Chapter 267

In Emmalie's hospital room, the Rowland family surrounded her, showering her with concern, while she basked in the attention. Even Max felt a pang of guilt. "Emmalie," he said, "you saved Thea. Once she's better, I'll help you negotiate with her. After all, she's Mr. Hendrix's wife. We can't let your act of saving her go unrewarded." Emmalie lowered her gaze, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Max, you practically dragged me into the operating room like a hostage, and now you're pretending to be the good guy? This is quite a spectacle, she thought.

"Max," she said hesitantly, her voice a whisper, "it's unnecessary. Saving Thea was a blessing. I never sought any reward. Seeing her recover is the best news."

Her thoughtfulness was almost painful to witness. Ivy tenderly caressed her cheek. "If only Thea could be half as considerate as you, I wouldn't worry so much. Emmalie, I'll make sure Thea repays you. Just wait." Meanwhile, Thea, pushed in a wheelchair by Nicolas, sat apart, the wall between them a barrier to family connection. She offered a strained smile, and Nicolas's heart ached. "Nicolas, let's go home," Thea said, crumpling the lab report in her hand. She knew the Rowlands would likely accuse her of staging everything and insult her.

She didn't want further humiliation. Rather than let Emmalie use this to tarnish her reputation, she'd find Emmalie's vulnerabilities and strike. Unbeknownst to Thea, Duncan followed closely. He carefully smoothed the crumpled paper; the results sparked a cold light in his eyes.

Mom has type A blood, Dad has type B, but Emmalie has type O. Emmalie can't be their daughter, he thought.

The report, stamped by Silvercreek First Hospital, was legitimate. Emmalie wasn't the Rowlands' child.

An inexplicable joy flickered in Duncan's heart. He tucked the document into his sleeve. No matter what, he'd keep this secret for Emmalie. His hidden thoughts were finally revealed.

Thea was discharged on a sunny day. Cameron wanted her to stay, but Thea politely refused, disliking the antiseptic smell and preferring her own space. In bed, Oliver peeled and fed her apples. Thea felt confident in her decision to raise him.

Scrolling through her phone, Thea saw a trending news story: piano prodigy Emmalie had postponed her concert due to a severe infection incurred while saving her sister. The accompanying photo showed a weak Emmalie, carefully styled even in a hospital bed.

'What new drama is Emmalie stirring up now?' Thea thought.

The comments were sharply divided: many sympathized with Emmalie while criticizing Thea. 'Just great,' Thea thought, letting out a cold laugh.

Chapter 267 (Continued)

"Thea," Nicolas said, entering and noticing the light in her hand, "focus on getting better. Ignore the online chatter. I'm here, and nothing will go wrong." He was deeply concerned. Max, displeased with Nicolas's earlier promises, had pushed the trending topic, hoping to exploit the situation.

Despite Nicolas's earnestness, Thea smiled. "You underestimate me. I've heard countless rumors. They've already decided I'm terrible. Keeping this trending will backfire. Let them say what they want; it won't cost me a thing."

Thea had given up, but Nicolas wouldn't let her. "That's because they've never understood you. Thea, you're the best person in the world, and I won't let them slander you."

Nicolas wasn't smooth with sweet talk; even Oliver felt a chill and stepped aside. Thea felt uncomfortable under Nicolas's intense gaze. "Any news from Amelia?"

"She's in Darwin's hands. Deal with her anytime," Nicolas replied.

Thea's expression hardened. "Let's do it today."

Her broken bones hindered her, but her mind was sharp. "Give me a moment. I want to speak with her alone."

In the dark, icy storage room, Amelia was repeatedly doused with cold water, her hair freezing. Nicolas was known for brutality, and with Amelia targeting Thea, her fate was grim. Nicolas kept his promise and let Thea enter alone. Amelia felt herself warming as she struggled against the gag.

Opening her eyes, she saw Thea, unscathed. 'Why am I suffering while she recovers?' Amelia thought, her mental state unraveling.

Amelia lunged repeatedly, but bound, she only crashed onto the ice, looking pathetic. Thea watched, her frustration easing slightly. "Once upon a time, you used your pretty face to captivate Jake, nearly becoming his wife. Amelia, don't you regret how far you've fallen?"

Amelia's current state couldn't undo the trauma she inflicted. Thea pulled the gag, tossing it disgustedly to the floor. But Amelia wasn't finished.

'If Thea hadn't pulled back, she'd have teeth marks on her hand, she thought.

"Regret? Thea, if not for Nicolas, you'd be dead," Amelia spat, her face twisted with rage. "I'm alive to see you die... Even hurting you badly satisfies me." Amelia looked drastically different from her high school days; Thea barely recognized her. Only her hatred for Thea remained.

"I've made it clear: My mother's death has nothing to do with me," Thea said. She'd endured too much baseless hatred; one more from Amelia wouldn't matter.

But she had a question. "Someone's backing you, right? With your skills, and now without Jake, getting an unregistered car, committing a crime, and hiding under Nicolas's nose seems impossible," Thea said.

Thea didn't look down on Amelia. She knew Amelia's capabilities after working with her for years. In the past, Thea had fallen victim to Amelia's schemes simply because Amelia was so good at manipulating Jake. Thea's tone... (The passage cuts off here)