Chapter 240

Valentine wasn't close to Nicolas. He didn't understand why Nicolas had contacted him to attend the party, nor how the situation had escalated.

"It's as you see," Thea said clearly. Nicolas's expression was already frigid. She was stubborn. Remembering her stillborn child and contrasting it with Nicolas's gentleness toward Oliver, Thea realized she couldn't remain with him. She thought, Why can Nicolas and Stephanie have a child, but I can't even have a passionate affair? He has double standards.

Facing Nicolas's intense gaze, Thea smiled brightly. "Mr. Hendrix, if you don't believe me, should I kiss him to prove it?" Even Ollie broke into a cold sweat. Their act was meant to be subtle, but Thea's boldness surprised him. However, looking at her beautiful red lips, he found the idea appealing.

The next moment, Thea left Ollie. Nicolas suddenly pulled her, almost causing her to fall into his arms. Her loose, exquisite hair cascaded around her, enhancing her beauty.

Ollie frowned, watching Nicolas pull Thea away. "Mr. Hendrix, she's my partner tonight."

"Tonight, she belongs to me. No one takes her from me," Nicolas said, cutting Ollie off before he could finish. Valentine nearly slapped Ollie.

"Get lost," Nicolas said simply, ignoring Ollie's protests and Thea's resistance as he moved through the banquet hall.

"Ollie, who is she?" Valentine rarely read entertainment news, focusing mainly on finance. He'd never heard of Thea. Ollie's response made Valentine clench his teeth. "Thea Rowland of Key Biskane, the new head of Sparkle Rocks. I hear she was with that loser, Jake Hendrix, for seven years before getting with Nicolas." Ollie's teasing tone rankled Valentine.

Valentine lost his composure. "What have you done? How dare you touch Nicolas's woman? Do you know who he is?" The Windrow family was Silvercreek's wealthiest, but the Hendrix family's assets extended far beyond Key Biskane. Nicolas, especially, was enigmatic; his wealth was largely unknown.

Valentine said, "Ollie, regardless of how far you've gone with Thea, end it immediately. Do you understand?" Despite being half-brothers, they weren't enemies; Valentine genuinely cared for Ollie, but Ollie didn't reciprocate. "I can't. I have strong feelings for her… Besides, my casino relies on her and Sparkle Rocks."

Valentine fought the urge to slap Ollie publicly, but he devised a plan. If Ollie wouldn't end the relationship, he would.

Nicolas asked, "Thea, why do you provoke me like this?"

In the quiet, brightly lit garden outside the banquet hall, a gentle breeze kissed Thea's face. She smiled faintly. "Provoke you? Nicolas, you overestimate yourself. We were contractually married, and the contract is terminated. There's nothing wrong with me starting a new relationship, especially since you have an illegitimate child with someone else."

In the past, Thea wouldn't have displayed such emotion, but their confessed feelings only amplified the pain.

Nicolas said, "I'll explain later." The moonlight softened his cold features. Thea thought she was mistaken. "Mr. Hendrix, how will you explain? Will you say the child isn't yours?"

Nicolas fell silent. Thea suspected this, as Oliver didn't resemble Nicolas at all. But Nicolas's inaction during her miscarriage was unforgivable.

She said, "Nicolas, I waited for your explanation, especially when I was most vulnerable. But since you chose to be with Stephanie and Oliver then, I understand your true feelings. I just want you to leave me alone. That's all." Her smile was brittle, each word a knife to Nicolas's heart. He was in agony.

Thea left without hesitation. Nicolas didn't call her back, only watching her go. The words were on his tongue, but he couldn't speak them. Even if Thea might accept the truth about Oliver's parentage, he wouldn't be so selfish as to force her to stay. Vergil had saved his life, not hers.

Unbeknownst to them, someone witnessed their argument from a second-floor balcony.

"So, the Hendrixes have split? Why did she use Nicolas's name then?" Teri asked Duncan. Duncan was handsome, but the gauze on his forehead was noticeable; the doctor warned of potential scarring.

Duncan sneered. "Thea is a master manipulator and heartless. Otherwise, she wouldn't have abandoned her family."

Teri's heart pounded. "I don't care what she's like. If she hurts you, she's my enemy! Duncan, Thea's reputation in Silvercreek is already tarnished. Tonight, I'll ensure no reputable company works with her."

Duncan gently touched her cheek. "Thank you." His words moved her. "It won't be difficult. Her company is at fault anyway."