Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

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Thea couldn't believe words like those could come from a child, but she wouldn't brush it aside. "I don't care what Stephanie's been feeding you, and I don't care to find out.

"But remember this. Since you're my husband's child, I'm not about to stoop to anything underhanded to deal with you. From now on, I'll teach you what it really means to be decent."

She gave Oliver's forehead a gentle rub. Stephanie's affection was nothing more than a shallow display. Children could sense emotions easily, and Oliver could feel that Stephanie's care was mixed with hidden motives.

Now, with the warmth of Thea's hand resting on his head, his face flushed bright red. But before he could fully process the moment, Thea pressed him down into the bedding. "Do you know what you did wrong?"

Her cool voice echoed close to his ear. Oliver yelled. "I knew it. You're not a nice person! You're being mean to me!"

"When you see steel balls right in front of you, knowing they'll harm your body, and you still swallow them. That's self-harm," Thea said, in her unique way of teaching. "This is your first lesson from me. No matter the situation, no matter who tells you to harm yourself, don't believe them or obey. Protecting yourself is what matters most."

After she released him, Oliver looked up at her, a slight spark in his eyes as he murmured, "I get it."

Oliver wasn't inherently bad. He was just young and easily swayed by outside influences. With little effort, Thea eased Oliver's hostility, and once he was finally asleep, she took the kettle to the break room.

"Miss Rowland, I have to say that you're surprisingly skilled at handling children," Corey said, his voice suddenly breaking the quiet. She hadn't noticed how long he'd been standing there.

His eyes were filled with teasing amusement, while Thea's gaze flicked to the bandage on his arm. "Mr. Xander, you've finally run yourself into the hospital with all those misdeeds. I'll take you as a reminder to stick to good deeds."All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Corey was a dangerous man, and Thea avoided unnecessary interactions with him whenever possible.

ons Rowlanding

But as she tried to take a different route, Nicolas blocked her path. "Miss Rowland, after all the help I gave you recently, is this how quickly you turn your back on me?"

Corey, towering above her, gave a slight smirk. "I thought I'd give you a friendly warning. I can't fathom why you and Mr. Hendrix would go out of your way to raise someone else's kid. Oliver's blood is half Stephanie's. Doesn't that make him feel tainted to you?" Thea took a step back. Oliver's background was no mystery to her. Corey had no way of using it to drive a wedge between them.

"Our family matters don't concern you, Mr. Xander," Thea replied curtly. This time, Corey didn't stop her from leaving. After she was gone, he irritably unwrapped the fake bandage from his arm.

"Why bother playing these games with her?" April approached him, clearly annoyed. "It's not like she's anyone significant. Even if she realizes I incited Amelia to go after her, what could she do? She won't have the guts to come after me."

April's entitled attitude had long blinded her to the consequences. Corey's patience with her was wearing thin. "Shut up. Thea herself is inconsequential, but Nicolas stands behind her."

Corey's expression hardened. "Do you really think Nicolas is someone you can provoke without repercussions? If he ever comes to settle scores, neither I nor Mr. Sandy will be able to shield you."

April had never been scolded so harshly. Her eyes turned red, though she tried to act tough. "He'd have to find evidence first. I may not be able to beat him, but I know how to steer clear of him." 10:26 Sun, Nov

Chapter 260.

April was still underestimating the situation. Corey said nothing further, though a dark intensity settled in his eyes.

Back in the hospital room, Thea looked down at the face that bore such a striking resemblance to Stephanie's. She'd never met Vergil before.

A nephew resembling his aunt was normal enough. But under Corey's deliberate influence, Thea couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Corey was erratic and unpredictable, but he had never once lied.

"Could it be... is there still some doubt about Oliver's parentage? Thea wondered silently, pushing her suspicions to the back of her mind and deciding not to bring this up to Nicolas just yet

"Do you think Stephanie and Vergil look alike?" she asked, testing the waters.

Nicolas shook his head. "They're not alike in looks or temperament. Darwin once questioned if they were even siblings, but Vergil shut him down. She's completely certain. Stephanie is her true younger sister."

It was why Nicolas tolerated so much from Stephanie. She was the one Vergil had cared about most before she passed away.

"Thea, what's on your mind?" Nicolas asked, noticing her introspection.

Thea smiled and shook her head, gently taking Nicolas's hand without a word. She knew that any investigation into this matter would require careful planning.

If she voiced her doubts too hastily, even Nicolas might dismiss her as jealous or petty. Thea was used to the feeling of not being trusted. Without concrete proof, she wouldn't speak recklessly.

*****

During Oliver's week in the hospital, Thea barely left his side. Their relationship had started off strained, and the time together helped ease some of the tension.

Despite his usual awkwardness, Oliver began to show Thea a bit more respect, and their interactions became noticeably

warmer.

Oliver was discharged from the hospital, and it was time for Thea to return to Silvercreek, which was clear she couldn't delay any longer. The Langstaff family's bidding deadline was fast approaching.

Even though she had made enemies of both Teri and Aiden, Thea was still confident that she had a seventy percent chance of winning the bid.

"Thea, you don't have to push yourself so hard. I could put in a word with the Langstaff family for you." Nicolas suggested, unable to hide his concern as he watched her tirelessly work on her proposal, day and night. Thea's refusal was swift and firm. "Sparkle Rocks is my grandfather's legacy, and I believe he would want to see me build it up with my own abilities, not through anyone else's influence.

"The success I want doesn't come from leaning on my marriage or becoming dependent." Her eyes shone with determination as she added.

From the driver's seat, Nicolas only had to glance at her once before he found himself captivated, unable to look away.

Even Oliver, seated in the back, popped up and eagerly joined in. "Mrs. Hendrix, take me with you to Silvercreek! I can help. I know that place like the back of my hand."

With Oliver's enthusiastic offer, Thea couldn't bring herself to say no.

When Thea and Oliver arrived at Joyce's, her jaw practically hit the floor. "Thea, are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten everything Stephanie put you through? And now, you're raising her son?"

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Chapter 260.

Joyce circled Thea, double-checking to make sure she hadn't lost her sanity or worse, had her memory wiped.

"Thea would never be this charitable wi