Chapter 235
Thea had long seen through the Rowland family's powerlessness, including Duncan's. Her strategy was simple: out-crazy them. A widening smile spread across her face. "Duncan, it's rare to see you in Silvercreek. Why the surprise? Even though we've severed ties, we share a mother," she said, her smile turning cold. "So, I can't fault you for such a generous gift upon your arrival I've decided to reciprocate."
Duncan couldn't fathom Thea's intentions. She smiled, ignoring the onlookers. Though they sought Teri's favor, they wouldn't dare harm Thea. Proceeding to her next step, Thea picked up a million-dollar bottle of wine (half empty) from the table and, without hesitation, smashed it over Duncan's head, the wine splashing across his face. Still smiling, she asked, "Duncan, satisfied with my gift?"
Silence fell over the noisy bar. Duncan was not only a Rowland, but Teri's fiancé. Thea's actions were deeply humiliating. Only Joyce reacted quickly, clapping and grabbing Thea's wrist. "Run!" she urged. Having dealt with the Rowlands before, Joyce knew their ruthlessness. She feared for Thea's life. "Thea's insane! Why didn't she warn me? If I'd known, I would've done the same! I'd have given him a concussion!"
As Joyce fled, Teri erupted. "Duncan, are you alright? Don't worry, I won't let Thea get away with this! I'll do it to her ten times over!" she screamed, but as she rose to rally her friends, she realized Thea remained where she stood, Duncan bleeding. Amidst the crowd, Thea met his gaze. "Duncan, as long as Nicolas and I are married, I have the Hendrix family's protection. Offending them carries consequences."
Ignoring the bottle incident, Thea's marriage to Nicolas afforded her impunity. Duncan's return wasn't solely for Emmalic; he aimed to wrest a share of the Rowland family business from Max, resenting Max and Thea's shares while he received nothing. His resentment was evident, but as Thea pointed out, offending Nicolas held dire consequences. "Teri, let them go," he said. Duncan was reckless, but shrewd; he might resort to underhanded tactics against Thea, but not publicly.
"Duncan, will you endure this humiliation?" Teri asked, distressed.
Duncan's voice was bitter. He laughed. "How long do you think she'll remain Mrs. Hendrix? We'll settle this after Nicolas divorces her." His voice carried to Thea, whose back swayed slightly as she descended the stairs, determined to continue. She needed to release her anger.
"Thea, you're amazing! That wine bottle smash You're my idol!" Joyce exclaimed, giving Thea a thumbs-up. Her concern, however, was evident. "Thea, you heard Duncan's threat. Reconsider the divorce? Duncan isn't your only enemy; Henrietta's been lurking near the company." Both women intensely disliked Thea, but her marriage to Nicolas provided vital protection, a protection soon to vanish. "Nicolas still cares, or he wouldn't have protected you. Reconsider?"
Thea's reply was firm. "No matter how shameless I seem, I can't disrupt his reunion with his son. Stephanie killed my baby. Can I treat her child as my own? No. Love is important, but not more important than two lives." Nicolas was currently caring for Oliver.
Chapter 235
After leaving Sunnyend Manor, Oliver developed a high fever. Having lost his father young, Oliver clung to Nicolas. Even sick, he cried, "I want Daddy!" Stephanie, cooling him with a wet towel, laughed at his words. "Nicolas, Oliver still cares for you. Look, his eyebrows resemble my brother's. He feels like my brother is still here."
Nicolas's expression was thoughtful. He touched Oliver's soft eyebrows and face. The resemblance to Vergil was undeniable. Seeing Oliver, however, he wondered what his baby with Thea would have looked like, hoping for a blend of their best features. His thoughts were interrupted by Darwin's urgent entrance. "Mr. Hendrix, something important"
Only Thea's situation could cause such anxiety. Though prevented from reaching Silvercreek by Oliver's illness, Nicolas instructed Darwin to monitor the news. Darwin's distress indicated trouble for Thea.