Chapter 279

Under Ivy's incredulous gaze, Thea tore the letter and scattered the pieces. "That's impossible. It's mine! I can't give it to Emmalie, and I won't destroy it."

"Thea," Ivy said, unsurprised. She knew her daughter's ill temper; it had worsened since her relationship with Nicolas. Only one thing could make Thea surrender. At that moment, reporters rushed in. The flashing cameras startled Ivy; she clutched her chest and cried out in pain. "Thea, do you want me to die? You're so heartless. You ignored Emmalie's sacrifice and caused me only anger and disappointment. Am I a bad mother?"

Thea knew there was no blood relation between Ivy and Emmalie. However, she saw a disturbing similarity in their overly-sad expressions.

Thea laughed. "Mrs. Rowland, you're joking." Facing the bright lights, she remained fearless. Her reputation had already been ruined by the Rowland family's underhanded tactics; she was immune to their games.

She continued, "Since childhood, I've only received your scolding, regardless of right or wrong. Emmalie was always better. Was I inferior, or were you simply biased? You know the answer." Thea had shown exceptional piano talent, but because of Emmalie's tears, Ivy had smashed her precious piano and forced her to swear never to touch anything her sister liked. "Why?" Thea's voice trembled. "Get off your high horse. I won't be manipulated by your guilt trips again. This is the last time."

"If you're unwell, see a doctor. Don't manipulate me. Even if I die, my husband and adopted son will inherit, not Emmalie!"

A wave of self-disappointment washed over Thea. She shouldn't feel guilty seeing Ivy's pain. Even repeating that Ivy didn't deserve her compassion didn't control her emotions. Escape was her only recourse.

"Thea, do you think someone else's son is more important than your own family? You're mad! You'll regret this!" Ivy's false politeness vanished, revealing her fury. The reporters' cameras caught her strangely ferocious expression. She tried to maintain composure but ultimately straightened her back. Thea, not she, should feel guilty.

Then, she defended Oliver. "Someone else's son? Mrs. Rowland, you taught me that sometimes, family is the one who hurts you most. This child is a blank slate. I can raise him to be good, unlike your crooked family. You're incorrigible. I sometimes wonder why I share your blood. I hope one day technology will let me remove every ignoble gene from you!"

Ivy recoiled, pale. She hadn't expected such harsh words. Despite Thea's temper, Ivy knew she was the kindest of her children. Even signing the severance agreement hadn't felt as final as Thea's departure now. It was irreversible.

Chapter 279 (Continued)

Mrs. Hendrix: As soon as Thea left the hospital, a boy leaped into her arms.

This was a live broadcast. Oliver, in Nicolas's car, heard everything. Having parents now, he wasn't as impatient as before. His chubby face was cute, though he still struggled to call Thea "Mom."

Thea pinched his cheek, ignoring the imperfection. Her gaze found Nicolas; his tall, straight figure was reassuring. She didn't know how long he'd been there, but his support was clear. Nicolas, frequently traveling between Silvercreek and Key Biscayne, knew the area's best restaurants. He’d chosen one near the mountains and river.

Entering, Thea felt the shadows lift.

"It's a private restaurant, vegetarian," Nicolas explained. "Cameron said Oliver's overweight. Time for a diet." His eyes held a rare gentleness.

Holding Oliver's chubby hands, the little boy muttered, "I want meat!" The setting sun lengthened their shadows, creating the picture of a family.

Tasting the food, Oliver changed his mind. "This is good! Ten more plates!"

Thea chuckled. "Slow down. It's all yours." She piled delicacies onto his plate.

Nicolas's eyes brightened, then dimmed. If their child hadn't been lost, Thea would have been a gentle mother. There were no ifs.

He desperately wanted a family with Thea. He wanted to wake up and see her face every day. He wanted her by his side, always. Soon. After the Langstaff Group bidding, he'd bring her home. Separation was torture.

Back at the apartment, Thea went to her room. Teri had sent the Langstaff Group bidding schedule; it was a week away. Time was short. She worked meticulously, even hand-drawing icons symmetrically, leaving no room for error.

Joyce knocked, holding juice. "Thea, I know you're busy, but take care of yourself. Staying up late is harmful!"

Thea smiled. "Miss Maddox, you're a chef now?" She recognized the juice wasn't Joyce's usual culinary disaster. "You're fast! I didn't know you liked cute things."