Chapter 82

Thea knew her harsh words were intended only to provoke Ivy. The Rowland family wouldn't go so far. First, they valued their reputation too much; such a scandal would reflect poorly on them. Second, they were maneuvering to marry Thea off to the Hendrix family for a favorable arrangement. A malleable daughter with Thea's potential was a rare commodity.

Ivy calmed down, disappointment evident in her gaze. Instead of lashing out, she sighed, then clasped Thea's hands. "Thea, are we really going to become so estranged? I'm your mother. I carried you for nine months and gave birth to you. Of course, I love you. Yes, I've made mistakes, but everything I did was for the Rowland family. And you know about Emmalie's hardships. She's suffered so much, and I want to treat her better. Is that so wrong? But even so, I still love you. We all love you. Can't we go back to the way things were?"

Thea looked down at Ivy's hands, well-maintained and beautiful, even younger-looking than her own. Ivy had lived a pampered, carefree life. Even though the Rowland family's prosperity had diminished, it didn't seem to concern Ivy; Max was still supporting them. And if necessary, Ivy could easily sacrifice Thea in a crisis, and the family would still live in luxury.

At eighteen, Thea had been abandoned and sent abroad, with Ivy refusing her financial support. Thea barely remembered how she survived. She was alone in a foreign country, struggling to survive, communicating with locals in unfamiliar languages, and working grueling, menial jobs. For eighteen years, she had been the carefree eldest daughter, shielded from reality. But abroad, her spoiled arrogance and naiveté vanished. She encountered terrible people, experiencing scams, robberies, and near-death experiences. The hardship was so overwhelming that Thea rarely thought about it; she didn't know how she survived.

She only remembered one evening, wandering aimlessly to the beach. Staring at the vast ocean, she considered ending her life. But someone jumped in before her, their determination startling Thea. Thea couldn't swim, but she managed to pull the person ashore. After taking him to the hospital, she walked away.

With a myriad of thoughts, Thea chuckled and withdrew her hand. "Mom, if you have something to say, just say it. This isn't the appropriate setting to discuss familial affection. You've said so much, and I'm not moved at all. Aren't you embarrassed? I am," Thea said. The smile on Ivy's face faltered.

Ivy forced a smile. "Yes, let's discuss business. Thea, what are your and Jake's plans? I saw his father and Nicolas here today. This is good; the Hendrix family acknowledges you. I know you're still unhappy about the past, but don't worry. After you marry him, if Jake disappoints you, I'll definitely support you."

Thea found Ivy's words unbelievable. Thea raised an eyebrow. "I've made my position clear. Since he cheated, I'll never be with him again. He abandoned our eight-year relationship. Do you expect him to behave after marriage? Forget it. I despise him; I don't want his 'illness' to infect me."

The smile vanished from Ivy's face, replaced by a strange expression.