Chapter 97

"I'm sorry, but your offer isn't enough. We have professional ethics. We wouldn't betray our employer," the man said, clicking his tongue. A hint of pity flickered in his eyes as he looked at Thea. He stood, coldly ordering, "Break her hand."

With those words, Thea's fate was sealed.

She gritted her teeth, watching the group approach, fear tightening her chest. Who could it be? Madelyn? Emmalie? They aren't trying to kill me, but if they ruin my hand, I'm useless, she thought, dread creeping in. This was devastating; it would only make things worse.

Feigning helplessness, Thea let tears fall while subtly reaching for a roadside stone. The moment the first attacker approached, she struck hard and fast, slamming the rock against his forehead. Exploiting his pain, she broke free and bolted.

The others laughed at the injured man, showing no concern. Before she'd run far, another caught her, yanking her hair and slamming her face into the wet ground. Her face pressed against the rainwater, misery overwhelmed her. Pain radiated through her head. From the corner of her eye, she saw someone raise a baseball bat.

"Nicolas" she gasped, his name the only one that escaped her lips.

Suddenly, bodyguards swarmed the area, the screech of tires echoing on the pavement. Hope surged in Thea's despair. The attackers, sensing something was amiss, exchanged dark glances before fleeing.

Someone rushed to her; the rain above her ceased. Thea couldn't tell if her face was wet with rain or tears. She struggled to stand, but upon seeing her rescuer, the light in her eyes faded. It was Jake.

Surprised by her disheveled state, Jake frowned, his voice tense with concern. "What happened? Why did they attack you? Thea, have you gotten involved with someone dangerous?"

Exhaustion weighed heavily on Thea; her heart felt cold. She didn't even want to look at him.

"Thank you for your help. I have things to do," she said, turning to leave.

Jake caught her wrist. "I'll take you home."

"There's no need," Thea responded, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with indifference and impatience.

Jake felt a pang of hurt; his voice held frustration. "Thea, I saved you, and this is how you repay me?"

Thea forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Thank you, Mr. Hendrix. I don't need your help."

Jake, persistent, refused to let go. "I'm taking you home."

Thea didn't understand his stubbornness, but he had saved her. She owed him that much; she couldn't treat him with such cold indifference. Besides, her mind was in chaos, and she couldn't handle another argument. She exhaled slowly and didn't refuse.

Before leaving, she saw her shattered phone on the wet ground and felt a wave of fatigue. I crossed a line with Nicolas. That's on me. I should've learned my lesson about betrayal, but I fell again. What a joke, she thought.

When they arrived at the hotel, Jake followed her inside. Thea looked back at him, puzzled.

Jake cleared his throat, his tone entitled. "You're my girlfriend. Isn't it normal for me to be concerned about your safety?"

Thea emphasized, "Mr. Hendrix, have you forgotten? There's nothing between us."

Jake, refusing to accept this, saw Thea swipe her room key and tried to force his way in. Thea reacted swiftly, blocking the door and glaring at him coldly.

Jake's chest heaved; conflicting emotions filled his eyes. His voice trembled. "Thea, when I helped you today, for a moment, it felt like we were back together. Back then, you weren't welcomed by the Rowland family. People treated you with malice, and I was the only one you could rely on."

Thea let out a cold laugh. "Initially, I felt gratitude. Now, it seems unnecessary. I should thank myself for waking up early and seeing who you really are. If I continued to rely on you, it would be like throwing myself into the fire."

Before Jake could speak, she raised her voice. "Jake, after everything, it's generous of me not to hate you. Don't expect me to be soft-hearted. The Thea who loved you for eight years is dead. You watched her die. Don't forget that." She slammed the door.

Jake stumbled back, embarrassed. His eyes showed anger and confusion.