Chapter 234
Thea's tone was light, the pain in her palm insignificant. Ollie gritted his teeth. "You're so ruthless to yourself, Mrs. Hendrix. I… greatly underestimated you."
A blonde man's face darkened, observing their interaction. "Where did this man come from? Get out of my way! I saw her first!" Despite Ollie's imposing presence, he remained unafraid. "If you think she's attractive, I don't mind letting you have her after I'm finished."
He hadn't forgotten Thea's slap—the blatant insult darkened her face. Ollie punched the blonde man. "Do you think you can touch my business partner just because you like her? I, Ollie Windrow, will protect Thea as long as she's in Silvercreek." His words weren't for the blonde man, but for the two people watching from the second floor. The blonde man, upon hearing Ollie's name, covered his face and fled. Security guards then surrounded them.
Ollie, involved in various entertainment industries and a stakeholder in the bar, ensured no one escaped his territory easily. Thea, gazing at the tall figure before her, recalled Nicolas's warning: Ollie was more than he seemed.
Upstairs, Teri leaned against the railing, her face ashen. "Duncan, I didn't know Ollie would interfere… But don't worry. As long as Thea's at Silvercreek, I can make her suffer! Everyone at Sparkle Rocks is dissatisfied with her performance." She acted like a desperate puppy, despite her wealth, begging Duncan for mercy.
Duncan didn't look at her. "Is that so? But she hasn't suffered yet… Teri, if you can't handle it, I will personally intervene." His tone was frigid, leaving Teri feeling trapped in an ice cave. She was reminded of her time overseas, watching Duncan patiently coax Emmalie, a gentleness she'd never received. She wondered, Will Duncan only notice me if I torment Thea and please Emmalie? It was the only solution she could conceive.
The commotion downstairs subsided as the security guards escorted the blonde man and his companions to the police station. Thea was distressed, her sweat-dampened hair clinging to her face. Ollie's Adam's apple bobbed at the sight. He removed his jacket, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Mrs. Hendrix, be more careful. How can our cooperation continue if you keep getting into trouble?" His teasing made her heart flutter.
Joyce rushed over, having heard the commotion. After assessing Thea, she said, "Thea, are you injured? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought you here!" She'd intended a relaxing outing, but it had gone terribly wrong.
Thea smiled and shook her head, reassuring Joyce. "I'm fine. It's not your fault…" Sensing something, she looked towards the second floor, where a private room's curtains were drawn. Despite the darkness, she sensed hostility.
"Mr. Windrow," she asked, "why did you appear? Let me guess—Teri's trying to harm me?" A cold glint entered Thea's eyes.
Ollie remained silent. Thea sneered. "Teri wouldn't dare act alone. Duncan's upstairs with her, isn't he?"
Joyce was furious. "He hired thugs to humiliate his own sister! Is Duncan even human? Thea, I'll go with you to confront him!" She reached for Thea, but Thea remained still, smiling at Ollie.
Ollie smiled. "Mrs. Hendrix, you can't make an enemy of the Langstaff family and succeed in Silvercreek." Sparkle Rocks was insignificant compared to the Langstaff family. "My protection means stopping those with ulterior motives, not granting you carte blanche. Our relationship is purely professional."
Thea wasn't surprised by his pragmatic approach. "Mr. Windrow, you misjudge me. I'm not smart; I'm vengeful." She took Joyce's hand, the dull ache in her palm a constant reminder. "And if I don't confront them… will they leave me alone?"
The answer was no. To please Emmalie, Duncan would do anything, and Thea's suffering was the quickest route. A cold sadness filled Thea's heart.
Even without expectations of the Rowland family, they were still her family, and their favoritism towards Emmalie still pained her. Fortunately, she had Joyce.
"Thea, don't worry, just do it! No matter what, I'll support you. I don't believe… my mother would really let me die." Joyce's voice trailed off; Kelly would do anything, yet Joyce chose to stand by Thea.
Hand in hand, they ascended the stairs, a picture of defiance. Teri, unable to regain Duncan's affection, sneered at Thea. "You dare come up here? You're courting death!" The room, filled with Teri's sycophants, unintentionally surrounded Thea.
Thea stood firm, challenging them all. "You're the ones courting death."