Back at the house, Thaddeus had just walked through the door when his phone buzzed with Gordon’s name shing on the screen. Without a moment’s dy, he made his way to the study to handle the pressing matter
“Mr. Abernathy, the foundation’s all set to go. You can announce it whenever you’re ready.”
Thaddeus voice was deep and tinged with weariness, “Yeah. Thanks for the hard work
“And, aren’t you nning that getaway with Mrs. Abernathy? I’ve got the vi all prepped for you, right at the foot of the Alps. Gorgeous view. You and Mrs. Abernathy can head over there anytime, Gordon’s cheerness was palpable.
The downfall of that snake Elspeth had rejuvenated himpletely he’d been walking on air, probablyughing himself awake from his dreams.
But Thaddeus was silent for a long stretch, his mind elsewhere, reying the evening’s conversation with Chad and the way he looked at Evadne. A tightness grew in his chest, his eyes as deep as the ocean’s trench.
“Mr. Abernathy? Mr. Abernathy? You dozed off?”
Thaddeus snapped back to reality, “Sorry, what were
you saying<b>? </b>
Twas saying, everything’s ready for your vacation. You can go with Mrs. Abernathy anytime.
Gordon’s voice carried a note of concern, “Mr. Abernathy what’s wrong? You sound off. You feel unwell?
Tonight, I talked to Chad. He met with Mrs. Abernathy too. Thad massaged the bridge of his nose, feeling all tangled up inside.
“What the-“I”
Gordon couldn’t hold back his exmation, throwing decorum to the wind. “I mean, c’mon! What were you thinking?”
Thaddeus was irritable and couldn’t be bothered to mince words, “We were on a video call; Evadne and Grandpa were there. Chad wanted to meet, and I didn’t give it much thought. Couldn’t really say no.”
“So, whatever Mr. Chad Abernathy says, you jump? Mr. Abernathy, you’re a sharp guy, but this? It’s like you turn into a yes–man around him!”
Gordon was practically smoking with frustration, “That childhood incident was an ident! An ident! Sure. Mr. Chad Abernathy got the short end of the stick, but you were a victim too! You nearly didn’t make it back alive: You can appreciate him, but you don’t owe him your life! You don’t have to bend over backward for him!”
Thaddeus‘ brows furrowed, his heart squeezing tight.
“Between you and Chad, those kidnappers were probably after Mr. Chad Abernathy from the start, and you just got caught in the crossfire.
Gordon’s anger grew as he spoke. Think about it, you were just a kid, just returning back to the Abernathy family for few years. barely known to <b>the </b>outside world. But Mr. Chad Abernathy? He was taken out by Mr. Frederic Abernathy frequently for social engagement, he’s the legitimate heir, born with a silver spoon in his mouth! If I were a kidnapper, Mr. Chad Abernathy would be my prime target! He’d be worth way more than you! You were just a bonus<b>!</b><b>” </b>
A <b>shadow </b>crossed Thaddeus‘ handsome face, but the truth was hard to deny
Back then, he was the illegitimate child“, his worth not even close to Chad’s. But he had to admit, if not for his brother’s reckless courage, he wouldn’t have escaped those devils‘ clutches.
“Mrs. Abernathy’s a knockout, who wouldn’t be dazzled? You should’ve kept her under wraps, and you let Mr. Chad Abernathy meet her? And just because he asked? It’s really reckless”
Could Chad be harboring feelings for Evadne?
Thaddeus sucked in a sharp breath, shaking his head, murmuring with a heavy heart, “No way.”
“He’s not a monk or someone impotent; how could he not? What if he’s taken a liking to Mrs. Abernathy? Would you just let him?!”
“Never,”
A fierce fire fit in Thaddeus‘ gaze, his fists clenched, veins standing out, “Evadne is my life. I’d die before I let her go”
“You better guard her. With your
Gordon sighed heavily, “If Mr. Chad Abernathy ever gets off that wheelchair, starts walking again, not like a disabled person. relying on wheels. Mr. Abernathy, your situation will be extremely dangerous! The whole power dynamic within the Abernathy Group could shifir
There was a brief dance before Thaddeus replied with a heavy voice. Thanks for the heads–up, Gordon. But next time, if you re
ith your words, think about hat that might mean for your year–end bonus”
Damn direct Gordon was utterly KD d by Thaddeus final blow
In the bedroom
Exadataka fragrant bubble bath and was now sitting in front of her vanity mirror in a pink nightgown,bing her long
Her hands kept moving theb but her thoughts were elsewhere
ng friendly his
Chad and for some reason, she felt a chill in her chest, the cold creeping over her es brimming with Lincerity. Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was encroaching on ng off rms in her head
different from the sura Thaddeus, with his equally prestigious status, brought to her
suddenly ten a warmth at the nape of her n*eck and her shoulder doped under a weight.
