Chapter 286

Kelly, usually frigid towards her husband, was now crying. Ethan's heart melted. "Thank God you're back in time," she sobbed. "Those young people are bullying me, even threatening arrest! Where is justice? Why does everyone think I'd harm Joyce? We've been separated for years. I think of my daughter every day, and I can't wait to tell her how much I love her."

Ethan's gaze softened. He patted her shoulder, comforting her in a low voice. Thea, witnessing this middle-aged melodrama, felt her eyes ache.

When Ethan turned to the others, his patience had vanished. "Get out!" he roared. His wife was his life; he'd struggled to find her and wouldn't tolerate anyone taking her away. Kelly was powerless, but Ethan was different. As principal of Aurelia University, he possessed considerable assets and was a close business partner of the Hendrix Group. Thea feared a confrontation would harm Nicolas.

Jamie stepped forward, refusing to back down. Ethan warned him, "Do you know who you are? Think you're some kind of officer? How dare you approach my daughter? Kid, get real. You'll never be part of the Maddox family, you gold digger!"

Jamie frowned. "I won't let you slander my feelings for Joyce. I didn't know her background when we met, so no one can question my sincerity."

Only Nicolas could speak to Ethan on equal terms. "Mr. Maddox, may I have a word?" He didn't want to interfere in family matters, but as Thea's friend, he couldn't ignore the situation.

Ethan and Nicolas retreated to a room, the heavy wooden door shutting out the commotion.

"Mr. Maddox, you're a smart man. You must understand your wife's true feelings. Isn't Miss Maddox less important than Mrs. Maddox?"

Ethan's gaze flickered. "As Joyce's parents, we must help her decide. Mr. Hendrix, we've seen much in our position. No one is ever completely satisfied." He remained unyielding. Nicolas wasn't surprised, chuckling softly. "It seems you don't know the background of that young officer you were just berating."

Nicolas had investigated everyone who'd contacted Thea for her safety. Jamie's background revealed something significant.

Ethan's heart pounded. "Are you telling the truth?"

Nicolas smiled faintly. "Mr. Maddox, you said no one is ever completely satisfied. Why not let your daughter be satisfied? Let her have what she wants; let your family reach a new level."

"You have only one daughter, Miss Maddox. Don't tell me you expect that stepdaughter to care for you in your old age."

They were businessmen; they knew the best choice.

Chapter 286 (continued)

Kelly was shocked by Ethan's drastic change of heart. "Ethan!" she gritted her teeth. "We've agreed with the Xander family, even accepted their betrothal gifts. They're not the Rowlands; we can't offend them. If we cancel the engagement, no one will ever accept Joyce again." Ethan's eyebrows twitched. After a moment, he snorted. "Waste no more time. Let her go!"

He hated using such a harsh tone with his wife, but offending Jamie meant disaster for their family. Nicolas had mentioned Jamie was from Sarlimar, the capital. That single sentence conjured numerous possibilities in Ethan's mind. Ignoring Kelly, he instructed the butler to release Joyce.

Joyce, tear-streaked, had overheard everything. She was deeply touched by Thea and Jamie's unwavering support. She stumbled downstairs, throwing herself into Thea's arms. "Thea, thank you. Thank you for everything."

"You're my best friend," Thea replied sincerely. "It was my duty." Since high school, few had befriended her; Joyce was her first adult friend, making her willing to offend the Maddoxes. Thankfully, it had worked out. Patting Joyce's shoulder, Thea smiled. "You should thank someone else too." She glanced at Jamie.

Joyce blushed, relieved that her beloved felt the same. Their first priority was leaving the Maddox family; the sight of two happy couples together was unpleasant.

On the sofa, Ethan comforted his furious wife. Lily remained silent. Finally, Kelly exploded. "Joyce, stop! Can't you see your father and me? You just leave without a word? We brought you into this world. You're so heartless! I should have strangled you at birth!"

Thea wanted to ignore it, but Joyce decided to confront her mother. Avoiding it was pointless. Turning, she met Kelly's cold gaze. This time, her mother's coldness wouldn't break her. She no longer held any hope for this family.

"Is that so? Mrs. Maddox, you've perfectly expressed my feelings," Joyce said, almost hysterically. "I wished I had died, to escape the suffering and mockery of being an orphan. I thought you'd welcomed me back, but you pushed me into another abyss. I sincerely hope we never contact each other again. And Mr. Maddox, you made the choice first. You already have a daughter; my departure matters little."

Joyce turned decisively, tears hidden behind her emotionless tone. She wanted nothing more to do with this family.