Chapter <b>632 </b>
Over at the bustling Ashbourne household, the family gathered around Emerio, showering him with attention and affection.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, two love–struck couples helped Myra as she prepared a feast. Myra’s culinary skills were legendary, and even when it came to something as simple as making taco, she infused them with a rainbow of colors red, pink, green, yellow – each hue bringing a unique vor to the table.
“Myra, you really spoil my dad rotten,” Evadne teased, her hands deftly shaping plump, little dough pockets that resembled chubby golden coins, “It’s just taco, and you’ve turned them into a seven–colored spectacle. Is he trying to summon a god or what? Talk about high–maintenance!”
“Your dad loves it, it’s his favorite,” Myra sald with a sweet smile, “I thought since he’s eating, we might as well all eat together. Make a little party of it.”
“You, Suri, and Aviana treat Emeric like he’s the crown prince. In other families, it’s the men doting on the women, but in the Ashbourne n, it’s all topsy–turvy,” Evadne snorted yfully, “Did Mom pamper him like this too? I can’t imagine she did.”
“Your mother adored taco; it’s her specialty. She always made them for your father, and he could eat them every day without tiring of them,” Myra recalled fondly.
A twinge of sorrow tightened Evadne’s grip on the dough, a pang of loss souring her throat.
Thaddeus sensed her mood shift and offered her a misshapen lump of dough, his earnest face seeking approval, “Evadne, how‘ about this masterpiece?”
“It’s a disaster,” she burst outughing at the sight of the doughy blob, “What is that, a hacky sack or a meteor hammer? You’re eating that one, buddy. My life’s worth something too, you know.”
“Deal. I’ll eat it,” Thaddeus replied, relieved to see her smile.
In the back of his mind, however, he pondered the Ashbourne family dynamics. From the way they spoke, it was clear that Emeric had deeply loved Evadne’s mother, his first wife. His love seemed genuine, unlike the muddled affection Frederic imed to have for his own wife. Yet, if Emeric’s love was as deep as the ocean, why would he remarry? It seemed like a contradiction.
“Jason, my taco looks terrible, way worse than yours,” Nydia pouted, embarrassed by herck of skill.
“They look perfect to me. I’m going to eat every single one you make,” Jason said, his arms cautiously wrapping around her, his breath warm against her cheek as he whispered sweet nothings.
Their intimacy made Nydia blush as bright as the dawn. Jason, ever the gentleman, had shown his love and desire that one passionate night, his touch trembling with restrained emotion, proving it was his first time as well.
Myra continued making taco, seemingly oblivious to the young couple’s tender exchange. Yet, the small, knowing smile curling on her l*ps betrayed her delight. She knew that happiness for her daughter trumped any business alliances, family glory, or societal matches. After all, very few families could match the Ashbourne’s stature, and even then, it was like opening a mystery box – no guarantee of finding a treasure or a trinket.
Evadne’s thoughts were interrupted by Cassius, who rushed into the kitchen with news from the Chambers Group.
“Myra, Nydia, why don’t you step out for a moment?” Myra suggested, sensing the gravity of the situation.
<b>“</b>No need, Myra. We’re all family here; there’s nothing we can’t discuss,” Evadne said, her demeanor serious.
Jason listened intently, sidelined from the business world ever since his injury at the hands of Ward and the brutal assault by the Chambers family that nearly left him disabled. He yearned to be useful again to President Ashbourne and Ms. Ashbourne.
“Cassius, remember that resort project in Country T that Matthew took from us? It seems their shoddy nning is starting to show,” Evadne said calmly as she pinched a dumpling closed, “I bet they’re having trouble with that little vige on the resort’s ess road. Unless the Chambers Group can tten it and relocate the residents, they’re in for a tough time.”
Jason nodded in agreement, while Nydia/admired her sister’s intelligence, understanding why Jason had once risked everything for Evadne. Compared to her brilliant sister, Nydia felt ordinary and weak.
Cassius‘ news was just another battle in the ongoing war of business, and as the Ashbourne family braced for the next move, the kitchen once a ce of love andughter transformed into a strategic war room.
—
Being loved by Jason was truly a blessing for her.
“Evadne’s got a sharp mind,” Thaddeus said with a tender look in his eyes as he carefully shaped another one and ced it on the cutting board. “And I’ve done some digging. That vige has been around for two hundred years and is considered a historical heritage site<b>” </b>
“There would be a public outcry if it were razed to build some fancy resort. The government wouldn’t dare do it so tantly.”
