Chapter 250

The cuffs were just inches away when Nicolas clasped them tightly around her arm. Thea only opened her eyes when the current died down slightly. The air was cold, a stark contrast to the warmth she’d felt moments before. Near them, the faint, refreshing fragrance of Nicolas’ cologne lingered. She thought, He came to save me from this world. Nicolas will be able to protect me, right? His strength. Tim was here. Don't be afraid. Nicolas used all his strength to hold her tightly in his arms. Even the water couldn't separate them.

His swimming skills were superb, but he couldn't reach the shore under these conditions. All he could do was protect Thea and prevent her from being harmed.

"Thea!" Joyce and "Mr. Hendrix!" Darwin shouted simultaneously from the shore. They had followed Nicolas's car, arriving just in time to witness the chaotic scene.

Amelia knelt on the ground, crying and laughing hysterically. "I hope they both die!"

Joyce slapped her hard. "If Thea is dead, I won't let you go!"

Darwin remained calmer, immediately contacting people to suppress any news. If Nicolas's disappearance became public, the entire Hendrix family would be in turmoil. He then called the rescue team. "Save Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix at all costs!" The command startled everyone.

In a distant car, Emmalie's voice was somber. "Could it be that Nicolas truly loves Thea this much? He'd die for her! Duncan, why does everyone only care about Thea? No matter how hard I try, I can't compare." Her shoulders trembled slightly, a pitiful sight.

Duncan's Adam's apple bobbed. "To me, you're far better than Thea!" He suppressed his desires, comforting her softly. "Nicolas has poor taste. Emmalie, you deserve the best. Even if Nicolas dies, I'll find you a better husband. Someone like him isn't worth cherishing." Emmalie mused, Is there truly anyone better than Nicolas? At least, his power is unmatched.

Emmalie's heart fluttered. She forced a smile. "Duncan, you're the best. Sometimes, I wish you weren't my brother."

Her words were alluring.

08:17 Fri, Nov 15 Chapter 250

Duncan fought to control his desires, finally calming himself. "Thea will likely die. She didn't make a will. We need to discuss the distribution of her shares with Max. Emmalie, this is crucial."

Emmalie nodded. "I always believed you'd be a better leader of the Rowland Group than Max. Duncan, I believe you'll take the company to new heights."

If Thea were conscious, she would be heartbroken. Her family only cared about profiting from her death. Unfortunately, Thea was already unconscious.

When Nicolas awoke, the waves still battered him, but the receding tide, after days of sun, offered a chance for survival. Panic seized him for the first time. He feared losing Thea. Seeing her floating in the river, his only thought was that Thea couldn't die. If she dies, he thought, all my efforts will be wasted. I haven't given her a family, haven't made up for the miscarriage… If Thea died, he would die with her.

He checked Thea's breathing, his hand trembling. Feeling faint warmth, he calmed down. "Thea, wake up…" He used one hand to help her expel water, the other to gently pinch her pale face. A palm print, Amelia's mark, was on Thea's cheek.

He leaned in to kiss her. Thea opened her eyes. She turned her head, coughing up water. Nicolas said nothing, only patted her back gently. "Do you feel better?"

"Thank you, Mr. Hendrix." Regaining her composure, Thea instinctively distanced herself. "But why did you save me? Your wife and child… If they learn of your disappearance, they'll be devastated. Mr. Hendrix, this isn't like you." Her bright eyes searched his face for answers, finding none. In the past, he would have said, "You are my only wife."

08:17 Fri, Nov 15 Chapter 250

He didn't say it this time. A bitter taste filled Thea's heart. She tried to ignore it, but couldn't. "Mr. Hendrix, I don't understand you. Where are we?"

"Key Biscayne." He'd determined their location before she woke. The current had carried them to the next province. "All my communication devices are broken. We must rely on ourselves. Can you stand?"

Thea's legs trembled, but she gritted her teeth. "I'm fine." Nicolas hoisted her onto his shoulder. "You don't have to be tough with me. I'll get you out of here."

The riverbank was deep in the forest. Nicolas's hands and feet were cut by rocks, blood dripping with every step, but he didn't put her down.

Thea was both puzzled and touched. She didn't understand why he risked his life for her yet had a child with another woman. Near death had emboldened her. "Mr. Hendrix, you said you didn't sleep with Stephanie. That child isn't yours, right?"

Her directness stopped him. He knew why she was upset. Admitting the truth would clear the misunderstanding, but he'd promised Stephanie secrecy.

Thea said, "Mr. Hendrix, you don't have to answer." His silence spoke volumes.

She laughed. "Thank you for saving me, but trust is paramount in a relationship. Obviously, you don't trust me."