Chapter 59
The man approaching, dressed in a tailored suit, exuded an air of calm authority. His graying temples hinted at age, and the sharp glint in his eyes betrayed his calculating nature. He was clearly not someone to be trifled with. This was Jepson, Jake's father and Nicolas's elder brother.
Jake instinctively released Thea's hand and took a deliberate step away from Madelyn, moving closer to Thea to make their relationship appear more harmonious. Madelyn, of course, noticed this maneuver. Tears welled in her eyes, her expression filled with hurt. This tactic might work on other men, but to Jepson, women like Madelyn were all too familiar.
He strode forward without glancing at Madelyn. Instead, he gave Thea a warm, almost paternal smile. "Thea, it's been a while. Please give my regards to your father."
Thea was secretly surprised. In the past, Jake's parents had acted as if they didn't know her, let alone initiate a greeting. But when she caught a glimpse of Madelyn's awkward, embarrassed expression, she immediately understood Jepson's message. He clearly can't stand Madelyn, she thought.
Smiling politely, but with measured distance, Thea responded, "Mr. Hendrix, thank you for your concern. My father is doing well." Jepson's brow furrowed slightly at her cool tone.
"Mr. Hendrix, don't worry. I'll take care of this," a tremulous voice interrupted.
It was Madelyn, speaking with a sincerity bordering on desperation. Her pleading eyes fixed on Jepson. "It wasn't Jake's fault. We all share responsibility, so please don't be too concerned." Jake looked at Madelyn, clearly moved by her words.
Jepson, however, twitched slightly. Seeing the emotional look on Jake's face only deepened the sharpness in his own. "Miss Terrell, thank you for your concern. But this is a Hendrix family matter. There's no need for you to worry about it. Thea, come with me," Jepson said.
The distinction in Jepson's tone and word choice made his attitude clear: he saw Thea as part of the Hendrix family, but rejected Madelyn outright.
As Thea followed Jepson, Madelyn clenched her hands tightly, suppressing the twisted expression threatening to break through. Turning to Jake with tearful eyes, she whispered, "Jake, I don't think Mr. Hendrix likes me. He seems very close to Miss Rowland. But I get it. If Miss Rowland has said anything about me to him, it's understandable." Jake's heart ached at her vulnerability.
Taking her hand, he promised, "Don't worry. Whether Thea and I marry or not, you'll always have a place in my heart. I'll protect you. No one's going to hurt you."
Madelyn nodded, touched by his words.
As the door closed, Thea grew tired of pretending. Out of politeness, she maintained a faint, perfunctory smile. "Mr. Hendrix, is there something you need to discuss with me? Stefan is inside waiting for us, so I should head in soon."
Jepson frowned at her detached demeanor but forced himself to speak kindly, mindful of his purpose. "I understand Jake's behavior has caused you trouble. Both his mother and I feel deeply sorry for that."
Thea's brow twitched at this sudden apology; her instincts were on high alert. "Nothing good ever comes from unexpected kindness," she thought.