When Cassius and Chasel tied the knot in Bastan, the news spread like wildfire through their families, despite their efforts to keep it under wraps.


    Within a day, everyone knew.


    Even though Chasel was already considered the perfect addition to the Ashbourne family, the fact that it was two men getting married still sent shockwaves through their rtives.


    The following evening, Cassius and Chasel, hand in hand, faced Cassius''s father, Emeric, and Aunt Suri.


    All Ashbournes rushed over, fearing the couple might face a barrage of questions. "Why didn''t you tell me about such a big decision?!"


    As expected, his tone was stern, his displeasure evident.


    Chasel, towering yet suddenly seeming small beside his brother, barely breathed, gripping his partner''s hand tightly.


    The very picture of a nervous spouse.


    "Dad, it was all my idea," Cassius dered, standing tall and protective, their hands intertwined, "I nned everything, even keeping Chasel in the dark until the veryst minute before proposing. If you''re to me anyone, me me, not him. But there''s one thing that''s irrevocable."


    His gaze softened as he looked at Chasel, cheeks flushed with emotion, "Chasel and I are married now. He''s my life partner, the only love of my life."


    "Congrattions, brother! Well done!" Evadne immediately turned cheerleader, pping to lighten the mood and ward off any further criticism from Emeric.


    She nudged Thaddeus, signaling him to join in the apuse.


    Emeric, visibly exasperated, pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness:


    "Cassius, do you not trust me? Do you really think I haven''t fully epted Chasel?"


    The room fell silent, the couple stunned.


    "By going behind my back, even after making such a scene yesterday, aren''t you just proving you think I disapprove of your rtionship?" Emeric''s voice cracked slightly, his eyes reddening.


    Cassius was at a loss for words, "Dad, that wasn''t my intention."


    "This is a lifetimemitment, not just for you, but for Chasel as well!"


    Emeric''s outburst surprised everyone, "You settled this so casually? Without even a proper wedding? I thought you of all my children had the most sense, the most thoughtful. It turns out, you''re no better than Thaddeus!"


    Thaddeus rolled his eyes: Great, even in lecturing Cassius, Dad can''t resist taking a dig at me!


    Cassius and Chasel were speechless; everyone else was awkwardly silent.


    Suri sighed, her voice filled with a mix of exasperation and affection:


    "Cassius, you''ve misunderstood your father. He was genuinely happy for you and Chasel when he found out about the proposal and the marriage certificate."


    Cassius''s guilt was palpable as he met his father''s gaze.


    "Your father was concerned about not giving Chasel the respect he deserves. He hoped that by involving the family, we could support you more. But you, being so headstrong, kept even your own father in the dark and went ahead with your ns.


    Your father has every right to be upset. I''m a bit upset myself, whisking away my favorite nephew without even a word." Suri''s tone was light, yet her happiness for them was clear.


    "Dad, Suri. I''m sorry," Chasel managed, his voice choked with emotion.


    Evadne, leaning on Thaddeus''s shoulder, was visibly moved by the scene.


    Cassius had always been the silent type, quietly achieving great things. This trait had held the KS Group together before Evadne decided to take a step back from business pursuits. He was a natural leader, even if it wasn''t his true passion.


    The one thing Cassius had wholeheartedly pursued was his rtionship with Chasel.


    Emeric sighed, finally relenting, "Alright, for Chasel''s sake, I''ll let it go this time. But don''t pull a stunt like this again!"


    "Sorry, Dad," Cassius said with a rueful smile.


    "So, when''s the wedding party?" Thaddeus chimed in, lightening the mood.


    The atmosphere brightened again.


    "I don''t need a wedding," Chasel said, eyes shining as he gazed at Cassius, "The proposal was perfect. I''m happy, and that''s all that matters."


    Mr. Ashbourne and Mr. Bright, a match made in heaven.


    The celebration was set.


    Time flew in the joy of theirpany.


    After the festivities, everyone gradually returned to their homes in Elmsworth and Skyrim, except for Mr. and Mrs. Fairhaven, who stayed at the estate for a long, sweet honeymoon.


    Ste, dutifully returning to Helgen with Debby, never once looked back at Bet.


    The news of that night had hit her like a thunderbolt, shaking her to the core with the thought that Bet''s mom''s misfortune might be tied to the royal family. She left heartbroken, like a delicate flower wilting away.


    Evadne watched silently, her heart going out to both Ste and Bet, feeling the bitter sting of love''s cruelty.


    Despite the brief time together, Evadne had grown fond of the charming young girl and nned to visit Helgen with Thaddeus once things settled down in Elmsworth. Perhaps they could even arrange a meeting with Ste through Debby and her husband.


    More importantly, Evadne hoped to explore her mother''s homnd, seeking any clues about her past.


    Evadne and Thaddeus returned to Elmsworth, taking a brief two-day respite before diving back into their hectic work schedules, always on alert and ready for action.


    Despite being busy in Bastan, they kept a close watch on the situation back home, ensuring no detail was missed.


    Today, after leading a day-long meeting with the corporation''s top brass, Evadne was reviewing documents in her office when Jason knocked and entered.


    "How''s everything looking?" she asked without missing a beat.


    "President Ashbourne, your strategic brilliance is unmatched. Ever since Mr. Thaddeus had that private chat with Wayne Jones, his whole vibe has changed dramatically!" Jason said, his eyes sparkling with excitement and speaking rapidly.


    Evadne let out a sigh, raising her eyes as if looking at a fool:


    "Who''s asking about that? I meant how''s Nydia and the baby doing?"


    Jason froze, then his face turned red as he stuttered:


    "Ah. Yesterday, I went with Nydia for her check-up. The baby''s just hit two months and is healthy as can be."


    "You''re as clueless as theye. Nydia''s been pregnant for two months, and you''ve just found out."


    Evadne couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him, "If I hadn''t noticed Nydia sneakily dealing with morning sickness and figured out she was pregnant, you''d probably think she was just getting plump from your cooking."


    "It''s all my fault, I deserve a good scolding," Jason admitted, feeling genuinely remorseful and wishing he could kick himself for his oversight.


    Well, he thought, I''ll let my wife do the kicking when I get home.


    "Even though the baby is only two months along, you can''t be too careful. You need to be extra vignt, especially with Nydia''s diet and making sure she doesn''t take any falls. Got it?" Evadne instructed with utmost concern.


    "Absolutely, President Ashbourne, please rest assured. Nydia and the child are my everything!" Jason dered, his joy barely containable.


    Evadne''sshes fluttered as she looked down, lost in thought for a moment.


    Two months.


    The child she had lost years ago had also been with her for only two months before being taken from her forever.


    This thought caused a sudden, sharp pain in her abdomen.


    Shaking off the distraction, Evadne regained herposure and said firmly, "You were saying something about Wayne. Continue."