Chapter 260

Thea couldn't believe a child could utter such words, but she wouldn't dismiss them. "I don't care what Stephanie's been telling you, and I don't care to find out," she said. "But remember this: as my husband's child, I won't resort to underhanded tactics. From now on, I'll teach you decency."

She gently rubbed Oliver's forehead. Stephanie's affection was superficial; children are perceptive, and Oliver sensed her hidden motives. Now, with Thea's warm hand on his head, his face flushed bright red. Before he could fully process this, Thea pressed him down into the bedding. "Do you know what you did wrong?"

Her cool voice echoed in his ear. Oliver yelled, "I knew it! You're not a nice person! You're being mean to me!"

"When you see steel balls and know they'll hurt you, but you swallow them anyway, that's self-harm," Thea explained, employing her unique teaching style. "This is your first lesson: no matter the situation, or who tells you to harm yourself, don't believe them or obey. Protecting yourself is paramount."

After she released him, Oliver looked up, a spark in his eyes. He murmured, "I get it."

Oliver wasn't inherently bad, just young and easily influenced. Thea quickly eased his hostility, and once he was asleep, she took the kettle to the break room.

Corey's voice broke the silence. She hadn't realized he'd been standing there. "Miss Rowland, you're surprisingly skilled with children," he said, his eyes filled with teasing amusement. Thea's gaze flicked to the bandage on his arm. "Mr. Xander, your misdeeds finally landed you in the hospital. Consider this a reminder to stick to good deeds."

Corey was dangerous, and Thea avoided him whenever possible. But as she tried to leave, Nicolas blocked her path. "Miss Rowland, after all my recent help, is this how quickly you repay me?"

Corey, towering above her, smirked slightly. "I'm giving you a warning. I can't understand why you and Mr. Hendrix would raise someone else's child. Oliver's half Stephanie's. Doesn't that taint him for you?" Thea stepped back. His attempt to use Oliver's background was futile; it held no power over them.

"Our family matters don't concern you, Mr. Xander," Thea replied curtly. This time, Corey let her leave. Once she was gone, he irritably removed the fake bandage.

April approached, clearly annoyed. "Why play these games with her? She's insignificant. Even if she realizes I incited Amelia against her, what can she do? She lacks the guts to retaliate."

April's entitled attitude blinded her to the consequences. Corey's patience was wearing thin. "Shut up. Thea is inconsequential, but Nicolas supports her. Do you think you can provoke Nicolas without repercussions? If he retaliates, neither Mr. Sandy nor I can protect you."

April, scolded so harshly, eyes reddened, though she tried to appear tough. "He'd need evidence. I can't beat him, but I can avoid him."

April underestimated the situation. Corey said nothing more, but a dark intensity settled in his eyes.

Back in the hospital room, Thea looked at Oliver's face, so strikingly similar to Stephanie's. She'd never met Vergil. A nephew resembling his aunt was normal, but under Corey's influence, something felt wrong. Corey was erratic and unpredictable, but he'd never lied.

Could Oliver's parentage be in doubt? Thea wondered, pushing her suspicions aside, deciding not to tell Nicolas yet.

"Do you think Stephanie and Vergil look alike?" she asked, testing the waters.

Nicolas shook his head. "They're not alike in looks or temperament. Darwin questioned if they were even siblings, but Vergil denied it. She's certain Stephanie is her sister."

This explained Nicolas's tolerance of Stephanie; she was Vergil's favorite sibling.

"Thea, what's on your mind?" Nicolas asked, noticing her introspection.

Thea smiled and took his hand silently. She knew investigating this would require careful planning. Prematurely voicing her doubts might make her seem jealous or petty. She was used to mistrust. Without concrete proof, she wouldn't speak recklessly.

During Oliver's week in the hospital, Thea rarely left his side. Their initially strained relationship eased. Oliver showed her more respect, and their interactions warmed.

Oliver was discharged, and Thea returned to Silvercreek; the Langstaff family's bidding deadline loomed. Despite alienating Teri and Aiden, she was confident of a seventy percent chance of winning.

Nicolas, concerned by her tireless work on the proposal, suggested, "Thea, you don't have to push yourself. I could speak to the Langstaff family." Thea refused firmly. "Sparkle Rocks is my grandfather's legacy. I want to build it with my own abilities, not through influence. My success shouldn't come from my marriage or dependence." Her eyes shone with determination.

Nicolas, captivated, couldn't look away. Even Oliver, in the back, chimed in, "Mrs. Hendrix, take me to Silvercreek! I can help! I know the place." Thea couldn't refuse his enthusiastic offer.

Upon arriving at Joyce's, Thea's jaw dropped. "Thea, are you out of your mind? You've forgotten what Stephanie put you through, and now you're raising her son?"

Joyce circled Thea, assessing her sanity. "Thea would never be this charitable"