Before she could even gaso Thaddeus arms were wrapped around her from behind his l*ps brushing a k*ss against her smooth check, his voice rough with desire Evadhe, wh
blurted out without thinking
fisted acros
on your mind?”
storm of emotions churning in his heart, a flush of anger spreading at the corners of his eyes
Before Evere could exn Thaddeus hoisted her up by her weist, his muscr arm supporting her, and strode toward the bed
ng? Evedne a eyes widened in shock as her nightgown strap sl*pped, revealing more than intended was pinned beneath the man’s heated powerful frame on the bed. Her silk nightgown had already
dous eyes zed with an intense mix of lust and vignce as he descended upon het overwhelming her senses..
maybe tomorrow? in the morning?”
Iness you now! Thaddeus leaned in for a k*ss that spun her senses into disarray. She was quickly lost in the ebb and flow of
Exache’s gaze was ed intently on him, a flutter of panic in her heart, I’m tired. Can we just m
At the peak of their desire, his voice was a husky whisper in her ear. Forget about him. You can only think about mer danced across Evadne’s l*ps. “Are you jealous? Thats quite the green–eyed monster you’re harboring”
Thaddeus paused, peering down at
it’s like I’m about to explode with
flushed and radiant face. You said you were thinking about him. Shouldn’t <b>I </b>be jealous?
She couldn’t help but chuckle, patting his sweat–drenched cheek tenderly, “You know full well I meant something entirely different Why are you getting so worked up? Besides, he’s your own brother”
“Even your brother gets under my skin at times, let alone mine, Thaddeus eyes tinged with palpable irritation.
Evadne sighed, a mixture of helplessness and delight engulfing her
After the intense and tumultuous embrace. Evadney resting on Thaddeus sturdy arm, too weary to consider another shower
was just pondering over the conversation I had with your brother tonight, it’s quite thought–provoking
“This is thest time” Thaddeus, still regretting having allowed them to meet, held her even closer, “From now on, I won’t let you have any more contact with him. This was an ident, don’t overthink in”
im not overthinking it seems to me you’re the one overthinking” Evadne raised her tender cheeks, prodding his chest yfully. Does it coll sting here?”
He captured her hand pressing a k*ss into her palm “Much better now
“You really don’t need to be on such high alert. And your concerns aren’t realistic is your brother going to stay abroad forever? Sooner orter, he bound to return.”
Evadne found afortable position on his chest, continuing From the moment he facilitated William and his son stepping forward to discuss the partnership with the Abernathy Group, to his sudden outreach to Grandpa, haven’t you noticed? All the signs were there. He’s beenying the groundwork for his return all along. So, he’s definitelying back. How could I possibly
08:29
avoid meeting him? On the contrary Frend to formally properly inent this enigmatic gentleman testly piqued my canosity
“Has Chad really gotten better? Thaddeusshes fluttered down
“You’ve been fighting tooth and nail within the Abernathy fang for years. How can yete so have nowe
Evadine licked his forcher
canly move his eyeballs, he’lle back. What wichins in prices.
waters fun. We have no idea. But he seems to have a pretty good understanding of your stationer, including mine Tonga
while
Thaddeus was taken aback by her depth of thought
He k*ssed her forehead, a wave of hashful affection washing over him, Trade, you don’t need to worry about these things I handle everything and protect you, and Grandpar
If your brother
sbt of gratitude for inalon your step down as president of the Abernathy Grap, would <b>wen </b><b>an </b>bright an morrang stars.
Without besitation,
She smiled, “Well, look at you, sucdenly all determined”
“The Abernathy Group of the past was just my battlefield, my workpluon. That now, it
wedding gift I n to give you
His words were a tender whisper as he fondly pincherl her fat n*eck, “Without my empire, low could I win your favor?.
In the dim light, Ever’s eyes glowed with em on as she eraned hum demply
Meanwhile, Jareth was swamped
As the heir apparent of the Fairhaven Group, he was knen denja
his approval. Any free time he scraped together was spent apanying Mari
of Fine Arts to discuss het enrollment as a quest studdurit Hin
is attention, docianents piled high
Yet, he found joy in the responsibility love imprond. Turned out this mom of responsifulity emanating from love would render him such deep degree of happiness
At the vi, Lily, as usual, had prepared a least, and Mari sat patik The sound of footsteps drew their attention to the staircase
table, norperly awaiting Taretly’s prival for dinner.
Jareth descended, immactely dre
in suit, fastening liis cufflinks as he approached
Mr. Farhaven, you’re going out?” Lily v
y was surprised, she wasn’t aware of any ns for the evening. And such formality suggested
???
Jareth nodded, “Yes, I have to step out. I’ll probably be backte