Chapter 229

When Thea regained consciousness, she pushed Nicolas away. He had just closed his eyes when she moved. He didn't blame her, only worriedly asking, "Are you uncomfortable? I've already asked Darwin to wait outside with a doctor. She can examine you."

Jake had only wanted to sleep with Thea. While the drug had clouded her consciousness, it hadn't harmed her physically. After the effects subsided, Thea's temples were still slightly swollen.

She didn't understand why Nicolas could utter the most affectionate words while simultaneously acting so cruelly. She thought, Does he always have to gaslight me like this?

She said, "Nicolas, bringing your son home wasn't easy. Did you come to Silvercreek this time to bring Stephanie and her son back to their hometown?" The fact that she was the last to know her husband had a son struck her as absurd.

"I think Ms. Ralap will be back soon," Thea said. "I'll make room for your family of three."

She started to leave. Nicolas grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his arms. "Thea, listen to me. The matter isn't" He stopped, remembering his promise to Stephanie: only they would know Oliver Hendrix's background.

Thea's perception of his silence confirmed his guilt. "Nicolas," she said, "this is inappropriate for a couple about to divorce. Ms. Ralap will be incredibly jealous. I'm afraid if she sees this she'll do something crazy again. I don't have another child to lose."

His hurt was evident. He watched as she pushed him away and left. He couldn't stop her.

The presidential suite was large. The drug's effects had only recently worn off, leaving Thea's body limp. She'd told herself she'd believe any excuse Nicolas offered, but he hadn't even tried to explain. There wasn't a sound behind her.

She thought, Nicolas isn't trying to save this failing marriage. Perhaps he's wanted me to give my place to Stephanie for a long time. Ironically, Thea had taken her one-month probation period seriously.

As she opened the door, she mustered all her strength. At the door, Stephanie's hand froze mid-air. She was tense. "Thea, why are you here? You still want to bother Nicolas, right?"

The little boy beside Stephanie instantly broke Thea's heart.

"Ms. Ralap, you've misunderstood," she said. "I'm not interested in being a stepmother. Today was a coincidence."

The sight of Stephanie brought back recent pain. "Ms. Ralap," she said, "I really don't want to hit you in front of a child." Thea was kind, but Stephanie was not. She secretly pinched Oliver's arm, leaving a red mark. "Oliver, why don't you greet her?"

Oliver Hendrix, though young, was strong. He shoved Thea to the ground after shaking off Stephanie. "Who are you? Why did you come out of my father's room? Are you the bad guy who tried to ruin my family?" Stephanie often spoke badly of Thea to Oliver.

Resembling Vergil, Oliver looked like Stephanie, confirming Thea's suspicions. "Where did this brat come from?" Thea said, her smile hostile as she pushed herself up. "Since you've called me bad, I might as well be."

Stephanie shielded Oliver. "Oliver is Nicolas's child. If you want to take it out on him, forget it. If you're upset, come at me Why scare a child?" Her expression was pitiful.

Thea knew Nicolas had emerged from the room. Unlike Stephanie's practiced performance, Thea remained cold. "I'm not trying to scare him, I'm trying to scare you. If a child acts badly, it's because of poor upbringing. This child can already lie; he's clearly a brat. I can't discipline other people's children, so I'll hold you both accountable for him pushing me down."

Oliver, mimicking Stephanie, hid behind her timidly. "I'm scared. Will this bad woman have a monster beat me up? Because of her, I didn't grow up with a father. Was it wrong for me to gently push her?"

Oliver's resemblance to Vergil caused Nicolas to think of Vergil whenever he saw him, making him deeply concerned for Oliver.

"Why are you angry with a child?" Nicolas asked Thea. "He doesn't understand. Just tell me what you want."

Thea sneered. She thought, He's a good father! Then why did he ignore me after my miscarriage? Was it because the baby wasn't the one he wanted?

"Mr. Hendrix," Thea said, "please divorce me as soon as possible. From now on, the three of you should stay away from me."

She felt she'd said everything. Her focus would be on Silvercreek, limiting her contact with Nicolas. She believed time and distance would allow her to forget him. She walked away without hesitation.

Stephanie said, with a hint of glee, "Nicolas, divorce might be good. She's too domineering. I wouldn't be at ease if she raised Oliver." Their relationship had improved because of Oliver, giving Stephanie the courage to voice her opinions. But Nicolas wouldn't tolerate anything negative about Thea. "Thea loves children very much," he said. "Since you've decided to let me raise Oliver, don't speculate about my wife. Stephanie, you know better than anyone why I kept you."

His change of attitude made Stephanie grit her teeth. "Nicolas, I didn't mean that. I'm just worried Oliver is my only family. I'm going overseas again soon. I don't want him mistreated. He's never had a father."

Each word caused Nicolas heartache. He said nothing more.