Gordon was fuming, but as much as he wanted to argue, he couldn''t because every word she said was true.


    Thaddeus''s eyelids fluttered almost imperceptibly. He pressed his lips into a thin, unreadable line.


    "If either of you have doubts about the medicine, or about my sincerity toward Mr. Thaddeus, there''s an easy solution," Alexia said, her voice calm and fearless. "Take these pills and have them tested. If there''s any issue, I''ll take them myself."


    She looked Gordon''s way with perfectposure. "And please, thank my brother for me."


    Thaddeus''s gaze lingered on Alexia, warm but distant. "I''ll take the medication," he said quietly. "But I have business to attend to, Dr. Alexia. You can go now."


    "In that case, I won''t keep you any longer, Mr. Thaddeus. If you feel unwell, contact me right away."


    With that, Alexia turned and strode toward the door.


    Just then, Thaddeus spoke, his voice low and steady. "Mr. Gordon, I''ll attend the charity event this weekend."


    Gordon''s face lit up with delight. "Excellent, Mr. Thaddeus! I''ll make the arrangements at once."


    Alexia shot Gordon a sly, sidelong nce, then swept out of the room.


    The moment the door closed, Thaddeus''s handsome features hardened. He snatched up the pills from his desk and tossed them into the trash without a second thought.


    "Mr. Thaddeus, you''ve finallye to your senses?!" Gordon was nearly ovee with joy. He''d been half afraid Thaddeus had been bewitched by that pale fox of a woman.


    "My brother did save my life. That''s a fact. But that doesn''t mean I have to ept everything he gives me, no questions asked."


    Thaddeus gathered the files on his desk, forcing himself to steady his breath. The memory of his conversation with his brother on the roof shed through his mind, sending a dull ache through his temples. He clenched the pen in his hand until his knuckles whitened.


    *


    In the blink of an eye, the weekend arrived.


    This year''s annual Elmsworth Charity G was unlike any before. Instead of being hosted by one or two wealthy families, it was now a joint effort by the city''s most influential dynasties, the local government, and a host of non-profits andmunity organizations.


    These events were always a stage for the powerful to unt their generosity, polish their reputations, and showcase their influence.


    Now that Evadne had assumed the role of President of KS Group, she was expected to take center stage at such public events.


    That morning, a Rolls Royce glided to a stop at the entrance of Elmsworth''srgest care home, the one sponsored by the charity foundation.


    Most high society types only bothered with the evening g, enjoying the limelight as they wrote the checks for all to see. The daytime activities at the care home were another story-few wanted to<fne49a> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN0vel</fne49a>


    get their hands dirty or deal with the


    noise, so most simply skipped them.  s


    Evadne was ushered inside by Jason and the care home''s director.


    The previous night''s snowfall had left the courtyard nketed in white. Teachers


    and volunteers were out front, sweeping the walks clear.


    "Goodness, this year''s event is the


    vel


    liveliest our care home has ever seen," the director said warmly, leading Evadne down the path.. "Usually, the charity g in the evening is bustling, but here in the home it''s always so quiet no one wants toe during the day. But w President Ashbourne, you''re the real deal. You truly care for these children."


    s


    Evadne smiled, her expression casual, her lips tinged with a hint of red. "Is


    anyone elseing today, besides me?"


    "Oh, yes! Mr. Frederic from the Abernathy Group is here too!"


    Evadne stopped dead in her tracks, her heart pounding so hard it nearly drowned


    out her voice. "Mr. Frederic... where is he?"


    "He''s in the backyard, ying ser with the kids."


    Evadne fought to keep herposure, stifling the urge to rush to him. She walked toward the backyard at a measured pace. Even before she stepped outside, the sound of children''sughter drifted through the air.


    A momentter, she froze in the doorway, her heart, which had been racing


    uncontrobly, now sinking with sudden disappointment.


    There, in the midst of a gentle, snowyndscape, Chad sat in his wheelchair, bundled in a ck wool coat. He steered himself nimbly among the children, his face alight With joy as they kicked a ser ball back and forth.  s


    Though his body was confined, his movements were remarkably agile there was no trace of awkwardness. In fact, he carried himself with a certain youthful, carefree grace.


    "Careful, big brother!" a little boy called as Chad''s wheelchair slipped slightly on the icy ground. The child dashed over to steady him.


    "Thank you, little man," Chad said with a warm smile, reaching down to ruffle the boy''s hair.


    "Wow! Look, big brother-such a prettydy!" the boy eximed, pointing toward Evadne.


    Chad followed his gaze, his eyes brightening as he smiled. “Ms. Evadne—what a pleasant surprise."