Chapter 243

Nicolas said, "I've already paid all the taxes Sparkle Rocks owes." The astronomical sum, insignificant to him, was not mentioned. He added, "This is out of respect for the law, but it doesn't mean my wife and I won't investigate who harmed Sparkle Rocks." His aura was cold and heavy.

Teri panicked. "Duncan, save me!" Apprehended by the police, her face showed unprecedented distress. She said, "This is your mistake. The original document shown to me by my contact was from this period. I'm a victim." Duncan watched her struggle, his eyes cold and unsympathetic. He had engaged Teri because the Langstaff family could support him against Max. Even if she lied, he remained unmoved.

He said, "Teri, though Thea has hurt me, she's still my sister. You shouldn't scheme against her. We can discuss our marriage after you leave the police station." Teri felt as if struck by lightning. Even the two officers couldn't restrain her. She rushed to Duncan, crying, "You don't want me anymore?" Even Thea felt a pang of sadness. Teri's actions stemmed from her obsessive love for Duncan, unaware of his heartlessness. Thea mused that one shouldn't be too consumed by love.

She kept a few steps away from Nicolas, but he wouldn't let her. "I'm different from Duncan. I won't abandon you." Thea thought, What a joke. He's always favored Oliver. Why is he saying this now? Having just been rescued, she didn't dare voice her thoughts, pretending not to hear him and focusing on the stage.

Duncan said, "Teri, if you can prove you didn't intend to hurt Thea, I'll forgive you. But you must confess to the police." His eyes softened. Someone said, "Isn't Mr. Rowland being too quick? If I were Ms. Langstaff, I'd tear him apart!" Some saw the situation clearly. Surprisingly, Teri didn't feel that way; she took his words as a promise. "Duncan, I'm telling the truth. I'll prove my innocence. I also want to marry you" Thea could bear it no longer.

Chapter 243

Even as the police took Teri away, she gazed lovingly at Duncan. The remaining guests focused on Mason. Everyone had heard of Duncan's strained relationship with Thea; Teri was clearly a casualty. People wondered if Mason would turn on Duncan. They were disappointed.

Mason's attitude was polite. "Duncan, I've spoiled Teri. She's impulsive, so please take care of her. Whether you marry her or not, our friendship remains." Mason's business reputation was high; he sided with Duncan primarily due to future collaboration with the Rowlands. The Langstaff Group was failing; losing the Rowland partnership could be disastrous. Flexibility was key for businessmen. Mason added, "I hope everyone enjoys themselves."

Nicolas stood beside Thea, wanting to speak but hesitating. For the first time, he desperately wanted to be close to her, but he seemed unable to speak. He struggled, finally failing. Darwin broke the silence. "Mr. Hendrix, Ms. Ralap called. She said Mr. Oliver" He trailed off. Even he found Oliver's frequent illnesses suspicious, especially their timing—coinciding with Thea and Nicolas' improving relationship.

Nicolas said, "Thea, I have to go." Thea ignored his hurried departure. She heard Darwin clearly. Her mocking smile deepened. He'd professed his affection, then left for Stephanie and Oliver. The thought of their togetherness pierced her heart. She thought, Nicolas, how can I believe you?

She swirled her wine. A tall figure reflected in the goblet. Duncan observed her. "Thea, I used to think you were useless." As siblings, they were similar, yet Duncan exuded an evil aura while Thea appeared innocent. He continued, "I underestimated you. You've learned to win men over. With Nicolas protecting you, why run Sparkle Rocks? Enjoy being his wife. I'll have Emmalie help you with the businesses."

Thea thought, Is he even pretending anymore? She sneered. "Why give it to Emmalie? You instructed Ms. Langstaff to attack me so Sparkle Rocks would go to Emmalie." Emmalie had always played the good girl, uninvolved in family disputes or business. Thea thought, Why is Emmalie suddenly interested in Sparkle Rocks? Is it because it's mine? She wouldn't relinquish her grandfather's legacy.

She said, "Emmalie can't manage Sparkle Rocks. Duncan, don't target me. Wouldn't it be better to make a name for yourself?" She knew her brothers well. Joshua had chosen Max not for ability; Duncan and Max were equally bad at business. Max was conservative, but Duncan gambled. The Rowland Group under Duncan would quickly fail. Ignoring Duncan's ashen face, Thea left, remembering her purpose.