Chapter 10 Thea chuckled. Perfect! Since Mom and Dad gave you that beach house up north, Ill just move in there. Thanks for handing it over. Emmalies eyes filled with tears. Ivy spun around, snapping impatiently. Why do you always goalter Emmalies things? That house was her birthday gift. Youve worked at Avon Ventures for years. Cant you afford your own place by now? Thea had grown used to such unfair treatment, but her heart still ached. Keeping her face expressionless, she stood up. Ill move out. Ill go pack my things, Ivy grabbed her arm, holding her back. No need to rush. If you didnt have my blood, I wouldnt bother with an ungrateful brat like you. Youre coming with me to the Hendrix family home. Theas eye twitched. Why are we going there? To apologize to Jake, of course, Ivy replied with a frown. Be sweet, offer to give up the deputy manager position, and tell him you lost your temper earlier and didnt mean to argue. That bitch will never be part of the Hendrix family. Once you marry Jake none of this will matter. Thea pulled away, resisting. I didnt do anything wrong Im not apologizing. Let go of me. lvys hand flew across Theas face in a hard slap. How long are you going to keep acting like this? What if you push Jake too far? Whatll happen to the Rowland family then? Dont want to go, huh? Fine. Ill send you overseas. From now on, I dont have a daughter like you. Ivy barked orders at her bodyguards, who grabbed Thea roughly, forcing her into the car. Their grip on her arms was tight, treating her like a criminal. Seeing Ivys cold expression, Thea felt her heart breaking. Mom, I need you to be honest with me. If this had happened to Emmalie, would you make her swallow her pride and apologize like this?. Ivy looked at her, exasperated. When will you grow up? Emmales been through so much out there. We need to protect her. We owe her that, and so do you, Besides, if Emunalie were in your shoes, shed never be this selfish, Ivys favoritism was crystal clear. Thea fought back tears, staring out the window. She realized she no longer wanted to fight for her familys love. Im so sorry Thea caused trouble. Shes always been difficult, acting out since she was little, Ivy said over the phone, trying to shift all the blame onto Thea Cancel the engagement? Oh, no, please. She just loves Jake too much, and thats why she acted that way, by continued. She knows she was wrong and wants to apologize in person. Please tell Jake not to take it to heart. Simone replied casually and hung up. Beside her, Jake chuckled coldly, his irritation from earlier fading after hearing Ivys call. I thought shed finally stand up for herself, but its the same old routine. Simone rolled her eyes These small-time girls only know how to cause drama. But dont get carried away, Jake. You can have your fun with Madelyn, but dont think of bringing her into this family. Jake frowned, annoyed. Madelyn has been through a lot. She is sweet and lurmless. Besides, Thea was the one stirring things up, not her? 1/3 Chapter 10 紫942%备 Simone softened, waving her hand dismissively. Fine, fine, whatever. Theas group will be here in ten minutes. You stay put, and Ill handle her for you. Jake said, standing up and grabbing his jacket. Im heading to the hospital. If Thea really wants to make it up to me, tell her to apologize to Madelyn there. With that, he left, leaving Simone to yawn, clearly unbothered. Im going to bed, she said. The butler looked puzzled. What about the Rowland family? Simone scoffed. Who do they think they are? Why should I welcome them when theyre the ones begging for forgiveness? Thea is here to apologize, right? Let her wait at the door. I dont want to be disturbed. As the car glided down Lark Highway, Ivy suddenly told the driver to turn back. Emmalie says she has a headache. I need to take her to the hospital myself The driver hesitated, glancing at Thea in the backseat. Why dont we drop Thea at the Hendrix family home first? It wont take long, only 6 miles Ivy glanced at Thea. Thea, get out, she said firmly through gritted teeth. Thea glanced outside into the pitch-black night, anxiety creeping in. There were no lights, no stores, no houses just a long stretch of empty road surrounded by woods. Even a grown man would think twice about walking here alone, let alone a young woman. Thea stayed rooted in place, her voice tight with frustration. Mom, its late. Do you really want me to walk all the way there? Ivy shrugged it off like it was nothing. Emmalies in pain. Its only 6 miles. If you have to, just flag down a car. A lump formed in Theas throat. Are you telling me to walk alone at night or hitch a ride with a stranger? Arent you worried about what might happen? Youre concerned about Ernmalie, but why cant you worry about me? Ivys patience snapped. She signaled for the driver to stop and, with a cold command, had someone pull Thea out of the car She spat, full of blame, You brought this on yourself. Im wasting time driving you to the Hendrix family home when Emmalie needs me. What are you even complaining about? If something happens, its your fault for upsetting Jake. You just wont be satisfied until Emmalies suffering, right? The night air bit at Thea, making her shiver. Desperate, she knocked on the car window. Mom, let me come with you. We can handle this another day. But Ivy ignored her. She ordered the driver to start the engine, her voice laced with worry for Ermalie, already told the Hendrix family youre coming to apologize. How would it look if I brought you back now? Call Jake. Hell come get you With that, the car sped off, leaving Thea standing in a cloud of dust on the dark, corply road. The Hendrix Mansion was the only thing up the mountain, meaning thered be no other cars coming by Thea began the long walk, freezing as she trudged for two miles Exhausted and out of options, she unblocked Jakes number and tried calling him. The phone rang once before abruptly cutting off. Then a message flashed on her screen. Jake: [Im tired of your games. Stop trying. I wont pick up. 2/3 3/3 42% Chapter 10 Theas fingers hovered over the screen as she resisted the sirge to delete his contact entirely. She started to type a message but found she was already blocked. With no other choice, Thea swallowed her pride and called Simone. The butler answered icily, Mrs. Hendrix is asleep. If you want to apologize, show some sincerity. Dont disturb her rest. Feeling defeated, Thea kept walking. As she continued along the road, a group of drunk men approached from a nearby construction site. Their boozy stench filled the air, and Thea lowered her head with a frown. Still, their eyes locked onto her like predators spotting prey. The leader whistled. Theas heart raced, and sensing danger, she quickened her pace. But it was no use she couldnt outrun them They quickly surrounded her. Whoa, shes like a movie star! one of them said. Hey, beautiful, what are you doing here? How much for a night with us? Dont worry. Weve got the cash Their cruel laughter echoed, and they leered at her, hungry with intent. Thea clenched her jaw, but she kept her tone cold. Im with the Hendrix family. Do you really want to mess with me? The mention of the Hendrix family caused a brief hesitation. The men exchanged cautious glances. But one of them scoffed, breaking the tension, Well, maids of the Hendrix family would drive a BMW just to go grocery shopping. If youre really with them, why are you walking alone at night? Yeah, shes bluffing, another chimed in. Lets sh She is just playing hard to get. Lets show her what happens when she messes with us, the third said, a sinister grin spreading across his face,