Chapter 67

Madelyn nodded. While others may not have noticed, Jake immediately recognized it as Thea's piano room. Ever since she lost her chance to study with a master as a child, Thea hadn't practiced but still kept the room from back then. This was a deep-seated pain for her, known only to the Rowland family. Thea had only brought Jake there once.

At that moment, Jake was at a loss for words. He thought, Why does Thea reject me while pursuing Madelyn? Is she trying to say that if we reconcile, Madelyn has to leave first?

Seeing Jake's lack of anger, Madelyn felt a pang of discontent. "Jake," she said, "when will this situation end? Not only am I being threatened, but I'm also the subject of gossip."

Jake sounded impatient. "But Madelyn, you used to say that being with me was what mattered most, and that the title didn't matter at all."

Madelyn, uncomfortable under his gaze, lowered her head and wept. "I don't mind being called a mistress," she sobbed, "but does my child have to be born an illegitimate child?"

Jake's heart softened. He gently patted her back.

Madelyn timidly raised her head. "Jake, why don't you find me a different place? I shouldn't stay here. I'm really scared."

Jake spoke soothingly. "Don't worry. From now on, just stay at home. I'll have my bodyguards stay here to protect you. This won't happen again."

Madelyn smiled and nodded, then tentatively asked, "Jake, who do you think the kidnapper could be?"

Jake looked away. "I don't know yet, but don't worry. I will find out."

Madelyn clenched her hands, forcing a gentle smile. "I knew you'd do your best for me," she said sweetly.

After Jake left, the smile vanished from Madelyn's face. Her phone vibrated. She quickly adopted a flattering tone. "Hello, Miss Rowland."

Emmalie's voice was lazy and arrogant. "So, did you do as I instructed?"

"I did, but" Madelyn bit her lip. "What if Jake didn't know that was Thea's piano room? Otherwise, why didn't he react?"

Emmalie paused, then scoffed. "How could that be? Jake definitely knows that's Thea's room. He didn't react? I don't think he forgot or didn't know. He might still be hung up on his past with Thea. After all, they were together for so long. It's possible he's suddenly nostalgic for his ex."

Madelyn's eyes flickered with unease. "No, if he goes back to Thea, what will I do? Miss Rowland, you have to help me. You wouldn't want to see Thea marry into the Hendrix family, right?"

Emmalie snorted. "I certainly don't want that, but beyond that, I don't care who is with Jake. I've helped you a lot, but if you can't seize the opportunity, why should I waste my time on you?"

Madelyn's eyes were filled with resentment and indignation. In the end, she could only force a smile and lower her stance. "But Miss Rowland, I promise you'll never find a more obedient partner than me. I'm grateful to you and will do anything to achieve your goals. Please, just have a little pity on me."

Emmalie laughed—a ringing, demonic laughter to Madelyn's ears. Madelyn's face paled. Emmalie stopped, saying only, "If that's the case, let's see if you can really give everything for your goals."

After hanging up, Madelyn angrily threw her phone away. Just as she was about to explode in rage, a sudden pain gripped her lower abdomen. She stopped, looking down at her slightly swollen belly. She gently caressed it, her expression slowly growing cold.