Chapter 238

"Mrs. Hendrix" Madelyn looked pitiful, but tilting toward Thea, she said coldly, "The truth is, I know you dislike me, so I came specifically to upset you."

For the first time, Thea scrutinized Madelyn. "If Jake weren't here, no one would believe your act."

Madelyn's beauty was undeniable, especially to Jake. Unlike Thea, she appeared weak and nervous, a fragility amplified since her miscarriage. Her once clear eyes now seemed clouded.

Thea said, "Madelyn, besides the fake resume, is your name… and appearance… all fake?"

Madelyn's expression instantly froze. How did she know? she thought. Instead of asking, she smiled brightly. "Mrs. Hendrix, what nonsense? I know you hate me, and I hate you just as much. Thea, I will take everything you value." She exited, each step a deliberate provocation.

Thea hadn't forgotten Madelyn's attempt to destroy her, even at the cost of her child. Without Nicolas Hendrix's intervention, Thea might have been sent overseas. Yet, she couldn't understand Madelyn's intense hatred. They'd never met before, as far as Thea could remember.

Thea called Corey Xander. He answered, smiling, "Mrs. Hendrix, I didn't expect to hear from you again. I'm flattered."

"Mr. Xander," Thea began. Their previous interaction hadn't been pleasant, but she felt she'd done nothing wrong. "Our agreement is still valid. You still owe me a favor, correct?"

Her tone was frigid, a fact not lost on Corey, whose lips curved upward. The woman in his arms tightened her grip on his waist in displeasure.

"Stop playing games," Corey said, his tone neutral, though whether he addressed Thea or April Sandy remained unclear. "Mrs. Hendrix, I'm marrying Emmalie because of you. How dare you ask for a favor?"

Thea was unaware of this. Her eyebrows furrowed. "Your marriage to Emmalie has nothing to do with me. I only remember our deal."

She would never accept losses. Corey, seeing Thea seek him out, knew she was in trouble. "What is it?" he asked.

Thea's brow hardened. "Investigate Madelyn Terell. I want to know who she is."

Her tone was grave. After initially discovering Jake's affair, Thea had investigated Madelyn secretly, but she seemed to have materialized out of thin air; her past was unnervingly clean. Preoccupied with the broken engagement, Thea hadn't delved deeper until now.

Corey said, "Mrs. Hendrix, what do you need to know? Shouldn't you ask Nicolas? This will cost you dearly."

Thea knew cooperating with Corey cost more than money; often, the price was something she couldn't afford. But with her relationship with Nicolas strained, she had no other option.

"Mr. Xander, will you help me or not?"

Ignoring April's darkening expression, Corey smiled. "Since you asked. Besides, I owe you. Check your inbox in three days. Mrs. Hendrix, I hear your relationship with Mr. Hendrix is… strained. What's so great about that old man? I can give you everything he offers."

The call ended. Corey's smile vanished. April's tears flowed. "Corey, you have feelings for Thea? You promised to love only me!" She clung to him, pressing herself against him.

Corey didn't look at her, his earlier cheerfulness gone. "April, you're joking." With his position, one woman was impossible. As an illegitimate son, a strategic marriage was essential for advancement.

"You swore an oath at Father's grave to care for me!"

Corey was adept at comforting others, but his touch was cold as he wiped away April's tears. "There are many ways to care for you, but Thea… is the most suitable wife." April felt like she'd fallen into an icy abyss.

For years, she'd been by his side, unacknowledged, yet he'd always dismissed her rivals. She'd thought he cared, but perhaps he'd simply not met the woman he truly loved. How does Thea make every man love her so much?

Enraged, April replayed Thea's name in her mind. An enemy's enemy…

April invited Madelyn to a nearby cafe. "Miss Terell, Thea's investigating you."

Madelyn wasn't surprised. Sipping her coffee, she said, "She won't find anything. My identity is secure."

April smiled. "But what if it's the Viper investigating you?"

Madelyn knew the Viper; her confidence wavered. "When did she contact them?"

Madelyn had been in Thea's life for only a few years, but she'd observed Thea for much longer. Thea was called arrogant and despotic, but Madelyn knew Thea was disciplined, even setting curfews for herself overseas. Countless rumors swirled around Thea, but Madelyn knew the truth. She'd watched Thea silently endure it all.

April saw her expression. "I can handle the Viper. Tell me: Do you want Thea dead? I can help!"

Their first meeting, yet a silent understanding passed between them.