Chapter 75

A bitter feeling welled up inside Thea as she shook off Jake's hand. "It's just for show," she said. "You don't need to overdo it. Aren't you afraid Madelyn will throw a fit if you get too close to me?" Jake's handsome face darkened, but he remained silent.

They continued to move through the crowd, one behind the other. Jake's arrogance was well known. While they didn't appear particularly close, his trailing after Thea only reinforced the perception of a strong relationship. Looks like the rumors aren't true. These two definitely haven't split up, someone thought. This observation led the surrounding people to view the Rowland family with renewed respect.

The birthday boy, Max, soon made his entrance. Always known for his scholarly elegance, with a little extra effort, he looked the part of a calm and refined gentleman. He descended the staircase, hand in hand with Emmalie.

Dressed in a light blue gown, Emmalie was the picture of grace and nobility; her long neck resembled that of a proud swan. Together, they commanded everyone's attention. As they offered well wishes, people praised Ivy for raising such outstanding children. They were quite an enviable family.

Emmalie stood between them, holding both their hands, her smile sweet and demure. "It's all Max's idea," she explained. "Every year, his biggest wish is to spend his birthday with me. Max is so good to me. That's why I've prepared a piano performance just for him." However, Thea, who had actually drawn much attention to Max's birthday, was left in a corner.

Wearing a simple black dress, Thea stood expressionless, watching the warm family scene unfold. Her mouth barely twitched.

Someone nearby commented pointedly, "Where's Thea? Why isn't she up there with them? Is it because she prefers to be alone?"

Emmalie's face immediately registered awkwardness, as if she was holding something back. "Thea well, Thea just doesn't like big crowds," she stammered. "I'll go talk to her. She's probably more than willing to join us." It was clear Thea had been isolated, but Emmalie's words made it seem as if Thea had distanced herself.

Emmalie lifted her dress slightly and pretended to search for Thea through the crowd. Thea had no intention of playing along.

She strode forward confidently, raising her voice. "Emmalie, I'm right here. Didn't you see me?"

Emmalie's face lit up with mock surprise as she grabbed Thea's hand. "Thea! I knew you'd come! Even though you helped set up for Max's birthday party yesterday, I know you still care about him."

Thea's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I was busy yesterday, but I did remember today's big event, where we're supposed to appear as a family with Max. What, haven't we gotten to that part yet?" As she spoke, Thea…

(The text cuts off here. The following is from the second part you provided.)

Chapter 75

The atmosphere shifted as the people around them exchanged dances.

Emmalie's face stiffened slightly, though she maintained the forced smile. "Thea, what kind of joke is that? You said yourself you didn't want to be involved."

Ivy stepped forward, pulling Emmalie behind her. Her gaze was sharp and guarded as she addressed Thea. "Enough. There's no need to ruin the mood over whether you decide to come or not. You're being unreasonable. You didn't even bother greeting us when you arrived. You don't know how to talk and even blame me for favoring Emmalie?"

Thea gave a cold laugh. "Whatever you say."

Ivy's eye twitched at Thea's indifferent attitude.

Emmalie jumped in to change the subject. "Let's give Max his gift! I can't wait to sing 'Happy Birthday' to him."

"Yes, let's give the gift," Ivy quickly agreed, though her eyes showed a trace of guilt as she glanced at Thea.

Thea frowned, unsure of what was going on. But she would soon find out.