Chapter 59 Chapter 59 The man approaching was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of calm authority. His graying temples hinted at age, and the sharp glint in his eyes betrayed his calculating nature. He was clearly not someone to be trifled with This was Jepson, Jake's father and Nicolas's elder brother.
Jake instinctively released Thea's hand and took a deliberate step away from Madelyn, moving closer to Thea in an attempt to make their relationship appear more harmonious. Madelyn, of course, noticed his little maneuver.
Tears welled up in her eyes, her expression filled with hurt.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThis tactic might work on other men, but to Jepson, women like Madelyn were all too familiar He strode forward without so much as a glance at Madelyn. Instead, he gave Thea a warm, almost paternal smile. "Thea, it's been a while. Please give my regards to your father." Thea was secretly surprised. In the past, Jake's parents had acted like they didn't even know her, let alone initiate a greeting But when she caught a glimpse of Madelyn's awkward and embarrassed expression, she immediately understood Jepson's messige.
He clearly can't stand Madelyn, she thought.
Smiling politely, Thea responded with a measured distance, "Mr. Hendrix, thank you for your concern. My father is doing well- Jepson's brow furrowed slightly at her cool tone.
"Mr. Hendrix, don't worry. I'll take care of this," a tremulous voice suddenly interrupted.
It was Madelyn, speaking with a sincerity that bordered on desperation Her pleading eyes fixed on Jepson. "It wasn't Jake's fault. We all share responsibility, so please don't be too concerned." Jake looked at Madelyn, clearly moved by her words.
Jepson, however, twitched slightly in response. Seeing the emotional look on Jake's face only deepened the sharpness in his "Miss Terell, thank you for your concern. But this is a Hendrix family matter. There's no need for you to worry about it. Thea, cwith me," Jepson said.
The distinction in Jepson's tone and his choice of words made his attitude clear. He saw Thea as part of the Hendrix family but rejected Madelyn outright.
As Thea followed Jepson, Madelyn clenched her hands tightly to suppress the twisted expression that threatened to break through Turning to Jake with tearful eyes, she whispered, "Jake, I don't think Mr. Hendrix likes me. He seems to be really close to Miss Rowland. But I get it. If Miss Rowland has said anything aboutto him, it's understandable." Jake's heart ached at her vulnerability Taking her hand, he promised. "Don't worry. Whether Thea and marry or not, you'll always have a place in my heart. I' protect you. No one's going to hurt you," Madelyn nodded, touched by his words.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAs the door closed, Thea had grown tired of pretending.
Out of politeness, she kept à faint, perfunctory smile. "Mr. Hendas, is there something you need to discuss with me? Stefan is inside waiting for us, so I should head in soon.
Jepson frowned at her detached demeanor but forced himself to m speak kindly, mindful of his purpose. "understand Jake's behavior has caused you trouble. Both his mother and I feel deeply sorry for that
Thea's brow twitched at this sudden apology, her instincts on high alert. "Nothing good ever comes from unexpected kindness, she thought.