Snowkes danced in the air, painting the world in a pristine white, embodying the essence of purity and romance.


    On the eve of Christmas, in the distantnd of Bastan, Mr. and Mrs. Fairhaven''s wedding, straight out of a fairy tale, unfolded as nned.


    The Abernathy group and the Ashbourne family flew in on their private jets, one after the other, arriving at Bastan Airport. They were greeted and escorted to a castle arranged by Jareth for their stay.


    Jareth had rented the entire heritage estate for the asion. The front of the castle was set for the wedding ceremony, while the back amodated friends and family, and the entire ce was theirs for a month.


    This meant that even after the wedding, if they wished to linger in the beauty of Bastan, they could stay and explore the exotdscapes.


    This estate, a historical monument, had never been rented out for private use in over a century. This was a first, perhaps, ast.


    To secure this, Jareth approached the estate''s owner with humility, and the price he offered left even Frederic, a man born with a silver spoon, in shock!


    The night before the wedding, they strolled through the estate.


    Jareth, with patience and earnestness, shared the history of the architecture and every de of grass, as if recounting treasures of his own home.


    It was as if the estate was his domain, and he, a noble Duke born of elegance and grace.


    "Jareth, how do you know so much about this ce?" Frederic asked, his face a picture of surprise, admiring Jareth''s handsome, gentle profile.


    "It wasn''t easy securing this ce, and it''s probably thest time in my life. I wanted to create beautiful memories, so I immersed myself in learning everything about it."


    Jareth''s smile was gentle yet earnest, his eyes twinkling with happiness, "I thought, in the future, when Mari and I grow old, sitting at home flipping through photo albums, I could tell her countless stories. Wouldn''t that be wonderful?"


    Frederic felt a twinge of emotion, deeply touched, "Jareth, you''ve really put your heart into this. But I''m curious, how did you convince the old Duke to rent this ce to you?"


    Jareth''s lips curved into a slight smile, "I shared with him the love story of Mari and me, from the beginning till now. He was moved, reminded of histe wife. Ultimately, he decided to lend us the ce for our wedding. I also showed him Mari''s paintings. He liked them so much he wanted to buy them at a high price. But I didn''t let him spend the money; instead, with Mari''s consent, I gifted the painting to him."


    Hearing this, Frederic was moved, his emotionsplex and bitter-sweet.


    Once, he too had loved as deeply as Jareth, hopelessly devoted to Thaddeus'' mother.


    If only he hadn''t misunderstood Cynthia.


    If only he hadn''t been deceived and used by Elspeth.


    He and Cynthia could have been a legendary couple, their love story celebrated through the ages.


    Instead, his love, his passion, his woman, were lost in bloodshed and conspiracy.


    "Dad, thank you," Jareth suddenly said.


    Frederic quickly masked his sorrow, asking, "Thank me? For what?"


    "For giving Mari to me."


    Even on the eve of their wedding, with no obstacles left and everyone blessing their union, Jareth was choked up with emotion.


    "You say that, and I''m just filled with regret," Frederic said with a bitter smile, feeling the ache in his heart, "You don''t owe me thanks. If anyone, thank Thaddeus'' grandfather, thank Thaddeus. They were the ones always supporting you from the shadows.


    And me, I once tried to tear you apart, even considered marrying my own daughter off to the Bartley family. I''ve been a terrible father. From now on, just take good care of Mari. I won''t interfere with your lives. Don''t worry."


    "Dad, don''t say that. I''ve never med you."


    Jareth reassured him, his voice warm and deep, "Back then, I hadn''t even avenged my father, hadn''t dealt with the troubles at home. Even with Mari by my side, I couldn''t have offered her a peaceful life. Now, the timing is perfect."


    Frederic chuckled self-deprecatingly, pulling an heirloom from his coat-a gold pocket watch adorned with rubies and sapphires, and ced it in Jareth''s palm. "Dad, this is..."


    "This watch has been passed down from Thaddeus'' great-grandfather to his grandfather, and then to me."


    Jareth, though confused, understood the sentiment. It was invaluable.


    "Now, I''m giving it to you."


    Frederic smiled warmly, "This is an antique, could fetch a fortune at auction, so don''t underestimate its value."


    "Dad, this is too precious. I can''t ept it," Jareth protested, overwhelmed, "This belongs in your family. I don''t deserve it."


    "You''re not an outsider. You''re my son-inw, my son. How do you not deserve it?"


    Frederic firmly grasped his hand, "Besides, Thaddeus has his grandfather''s affection, not to mention his inheritance. I don''t have much, should he take everything?If you truly see me as a father, ept it."


    Jareth knew the jest in his words. Thaddeus was Frederic''s biological son, dearly loved despite the tough exterior.


    "Then, thank you. I will treasure it for a lifetime."


    As night fell, the grand castle''s living room was filled withughter and joy.


    Thedies were enjoying their afternoon tea, chatting away withughter filling the air. Evadne and Camille were in another room, meticulously preparing the wedding dress Mari was to wear for her ceremony tomorrow. Meanwhile, Nydia was busy giving Mari a trial makeup and hairstyle, thoroughly enjoying the hustle and bustle of the preparations.


    With his wife ying the role of the strongman, Thaddeus found himself relegated to waiting patiently in their room, bing what one might jokingly call a ''husband on the lookout''. Bored out of his mind, he stood on the balcony, taking in the night view of the estate, when suddenly, his phone vibrated.


    He fumbled for it, his eyebrows knitting together as he read the screen. After a moment''s hesitation, he answered:


    "Chad."


    "Thaddeus, you''re already in Bastan, ready for Mr. Fairhaven and Mari''s wedding, aren''t you?" Chad''s voice came through, deep and steady with a touch of warmth and a hint of a smile.


    "Yes, it''s tomorrow."


    "That''s wonderful. They''re finally tying the knot. It''s a pity I can''t make it over to celebrate."


    "It''s alright, we all understand your situation," Thaddeus replied, his voice calm and understanding.


    "I''ve sent a little something to your ount for the newlyweds. You should receive it soon. Please pass it on to them for me."


    The ping of a message received. Thaddeus swiped the screen, his gaze lingering on the transfer notification - the series of auspicious numbers brought aplex emotion to his face.


    To those in the know, it was a generous gift.


    To others, it might seem like an investment.


    Chad coughed softly, "It''s gettingte over there in Bastan. I won''t keep you and Ms. Evadne from your rest. Goodnight."


    Thaddeus'' voice was deep and resonant, filling the night air, "About the drug trial incidentst time, I was adamant about bringing it to light, but you stopped me. I want to know, did you do it truly for the sake of the Abernathy group?"