Chapter 61

Nicolas stood in the backlight, coolly poised. His eyes were indifferent, devoid of emotion as he scanned Jegson before lingering on Thea.

Jepson, feeling confident, spoke up. "Nicolas, is there something you need? Did you come to talk to Dad about the yacht? Don't worry. I've already found the instigator and plan to take him to Dad."

Nicolas smiled—a chilling, sarcastic smile. "You don't need to find him. You should think about how to explain everything to Dad tonight. You forced a weak woman to take the fall for Jake's mess, all while using the Hendrix family name to pressure the Rowland family. Quite a performance, wouldn't you say?"

Jepson's face paled. He stared at Nicolas in disbelief. Thea was equally shocked. Nicolas had overheard everything—protective behavior atypical for him. Thea felt relieved by his intervention.

Jepson, his voice seething with anger, looked as if he were about to explode. "Nicolas, are you out of your mind?"

A hint of coldness flickered in Nicolas's eyes. "If you want to keep something hidden, then don't do anything wrong. If you dare to act so arrogantly, you shouldn't be afraid of being discovered."

"You" Jepson sputtered, speechless, and stormed off.

Nicolas turned to Thea, noticing her slightly reddened eyes. The coldness in his gaze melted as he gently waved to her. Thea hurried over, appearing obedient.

With a hint of helplessness, Nicolas said, "You are my wife, after all. How can you be bullied so badly?"

Thea blinked and replied honestly, "Even if I am your wife, what difference does it make? If I'm using your name, they only fear you, not me. I'm too weak. So, when you're not around, it's normal for me to be picked on."

Nicolas's expression softened. He raised his hand and rested it on her head. Thea squirmed; she didn't like this childlike treatment from Nicolas. As that feeling intensified, Nicolas abruptly changed the subject. "You don't need to worry about my dad; he's already gone home. But as for the yacht incident, I won't get involved in assigning blame. I will only ensure that no one uses their power to force you to take the blame. You'll have to handle the rest yourself. Do you understand?"

Instantly, Nicolas's attitude grew cold and rigid again. The warmth and affection seemed a figment of Thea's imagination. Feeling disappointed, she managed a small smile. "Mr. Hendrix, don't worry. I won't hold you back."

Chapter 61

Thea took out her phone and waved it in front of Nicolas. She had sensed something was amiss when Madelyn urged Jake to propose the yacht plan. Having been caught in their traps too many times, Thea decided to be smarter this time. She had recorded the entire meeting. The recording clearly showed that Jake and Madelyn dominated the meeting; no one else had a chance to voice their opinions.

Nicolas raised an eyebrow slightly. "As long as you're sure of yourself."

He turned and left. Thea gathered everyone who had attended the meeting to inform them of Jake's intention to make them scapegoats. Some didn't believe her. Thea wasn't in a hurry. She simply asked, "If he could abandon me, his ex-girlfriend, do you really think Jake would choose you over Madelyn?"

Although eager to please Madelyn and Jake—gossiping about Thea and targeting her—they all understood Jake's true character. Each face showed signs of struggle.

"Ms. Rowland, if you have a plan, please share it," someone said.