolas has trained you," Jake said, his presence menacing. "Let me take care of you."

Thea's stomach churned. "Get lost!"

She swung her bag at him, but her weak blow was insignificant. He was amused. "Not bad, you know how to flirt. Thea, I like your feistiness."

Jake pressed her against a car. "We should have done this long ago. It's all your fault. I'll show you… I'm better than my uncle. At least, in some aspects, I have more stamina."