Chapter 95

Backstage, Stephanie prepared, surrounded as always by a throng of people. Though previously active only overseas, her return to Reasnatan had garnered her considerable support—after all, she had Nicolas's backing. To please Stephanie was to please Nicolas.

When Nicolas arrived, Stephanie disregarded the onlookers and rushed to hug him. "Nicolas, you're finally here! I was starting to think you wouldn't come today."

Nicolas frowned, subtly disengaging from the embrace. "I only came to check on you. Your sudden return after working abroad might not be ideal. Perhaps you should stay overseas."

Stephanie disagreed, looking at him with affection and a radiant smile. "But I want to be here with you. When I'm abroad, I'm alone."

Her suggestive words piqued the curiosity of those backstage. Nicolas frowned, wanting to caution her, but Stephanie grabbed his arm and whispered, "Nicolas, will you visit my brother with me today? It's the anniversary of the day you met him. Perhaps together, we can ease his loneliness."

Nicolas was taken aback, memories flooding his mind. A trace of pain flickered in his eyes. He sighed, his tone softening. "Arrange it as you wish."

Stephanie smiled, tightening her grip on his arm. After her show, they went to the cemetery in the western suburbs. Stephanie, despondent and having drunk considerably, sat before Max's grave, crying uncontrollably and lamenting life's meaninglessness without him. She tearfully confessed her wish to join him one day. Nicolas remained silent, his eyes filled with deep sorrow. It was Nicolas's fault that had led to Max's death; for years, he had tried to atone. He granted her requests, as long as they weren't unreasonable.

Seeing her distress, Nicolas signaled Darwin, who stepped forward to help Stephanie. "Ms. Ralap, please don't be so upset. You must take care of your health."

Stephanie brushed him away, throwing herself into Nicolas's arms, clinging to his shirt and sobbing uncontrollably. "All these years, it was just my brother and me. Now that he's gone, I often wonder what's the point. Nicolas, there were times I resented you, resented him for staying by your side. But I could never truly hate you. If I were in his shoes, I'd have made the same choice. But I miss him so much."

Her words struck Nicolas. A shadow of pain crossed his face. "It's my fault."

Stephanie shook her head, trying to speak, but swayed, and Nicolas caught her.

"Shall I take Ms. Ralap home?" Darwin asked.

Nicolas nodded, but Stephanie clung to his sleeve, murmuring, "Brother Brother" Nicolas sighed. "Forget it. Have the staff prepare a guest room for her."

Darwin, understanding Stephanie's intent, remained silent. Her brother's death was a deep wound for Nicolas. Even if Stephanie repeated this, Nicolas would never tire of her. His thoughts drifted to Thea, and he sighed. I hope these two women never find out about each other, he thought.

Thea awoke from a nap, feeling refreshed. She opened her phone to a deluge of notifications, including hashtags like #Breaking HendrixFamilyLeaderGirlfriendReturnsToReasnatanSeenCloseAndAffectionateOnSet and #TheRealReasonBehindHendrixFamilyLeadersYearsOfRemainingUnmarried. A sudden ache pierced Thea's heart. She intended to ignore them, but clicked on a post. There was a single, pixelated photo of Nicolas standing close to a woman with shoulder-length hair; they were elegantly dressed, and their proximity was striking. Thea felt a burning sensation in her eyes and a pang of bitterness. She had anticipated this day, but felt no right to question anything. Taking a deep breath, she called Nicolas. A few days prior, he'd asked if she was free today, as Stefan wanted to meet them both. Thea had worked overtime to be available, but her call went unanswered. Frustrated, she went to see Stefan alone. The butler was waiting. Seeing her arrive alone, he seemed surprised. "Mrs. Rowland, didn't Mr. Hendrix come with you?" he asked.

Thea smiled. "Nicolas is busy with company matters and was delayed, but he should be here soon. I came ahead to keep Stefan company."

The butler nodded, but his gaze remained curious. Thea's confusion was quickly resolved. Upon hearing Nicolas hadn't come, Stefan became furious. He slammed the table. "Busy? Busy with what? When has he ever been late? Thea, stop covering for him. Nicolas is my son. Do you think I don't know his character? Tell me the truth. What's really going on?"

Thea poured him coffee. "He really is busy. He was leaving, but a major client arrived unexpectedly, requiring an urgent meeting. He felt bad about me coming alone, so he bought me a gift. If you don't believe me, I can show you."

She produced a picture of the gift Nicolas had asked her to help choose. He wanted to see it worn, so Thea had tried it on and taken a picture—now unexpectedly useful. Stefan glanced at it, half-convinced, and softened. He sighed. "Seems I misunderstood him. He's never been great with relationships, which is why he's been single. But it seems he's learning. As long as you two are harmonious, everything will be fine."

Thea put away her phone, remembering Nicolas's first crush. Even Jake knew about it, and Stefan likely did too. Stefan's avoidance of the subject suggested a deliberate attempt to ignore it. How much is hidden here? If Nicolas liked her, why didn't they end up together? she wondered.