Chapter 6 Hey, officer, We have a serious situation involving attempted drugging and rape. Can you come check it out? Theas voice was steady. After hanging up, she noticed Emmalie nervously clutching her dress. If they were going to take this seriously, she would play along. The Rowland familys welcome party had turned into a complete disaster. The police approached Thea. We understand the basics, but since the suspects are all pointing fingers at you, we need you to come to the station to help with our investigation. The Rowland family members had already left, not wanting to be tied to this mess. Jake looked like he wanted to say something to Thea, but Madelyn started swaying again. Without hesitation, Jake scooped her up in his arms and walked away, leaving Thea behind. In the night breeze. Theas silhouette seemed lonely and cold. As Nicolas watched the police car drive off, he looked away from the window and rolled it up. He absentmindedly fiddled with his watch, staring into space, his thoughts unreadable. Darwin cleared his throat and said to the driver, Lets hold off on going back to Belcrane Villa for now. At the police station. the lawyer hired by the Hendrix family said. Miss Rowland, Ive been informed about the situation. My advice is simple compensation and an apology. The Hendrix family will pay, and youll apologize. Then we can move on. Dont worry: Ill ensure your apology stays private. He then adopted a haughty tone. The Hendrix family believes that if you let this blow over, the marriage between the Hendrix and Rowland families will still happen Max, who seemed to have been waiting for this, visibly relaxed. He smiled and said, I knew Jake was reasonable. Please pass on our apologies to him. He then gave Thea a pointed look, urging her to accept No. Thea replied, her hair slightly messy but her head held high, her neck long and elegant. I wont apologize: Let the police investigate and clear my name. Everyones expressions changed. Frustrated, Max slammed his hand on the table. Thea, can you please stop making a scene? So many people saw what happened today. You might not care about your reputation, but the Rowland family does Duncan scoffed, Shes just been spoiled at home. If it were Emalie, she wouldnt be causing us all this trouble. Thea let out a bitter laugh to herself. She was definitely not like malie, who would stoop to any low to ruin her. The Hendrix familys lawyer narrowed his eyes threateningly. you refuse to apologize, the Hendrix family wont bail you out. Well also press charges against you for hiring someone to attack Madelyn Theas heart sank. Jake was truly ruthless, not even pretending anymore. As long as he stood firm, the Rowland family wouldnt dare come to her aid. She could end up spending the rest of her life in prison. 1/3 43% 20:14 Thu, Oct 24 Chapter 6 Thea let out a cold laugh, lifting her chin defiantly. But I didnt do anything, and I wont apologize. If you want me to continue with the engagement, I have one condition give me the security footage from today Maxs expression shifted. Jake already took the footage. He said if you keep causing trouble, he wont hesitate to make it public. Theas gaze hardened the footage, huh? her heart growing colder. So none of you believe me, right? Not one of you even bothered to look at Duncan replied impatiently, Why would we? Its embarrassing enough as it is. Not making it public is for your own good. Were all worried sick about this mess, and here you are, still stirring things up. Its frustrating Thea suddenly felt exhausted. If thats how it is, you can all leave. I dont need you to bail me out, and you dont need to waste your energy trying to force me. Everyones expressions changed. The Hendrix familys lawyer was the first to leave, muttering, Ungrateful brat. The Rowland family members started jeering. Lets see how long you can keep this up. Youll come crawling back to us to clean up your mess Theas pale, chapped lips twitched. She silently vowed that even if she died here today, she would never let anyone control her again. After what felt like an eternity in her daze, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching Thea, youre free to go. Someones here to bail you out, an officer said. Thea ran through everyone she could think of, but she couldnt guess who it might be. At the police station entrance, a Pagani was parked by the curb, with a tall figure standing beside it. The man was backlit, the shadows highlighting his profile, his eyelashes casting shadows beneath his eyes. His cool demeanor and stern expression made him seem even sharper. His cold, dignified presence contrasted sharply with Theas disheveled appearance. Thea was momentarily stunned. Nicolas? she called out in surprise. Realizing that might not be appropriate, she quickly corrected herself, Mr. Yeah Nicolas nodded slightly. Get in the car. Thea felt uneasy but obediently climbed in. She hadnt interacted much with this powerful head of the Hendrix family. After all, Nicolas spent most of his time abroad managing their overseas markets. Their few meetings were limited to family dinners. In Theas mind, Nicolas was a golden boy, a business legend who, even in his thirties, exuded charisma and had never been involved in a scandal Jake both feared and resented Nicolas. Whenever he brought up Nicolass achievements, his tone dripped with envy. With Nicolas around, Jake would never be the Hendrix family heir. Thea was lost in thought, and her heart raced. I embarrassed the Hendrix family in front of everyone. Nicolas probably wont let me off easy. Even if he bailed me out, hes likely planning to confront me afterward, she thought. Just as panic set in, she heard Nicolass clear, cool voice. The Hendrix family owes you for this incident. What kind of compensation would you like? ။ 3/3 20:14 Thu, Oct 24 Chapter 6 Huh? Thea thought she must have misheard. Nicolas turned slightly to look at her, his deep, calm eyes both alluring and intimidating. I know everything about Jakes situation. The Hendrix family will make this right. I promise that woman wont be around him anymore. Thea snapped out of her shock. She suddenly understood what he meant. The Hendrix family wasnt foolish; she was still the Rowland famillys daughter. Even if she wasnt favored, she was better than Madelyn, who had no background or status. Madelyns family and education were mediocre; she wouldnt even qualify as a maid in the Hendrix family house. If Jake really married her, it would be a laughingstock for the Hendrix family. Rationally. Thea should agree to this, continuing to secure the Hendrix family connection for the Rowland family.