15:03複
Cassius nodded, “<b>That’s </b>why <b>some </b>folks are getting desperate, trying <b>to </b>force their hand behind the scenes.<b>” </b>
The couple gasped, “Matthew’s trying to bulldoze the <b>ce</b><b>? </b>When did this happen<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“Last night. He timed <b>it </b>for the wee hours when many of the vigers were still asleep. Houses came crashing down, causing serious injuries.”
Cassius‘ expression turned icy, “The incident happened abroad, and the Chambers Group managed to suppress the news almost immediately. Local media, even if they catch wind of it<b>, </b>are too intimidated by the Chambers‘ influence to report it.”
Thaddeus, his voice grave, asked, “Cassius, are there any fatalities<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“Not <b>at </b>the moment.”
“Then this thing can be kept under wraps.”
Thaddeus‘ eyes were steely, “It’s only considered a major disaster if there are deaths. Only then would the Chambers Group not be able to cover it up.”
“The Chambers Group thinks they can get away with murder just because it’s overseas<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Evadne mmed her hand on the table, ttening the meatball, “Who says no media will dare to report? Don’t forget, we’ve got World Wonders Weekly under the K Group’s control. Just watch, tomorrow, 3 PM sharp!”
Myra listened quietly, shaking her head, “The Chambers kids are way too reckless. It’s been so long, I thought they would’ve toned it down by now.”
Jason was also outraged, “A leopard can’t change its spots.”
Evadne raised an eyebrow, “Like father, like son. Can you really expect anything good from that family?”
Thaddeus pondered for a moment and then gripped her hand tightly, his boyfriend game strong, “I’ll send someone to Country T right away to keep an eye on things. If you expose this, and Matthew feels cornered, he’s bound to do something to quell the storm.”
The dinner atmosphere was great.
Emeric perked up at the sight of the meatballs and even invited Thad to join him for the meal.
At the table, it was all proper above the board but quite cheeky below it.
At night, Cassius returned to his study to go through a mountain of paperwork. His father’s illness had already shaken up the K Group, and Bevis was taking advantage of the situation, causing headaches.
Fortunately, Cassius had the skills to stabilize things, and the consortium was back on track.
After a long session, he took off his sses, massaged his temples, and closed his eyes for a brief respite.
“Phew, what a day… I wonder when that girl will let me retire.”
There was <b>a </b>knock <b>at </b>the door.
Cassius got up and opened it.
“President Ashbourne.”
Chasel leaned casually against the doorframe, his <b>fox</b>–like <b>eyes </b>twinkling, <b>“</b>Care for a private, after–hours massage<b>?</b>”
Cassius looked him over <b>with </b><b>a </b><b>weary </b>gaze, <b>“</b>Since when did you pick up a <b>side </b>gig?”
<b>“</b><b>A </b><b>jack </b><b>of </b><b>all </b>trades,<b>” </b><b>Chasel </b>said with a smile that seemed <b>to </b>hold <b>endless </b>affection, <b>“</b><b>Whatever </b>you <b>need</b>, I’m here <b>for </b><b>you</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
<b>Cassius felt </b><b>a </b>sudden tightness <b>in </b>his throat, and a blush tinged the corners of his eyes.
By day<b>, </b><b>Chasel </b>was in hisb coat, fulfilling his duties.
By night<b>, </b>he <b>became </b>an irresistible temptation.
<b>Cassius</b>‘ <b>heart </b><b>raced</b><b>, </b><b>and </b><b>he </b>turned <b>away </b><b>to </b>avoid looking at <b>him</b>.
<b>But </b>then<b>, </b><b>the </b>door <b>closed</b><b>, </b>and suddenly Chasel <b>was </b>embracing him from behind, <b>their </b><b>bodies </b>pressing close.
<b>“</b>Cassius, I’ve missed you.”
<b>Chasel’s </b>voice <b>was </b><b>husky </b><b>and </b><b>soft </b>as his chin brushed <b>against </b>Cassius‘ broad <b>back</b>, “Even though your room is <b>just </b>down the hall, being separated by just one wall feels <b>like </b><b>an </b>insurmountable <b>distance</b>. <b>I </b><b>can’t </b>stop thinking about <b>you</b><b>.” </b>
“Cassius.”
15.03
–“Cassius.”
The unexpected confession made Cassius‘ breath hitch, and as he lost himself in his thoughts, his warm, moist hand covered Chasel’s on his waist.
The tumultuous emotions within him were fighting to be set free, threatening to boil over.
He wasn’t sure how much longer he could contain them.
Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after, possibly tonight.
Knock, knock, knock-
Another set of knocks came, followed by Suri’s calm voice from outside.
“Cassius, is Chasel with you?”
15:03