Chapter 265: 94%

Emmalie's tears softened Duncan's heart. "What matching? We're not doing this. Thea has been heartless since childhood. She even abandoned you to human traffickers. Now she must pay the price."

He grasped Emmalie's hand, turning to leave. But before he could take a step, Nicolas blocked his path. Standing behind a group of people, Nicolas wore a mocking smile. "Where do you think you're going, Mr. Hendrix?"

"Mr. Hendrix, both matching and donation require consent. We're here, but if we refuse, you can't force us," Duncan said, shielding the trembling Emmalie. He'd never before shown such fierce protectiveness toward Thea, even though she was his sister.

"Thea is your sister too. She's fighting for her life. Duncan, are you really going to erase her chance because you're scared?" Nicolas's voice grew colder. He'd not known Thea previously, but the Rowland family's favoritism revealed her past mistreatment. They'd never considered her family.

Nicolas waved a document. "Do you think my contract is so easily dismissed?" It was the amusement park project Max had coveted.

Max became agitated. "Duncan, what did you say at home? It's for Thea! Do you want to watch her die? She's our sister!"

Without Nicolas's intervention, Max began pulling them. "As spokesperson for the Rowland family, I demand that anyone leaving this hospital never consider themselves part of this family again. How could you let Thea suffer? Have your consciences completely vanished?"

Even Ivy abandoned Emmalie. "Emmalie, don't be stubborn. It's just a blood draw. It won't hurt. I'll be here with you."

Emmalie couldn't leave. Duncan could argue with his family, but not defy those observing them.

Nicolas stood guard at the emergency room door after the matching tests. Before leaving, he warned, "Keep an eye on them. No one leaves until the results are out."

The results arrived quickly. The doctor held up Emmalie's report. Even Emmalie was incredulous. "The matching worked? How is that possible? We're not related."

"Even without direct relation, a successful bone marrow match is possible, though unlikely," the doctor explained, resolving Emmalie's confusion. The Rowland family accepted this explanation.

Nicolas raised the stakes. The amusement park project and the Hendrix Group's distribution rights for the next six months were promised to the Rowland family.

Max was blinded by the potential benefits. "Emmalie, I know you suffered…" (The passage ends abruptly here.)