Chapter 257
Thea's hand froze, her expression changing drastically. "Mr. Hendrix," she asked, "don't joke. Oliver often visits Stefan. Why does Stefan want another grandchild? Is it because Oliver's misbehavior has annoyed him?"
Furthermore, there was Jake; Stefan could even have a great-grandchild.
Nicolas's words caught in his throat. He hesitated, unsure what to say.
Thea's patience snapped. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm here for Dad, because he's good to me. This has nothing to do with you. A child is the result of a couple's love. We have no love, so we can't have a child."
She turned to leave. Nicolas grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not painful.
She resisted. "What do you want?"
"Let's talk outside," he said, concerned about disturbing Stefan's sleep. He gently pulled her from the villa.
As soon as they left, Stefan rose from his bed. "Darwin, tell the kitchen to prepare some fried chicken for me."
"Mr. Hendrix… if he finds out I'm helping you, he'll kill me," Darwin said grimly.
Stefan was angry, but years of recuperation meant he wouldn't collapse. He was doing this to help Nicolas.
"If I don't force him, he'll never tell Thea the truth!" Stefan snorted. "I'm helping him. Can he blame me? This nutrient solution isn't satisfying. Tell the kitchen I want lots of chicken wings." Darwin could only obey. He thought, It's their fight, why am I involved?
Unaware of this, Nicolas and Thea continued their conversation.
"Mr. Hendrix, please behave yourself," Thea said.
She finally shook free of his grasp. "You have a child, and our divorce is underway. This closeness is inappropriate, isn't it?" She knew how to wound him. His lips twitched.
She saw his struggle, but remained unmoved. "Mr. Hendrix, hundreds at Sparkle depend on me. I'll visit Stefan regularly, but I don't want to encounter you or your child. I don't get along with him."
She turned to leave. Nicolas finally confessed, "The child isn't mine."
Chapter 257
Thea stopped, turning to meet Nicolas's intense gaze. She scoffed. "Mr. Hendrix, do you think I'm a three-year-old? Are you raising a child for a murderer?" She wouldn't forget Stephanie's actions. If Nicolas hadn't protected Stephanie and Oliver, she would have dealt with them already. His concern convinced her Oliver was his son.
"Oliver is Vergil Ralap's child," Nicolas revealed. "Doesn't he look like me?"
Thea's fists clenched. That explained it.
Seeing her reaction, he continued, "I owe Vergil my life. Even without Stephanie's threat, I wouldn't ignore Oliver." This was typical Nicolas.
Thea wanted to vent her anger but feared hurting him. "Why didn't you tell me? Do I seem like a vicious stepmother who can't accept Oliver?"
"It's not!" He was flustered. Pulling her into his arms, he confessed, "I promised Stephanie I'd treat Oliver as my own. If I hadn't known the truth about my mother's death, I might never have told you." He'd been conflicted, wanting Thea but unable to break his promise. Jepson's situation had changed his mind; he didn't want to repeat his parents' fate. He'd treat Oliver as his own, but not at the expense of his relationship with Thea. "I'm sorry. For both our child and hiding this, I apologize." He bowed his proud head for her.
Thea was speechless. "Then you have to compensate me. I can't have children anymore. Stefan's wish will never be fulfilled." Nicolas had already found the world's best obstetrician and gynecologist for her. He wouldn't force her, but he didn't want her body to be damaged.
"That child needs discipline," Thea stated.
"As you say," he conceded.
Their breaths mingled, their deep affection undeniable.
This time, Nicolas held Thea's hand tightly. Thea smiled, understanding his true feelings.
They returned hand-in-hand. Darwin saw them and wanted to warn Stefan, but it was too late.
They entered to find Stefan still eating chicken wings, his stroke seemingly cured.
Chapter 257
"Dad?" Thea asked hesitantly.
A chicken wing landed on Stefan's clothes; his act was over.
Nicolas asked, "So you were pretending?"
Stefan met Nicolas's cold gaze, trying to maintain his dignity. "I was heartbroken by Jepson. I also wanted to see if you cared. Thea is the best."
Thea sighed. "Dad, don't joke like that. We worried on the way back." They hoped for a peaceful resolution, but Nicolas wouldn't let it go.
Under Stefan's gaze, Nicolas picked up the chicken wings. "Since you're sick, no fried chicken for a month." The best punishment; he was the head of the Hendrix family, and everyone followed his orders.