Chapter 4 hea just looked at Nicolas, noticing his eyes were kinda spaced out. You-Nicolas tried to say but got cut off by a knock at e door. en came Madelyns voice, sounding all frustrated. Uncle Nicolas, are you okay? I messed up with what I did before, and I inna say sorry face to face. mightve been Theas imagination, but it seemed like Nicolas got even more ticked off the moment he heard Uncle colas. His eyes went ice cold. Hendrix, chill here. Ill handle this, said Thea, taking the chance to stand up. ening the door, she saw Madelyn looking all teary but trying to keep a brave face. ea couldnt help but smirk. Still got some nerve, huh? I wonder how youve got the guts to worm your way into the ndrix family. Doesnt it feel weird calling Mr. Hendrix Uncle Nicolas? delyns response was to bite her lower lip, looking defiant yet somehow innocent. I get it, you think low of where I come n. But arent we all supposed to be equal? Theres no high and low in people, right? a chuckled at that, stepping aside to let her in Wanna bet youll be shown the door by security? Go on ing lucky. if youre b that. Thea turned and strolled off. Madelyn clenched her teeth and followed up before grabbing Theas wrist. L soft, vulnerable look she usually bad around others was gone, replaced by a steely determination in the dim corridor Ive really changed a ton since you hit sixteen. That whole mess really got to you, huh? Madelyn challenged, locking with Thea. We need to have a chat. i, caught off guard, felt a flicker of surprise, wondering why Madelyn would know about that incident. Despite her rvations, she agreed, Okay, follow me. She led Madelyn to her room, a silent agreement to this private talk. on as they were inside, Madelyn dove straight in. If you want to keep your secrets safe, you need to leave Jake. Hes Lover you for ages. Cant you Lever the picture of carefree grace, took a seat and faced Madelyn head-on. Since were laying things out, let me be Im calling off my engagement with Jake. But its my call. I dont want him anymore. If youre so keen on picking up vers, be my guest. Just quit sneaking around. elyns face twisted with a mix of anger and envy, a clear sign shed hit a nerve. lenly, this weird smell just wafted through the air. Thea barely had a moment to think that something was off before it vay too late. sky started doing this crazy dance, and Madelyn morphed into a dark, ominous blur-Thea tried to stand and bail, but ody was weak, and she just crashed, out cold. k a moment for her brain to clear before Thea was roughly dragged off the bed and onto the floor. The fall was hard. eard a womans anguished scream and Jakes low growl of age. I didnt think youd stoop so low as to do this! Youre a in too. Your methods are too vicious. was still weak on all fours. She sat up, propped on the floor looking sorry. et Jakes gaze, which was cold and filled with intense disgust. Whats going on? 20:13 Thu, Oct 24 S Chapter 4 Her head was spinning, and her heart was suddenly pounding as she took in the chaotic scene before her. Π Jake reached out and gripped her chin tightly, his tone indignant and icy Whats going on? Hadnt you plotted all this? If I hadnt been there in time. Madelyn would have been raped by the thugs you arranged. I knew you were up to something when the champagne tower collapsed, but I didnt expect you to stoop so low! Jakes outburst had completely clued Thea into what was going on. She spotted Madelyn, all messed up and crying, looking like shed been through the wringer. Right then. Thea wasnt about to waste time guessing if Madelyn was faking it. Her mind was racing with the shock that she was being set up. Summoning all her strength, she shoved Jakes hand aside and got ready to stand her ground. Are you out of your mind? Why would you even think I did this? I just woke up, and Im also a victim. Jake gave a sarcastic sniff and mocked her, You dont know why you passed out? Wasnt it just a slick move to throw us off your scent? Were your room. Who else would be behind this but you? Madelyn took Jakes hand, her eyes brimming with tears she fought to keep at bay. Jake, lets not jump to conclusions. It might not be Miss Rowlands fault. She was knocked out at the same time I was. Guess my bad luck just made me a magnet for those thugs. Jake was getting madder by the second. Thea, how can you be so evil? His words hit Thea hard, making it tough for her to breathe. She never imagined a day when he would call her evil There was a time when he would shield her from any criticism or hostility, no matter what. But now, he was all about another woman, turning into the deepest cut she had ever felt. Thea looked at Jake with a cold, detached gaze, feeling like he was a complete stranger. Why would I even bother playing games with you? Is it worth throwing away my future over a man Im already over? Perhaps it was the clarity in Theas eyes that threw Jake off, making him think she wasnt just lashing out. His panic started to creep up until Madelyns shaky hand found his wrist, snapping him back to reality. He was all Madelyn had left A pair of cool, deep eyes observed the chaos unfolding in the room. Nicolas was standing quietly in the hallway, not wanting to butt in, yet he couldnt take his eyes off Theas helpless, sad figure inside. Next to him, Darwin spoke up in a hushed tone, Mr. Hendrix, want me to go in in and give a hand? She was the one- Before he could finish, Nicolas gave a slight twitch of his lips, a hint of a smirk, and asked, Got nothing better to do? Darwin was promptly left without words. A gasp of shock echoed from the doorway. My God, what is happening here? Emmalie rushed in, her dress trailing behind her, with a bunch of people in tow. Ivy was so thrown by the mess in front of her that she nearly froze on the spot. Theas brothers, Max Rowland and Duncan Rowland, came barreling in to tackle the chaos head-on Thea, are you okay? Emmalie looked super worried, her eyes all red. Thea just made a face and sidestepped a comforting Emmalie, trying not to show how hurt she was, bit her lip and sad. Whys everyone assuming Theas behind this? Got any proof? 2/3 Chapter 4 Jake slowed at the memory and turned in comunand, Bring these thugs here A few minutes later, several men with swollen noses entered the room, all tied up.