Chapter 192
"Who do you think you are to talk about my friend like that?" Joyce glared at Kelly, her eyes red with anger
In the crowd, Joyce scanned for her father, hoping he would step in to defend her. But Ethan said, "Joyce, your mother is only looking out for your best interests. Don't argue with her."
Despair enveloped Joyce. Thea felt for Joyce and understood why the once proud and carefree girl had become so withdrawn.
She took Joyce's hand and stood firmly beside her, hoping to provide some comfort. "Mrs. Maddox, my reputation is less than stellar thanks to certain individuals.
"In the past, I wouldn't have cared if you disregarded me. But now, I'm a member of the Hendrix family, representing them. If you're going after me, you're also going after the Hendrix family"
Kelly's arrogance diminished considerably as she dodged the real issue, responding, "I have no problem with the Hendrix family, and I'm not targeting anyone specifically. I just can't stand the behavior of someone who disrespects their elders. That's not how the Hendrix fa Thea chuckled softly. "It seems you have forgotten that the Rowland family and I are deeply intertwined. So, let me ask a question. If you think so little of us, why marry your daughter into the family?"
The groom, frowning deeply, approached through the guests. Stopping. Max's gaze landed on Thea
Thea, this is enough. After the ceremony, Mr. Maddox will be my mother-in-law and thus your elder. If you're not here to offer your blessings, I kindly ask you to leave," Max said.
Max still held resentment toward Thea regarding the Rowland Group matter. Even though Joyce wasn't his ideal choice for a wife, the alliance between their families was ultimately beneficial. Out of courtesy, he had to respect Kelly.
Emmalie jumped in, using Max's words to support Kelly. "Mrs. Maddox, today is a joyous occasion for both our families. I apologize for Thea's impulsive outburst. Please don't take it to heart. She's just a bit too outspoken but means no harm."
fry chimed in with a few supportive words as well. Kelly's expression finally softened.
As Kelly spoke, she studied Thea, her words subtly urging her to apologize first. "Parents who love their children plan for their future, and as elders, it's our duty to guide the younger generation.
"Well be family from now on, and I'd prefer to keep things harmonious."
Emmalie turned to Thea, pretending to be kind. I understand that now you're part of the Hendrix family, and you should consider their reputation. But Mrs. Maddox is our elder, and you must show her respect. Otherwise, people will think you're arrogant because you've clim This was a veiled insult, meant to label Thea as superficial.
But Thea was unfazed, giving a cold laugh. "You're right. I really do look down on the Rowland family and despise their ways. You all have done some shameful things that outsiders wouldn't know about, but surely, you understand? Should I remind you? Oh, Emmalie, you' Emmalie's eyes
turned red with anger. "Thea, I know you don't like me, but could you at least not embarrass your family at a moment like this? I knew you had bad intentions! Get out of here. You're not welcome!"
Duncan shot Thea a venomous glare and called for security to remove her Joyce attempted to intervene but was held back by Kelly.
Just as Thea was about to be escorted away, Jake suddenly burst onto the scene, pushing the others aside. "Don't you dare lay
your filthy hands on hert Who gave you the audacity to touch someone from the Hendrix family?"
The onlookers were unclear about the specifics of Thea's connection to the Hendrix family. They only knew that Jake had recently married a woman with no background. With the scene unfolding, more people gathered to watch the drama. Duncan sneered coldly. "Mr. Hendrix, before you step in to defend Thea, shouldn't you consider the implications of your relationship with her?"
Feeling the curious gazes of those around him, Jake's face flushed with embarrassment. Unlike Nicolas, he lacked power and influence.
The news of his marriage to Madelyn had circulated widely, signaling to the world that he would never become the decision-maker of the Hendrix family.
As long as people were willing to give him some respect, it was merely because of the Hendrix family.
Realizing that his situation was no better than Thea's, Jake dellated, staring blankly at her. He had intended to appear when Thea was most vulnerable, but now that plan had fallen apart.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
"Are you in such a hurry to get rid of me because you're afraid I say something I shouldn't?" Thea met Duncan's furious gaze head-on. She smiled calmly. "Why the rush to turn on each other..."
"Getting thrown out or leaving on your own, Thea, it's your choice. Duncan said.
Thea's expression hardened. "If you want me to leave, then Joyce is coming with me."
The wedding was hastily organized, and Thea had only figured out the situation in the last hour. Besides the people Nicolas had assigned to stay close to her as a backup, she hadn't had time to prepare anything else.
Emmalie jumped in, aiming her attack squarely at Thea. "You're here to ruin Max's wedding! Have you ever considered Max and our family's feelings? Thea, how can you be so malicious?"
"You ungrateful daughter! You... you're beyond redemption!" Ivy was angry.
"Stop wasting time with her. Throw her out! Make sure she doesn't come back in!" Duncan ordered.
Max, equally furious, was still more composed than the others, knowing he couldn't afford to offend Nicolas. "Thea, if you leave now, I'll pretend I never heard what you just said."
The security personnel, following Duncan's orders, began escorting Thea toward the door. Determined, Thea refused to let the wedding proceed.
Joyce, in her wedding dress and hindered by her attire, struggled against her family's grasp, trying to come forward to help. The scene spiraled out of control, descending into chaos. Suddenly, a shadow flashed past the floor-to-
ceiling window. Then a startled guest cried out, "Someone just fell from above!" All eyes turned to the new commotion. No one noticed Emmalie casting a gleeful glance at Thea, a faint smirk on her lips. A few minutes later, someone rushed in, terrified and stuttering Mr. Rowland, Ms-Clayton has jumped! We checked. She has no pulse."
Max felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Usually composed he grabbed the person by the collar, incredulity washing over him. "Are you sure it was Chelsea?"
How could this happen? I have specifically arranged for someone to send her to another city for a vacation Has she not left?" he wondered.
The person nodded, nervously swallowing. "The one in charge of escorting Ms. Clayton said she never boarded the flight.
She disappeared at the airport....
In that instant, Max lost control and punched his subordinate in the face. "Useless!" His body went weak.
Ivy exclaimed, "Max, it was Chelsea who jumped? Your first crush
The voices around him seemed to fade into the distance. Max's demeanor shifted, his gaze sharpening as he fixed a deadly glare on Thea. "It's you! And you too, Joyce! You must have done something to Chelsea!"