There, all was quiet.


    The crisp evening breeze brushed past Thaddeus, stirring the deep pools of his eyes, his heart thudding in his chest with a heavy, unresolved longing.


    Even now, he held onto a sliver of hope for Chad who had once saved his life.


    He had watched the Chambers tear each other apart, caught in a brutal struggle for dominance. He couldn''t bear the thought of the same fate befalling the Abernathy corporation.


    "Thaddeus, though I''ve been too ill to look out for myself, my heart has always been with the Abernathy corporation. Worrying over grandpa, dad, you, and Mari."


    Chad''s voice was filled with sincerity, "First off, I had no idea you were the one stirring trouble behind the scenes. I was merely acting in the best interest of the Abernathy family. And even if I had known it was you, I don''t think I would''ve chosen differently. Everything I''ve done was for the Abernathy corporation. Thaddeus, I hope you can understand me."


    Upon hearing these words, Thaddeus clenched his fists, his emotions a tumultuous mix.


    After dinner, Cassius, Arnold, and the ever-busy Bet found time to join Emeric for a chat in his room.


    "Where''s the fourth one?"


    Emeric began to take stock of his sons, not missing the chance to tease, "What, he''s not still holding a grudge over Mr. Fairhaven and Mari''s wedding, is he? He''s not that petty, right?"


    "Dad, he got here early, even helped Jareth with the decorations."


    Arnold, surprisingly speaking up for his rival, added, "But he headed out early today, wouldn''t say where he was going."


    "And the seventh? Why''s he missing?"


    Emeric frowned, "He''s not avoiding the wedding because he''s heartbroken, is he? Doesn''t sound like a son of mine."


    "Dad, you''re underestimating Aaron. He''s made peace with Jareth, moved on, and let go."


    Cassius offered a reassuring smile, "He''s been swamped at work, barely managed to get time off. He''s on a flight right now, willnd tomorrow morning."


    "That''s good, as long as he''s moved on. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea."


    Emeric nodded contentedly, "If my sons struggle to find partners, then the world''s men are doomed to bachelorhood."


    Their confidence in romance, a family trait.


    "Dad, I just heard from Suri, even Debby got called back from Helgen by Evadne. She''s on her way now."


    Bet poured a cup of the local specialty tea for his father, his smile warm, "Actually, hering back for the wedding is secondary. She''s mainlying to see you and Suri."


    "Ah, that child, so thoughtful."


    Emeric felt a warmth akin to wearing a cozy sweater, though worry soon clouded his mood, "But I''ve seen the news, Helgen''s political scene is quite unstable. Darcy''s had a rough time since taking office, even survived a car ident abroad. Thankfully, he''s alright. Ah, I regret letting Debby marry so far away. If only I had known."


    "Dad, why regret? Your daughter is the firstdy, your son-inw a president. I''d be over the moon," Arnold couldn''t help but interject.


    "That''s because you''ve never been a father. You don''t know what it''s like to worry over a daughter."


    Emeric shot Arnold a look of disdain, "And besides, what do you know besides eating? Your heart''s practically a meat bun!"


    The Ashbourne men cherished such rare moments of familial warmth, and Chasel cleverly chose not to intrude.


    Although he had won over the Ashbournes, he still felt like an outsider during such times, showing great tact and self-awareness.


    Chasel changed into a brown cashmere coat gifted by Cassius and casually strolled downstairs, hands in his pockets, smiling as if basking in the spring sun. "Auntie, Myra, Aviana, Nydia," he greeted, the picture of charm.


    "Chasel, where are you off to?" Nydia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    "There''s a famous bakery in Bastan, known for its pastries. I thought I''d buy some for everyone to try."


    "That''s great." Nydia pped her hands in delight, her innocence shining through. Chasel''s face twitched into an awkward smile as he waved goodbye, humming a tune.


    Passing Suri, she detected a whiff of something amorous about him.


    Catching a glimpse of the faint marks on his chest visible through his V-neck shirt, she couldn''t help but blush.


    "Ah, to be young and vigorous." Suri sipped her tea, her smileden with implication.


    "Suri, what did you say?" Myra asked, puzzled.


    Suri waved her off awkwardly, "Ah, nothing, just enjoy your tea!"


    Before heading to Bastan, Cassius had casually mentioned a local Michelin- starred bakery with delicious treats. Chasel took note, nning to surprise his partner with a morning treat.


    Unfamiliar with the area and the small shop, Chasel braved the cold wind for a while before finding it. Entering the store, his ears were red from the cold, fingers barely able to bend.


    After a satisfying shopping spree, he happily made his way out with two big bags of pastries.


    "Ah!"


    Unexpectedly, he bumped into a man entering the shop, causing his paper bags to fall and scatter pastries all over the floor.


    "Sorry."


    The man apologized while bending down to help Chasel pick up his spilled goods.


    Two people looked up at the same instant, and in that brief moment when their eyes met, the man was as if struck by lightning, his eyes widening in sheer astonishment as he stared unblinkingly at Chasel''s distinct and handsome features.


    Chasel, unfazed, had been the heartthrob of the gay scene, after all.


    Who wouldn''t be smitten by him? It seemed Bastan was no exception.


    So, he stood up, holding his brown paper bag, and with a slight lift of his lips, said:


    "Stop staring, I''m taken. Excuse me."


    Just as Chasel was about to brush past him, the man suddenly grabbed his arm, his voice trembling as he asked:


    "Aubrey?"


    Chasel''s brows furrowed, "What?"


    "Aubrey, you... you''re alive?!" The disbelief was evident on the man''s face!


    Chasel, thoroughly confused, forcefully withdrew his arm, which was starting to hurt from the man''s grip:


    "You''ve got the wrong guy."


    With that, he stormed out, braving the chilly wind as he quickly made his way to his car.


    Unexpectedly, the man stubbornly chased after him, blocking his path.


    "Hey, what''s your problem? I''ll call the cops if you keep this up." Chasel''s beautiful eyes suddenly darkened.


    The man gazed deeply at Chasel''s face, especially those naturally captivating eyes.


    After repeatedly scanning his features, he finally let out a resigned and bitter sigh:


    "I''m sorry, truly sorry. But you look so much like a friend of mine who passed away."