Thea's voice remained steady as she told the officer, "We have a serious situation involving attempted drugging and rape. Please come immediately." After hanging up, she noticed Emmalie nervously clutching her dress. To ensure the police took the matter seriously, Thea decided to cooperate. The Rowland family's welcome party had become a complete disaster.

The police arrived and said, "We understand the basics, but because the suspects are all accusing you, we need you to come to the station to assist with our investigation." The Rowland family had already left, unwilling to be implicated.

Jake seemed about to speak to Thea, but Madelyn began swaying again. Without hesitation, Jake scooped her into his arms and left, leaving Thea alone. In the night breeze, her silhouette appeared lonely and cold.

As the police car drove away, Nicolas rolled up the car window, fiddling absently with his watch and staring into space, his thoughts unreadable. Darwin cleared his throat and said to the driver, "Let's postpone returning to Belcrane Villa for now."

At the police station, the Hendrix family's lawyer stated, "Miss Rowland, I've been briefed on the situation. My advice is simple: compensation and an apology. The Hendrix family will pay, and you will apologize. Then we can move on. Rest assured, I will ensure your apology remains private."

He then adopted a haughty tone. "The Hendrix family believes that if you let this matter drop, the marriage between our families will still proceed."

Max, who appeared to have been waiting for this, visibly relaxed. He smiled and said, "I knew Jake was reasonable. Please convey our apologies to him." He gave Thea a pointed look, urging her acceptance. "No," Thea replied, her hair slightly messy but her head held high, her neck long and elegant. "I will not apologize. Let the police investigate and clear my name."

Everyone's expressions changed.

Frustrated, Max slammed his hand on the table. "Thea, please stop making a scene! Many people witnessed what happened today. You may not care about your reputation, but the Rowland family does." Duncan scoffed, "She's been spoiled. If it were Emmalie, she wouldn't be causing this trouble."

Thea let out a bitter laugh. She was certainly unlike Emmalie, who would stoop to any level to harm her.

The Hendrix family's lawyer narrowed his eyes threateningly. "If you refuse to apologize, the Hendrix family will not bail you out. We will also press charges against you for hiring someone to attack Madelyn." Thea's heart sank. Jake's ruthlessness was evident; he wasn't even pretending anymore.

As long as he remained firm, the Rowland family wouldn't intervene. She could face life imprisonment.

Thea let out a cold laugh, lifting her chin defiantly. "But I did nothing, and I will not apologize. If you want this engagement to continue, I have one condition—give me the security footage from today." Max's expression shifted. "Jake already took the footage. He said if you continue causing trouble, he will make it public."

Thea's gaze hardened. "So none of you believe me? Not one of you even bothered to look at the footage?"

Duncan replied impatiently, "Why would we? It's embarrassing enough. Keeping it private is for your own good. We're worried, and you're stirring things up. It's frustrating." Thea felt exhausted. "If that's the case, you can all leave. I don't need your bail, and you don't need to waste your energy trying to force me."

Everyone's expressions changed. The Hendrix family's lawyer left first, muttering, "Ungrateful brat."

The Rowland family members jeered. "Let's see how long you can keep this up. You'll come crawling back."

Thea's pale, chapped lips twitched. She silently vowed never to let anyone control her again.

After what felt like an eternity, she heard approaching footsteps.

"Thea, you're free to go. Someone's here to bail you out," an officer said.

Thea couldn't guess who it might be.

At the police station entrance, a Pagani was parked, with a tall figure beside it. The man was backlit, his profile highlighted by shadows. His cool demeanor and stern expression made him seem even sharper. His dignified presence contrasted sharply with Thea's disheveled appearance. Thea was stunned. "Nicolas?" she exclaimed. Quickly correcting herself, she said, "Mr. Hendrix."

"Yes," Nicolas nodded slightly. "Get in the car."

Thea felt uneasy but complied. She hadn't interacted much with the powerful head of the Hendrix family, who spent most of his time abroad. Their few meetings were limited to family dinners.

In Thea's mind, Nicolas was a golden boy, a business legend who, even in his thirties, exuded charisma and had never been involved in a scandal. Jake both feared and resented Nicolas, whose achievements he envied. With Nicolas, Jake would never be the heir.

Thea's heart raced. 'I embarrassed the Hendrix family. Nicolas probably won't let me off easy,' she thought. Just as panic set in, she heard Nicolas's clear voice. "The Hendrix family owes you for this incident. What compensation would you like?"

"Huh?" Thea thought she'd misheard.

Nicolas turned, his deep, calm eyes both alluring and intimidating. "I know everything about Jake's situation. The Hendrix family will rectify this. I promise that woman will be removed from his life." Thea understood.

The Hendrix family wasn't foolish; she was still a Rowland. Even if not favored, she was superior to Madelyn, who lacked background and status. Madelyn's family and education were mediocre; she wouldn't even qualify as a maid. If Jake married her, it would be a laughingstock.

Rationally, Thea should agree, securing the Hendrix connection for the Rowland family. But…