Thaddeus''s eyes darkened like pools of ink. The car''s windows were tinted, making it nearly impossible for anyone outside to see his grim expression, but the distorted faces of the reporters pressed against the ss were like ghouls from a nightmare, making his lips tighten with a profound sense of agitation. He raised a hand, and with a flex of his well-defined wrist, loosened his Windsor knot.


    "Mr. Thaddeus! We heard your copse required a multi-day hospital stay. Is there a serious issue with your health?"


    "If not, pleasee out and rify to reassure the public!"


    "The Abernathy Group''s stock took a hit when the market opened today, which is undoubtedly linked to your hospitalization. Could you say a few words?"


    The car fought its way through the media scrum, finally breaking free and driving deeper into the garage.


    "Damn it! This is infuriating!" Gordon mmed his fist against the window in frustration. "Who would dare leak the news of your hospitalization to the press?" "Who else would have the nerve?" Thaddeus''s eyes were bloodshot, his gaze dangerously sharp.


    The realization dawned on Gordon. "... Chad!"


    None of the other board members would have dared. The health of a prominent family member was a closely guarded secret, meant to prevent rivals from exploiting any perceived weakness. The only person who would dare to leak it, who could leak it, and who stood to gain from it—was Chad.


    "Mr. Thaddeus, your so-called brother, who ys the benevolent saint in public, is finally showing his true colors!" Gordon was so furious he let out a bitterugh. "I knew it... I knew he was up to no good from the moment he returned! It hasn''t even been six months, and the mask is already off! Does he really think leaking some baseless rumors can shake your position at the Abernathy Group? He''s dreaming!"


    "But why are the reporters here?" Thaddeus murmured to himself, his brow deeply furrowed.


    iling er. "He creates a


    "To humiliate you, of course!" Gordon spat, his anger chaotic scene and then conveniently disappears, leaving you, the president, to clean up the mess. The man is a despicable coward!"


    But Thaddeus felt a strange unease, a nagging feeling that something wasn''t right.


    They left the parking garage and entered the main tower. Thaddeus, tall and imposing, walked with a steady, confident stride, showing no sign of fatigue or illness. Following behind him were Gordon and four bodyguards in sharp suits. He was a man ustomed to a low profile, usually apanied only by Gordon. The sudden increase in security was his grandfather''s doing a clear message that after a week-long illness, he was back and his authority was not to be challenged.


    "Mr. Thaddeus!"


    Everyone who saw him bowed respectfully in unison. The man acknowledged them with a slight nod, his dark eyes radiating an aura so powerful it sent a chill through the air. As they approached the executive elevator, amotion erupted in the lobby.


    "What''s going on over there? Go see," Gordon said with a frown, gesturing for a bodyguard to investigate.


    The bodyguard had only taken a few steps before he ran into three men heading their way.


    "You can''t go any further! Authorized personnel only!" the bodyguard said sternly. "Police." The voice was clear, familiar, and resonant.


    Thaddeus, who had remained impassive until now, slowly turned his gaze toward the sound. The next second, his dark pupils contracted sharply. Standing before him was none other than Evadne''s brother, Aaron Ashbourne.


    "Aaron... Captain Ashbourne!" Gordon hurried forward, a wide, friendly smile spreading across his face at the sight of a member of the Ashbourne family. "Are you here to see Mr. Thaddeus? Please,e upstairs with us!"


    "That won''t be necessary." Aaron''s expression was grim. He pursed his lips and adopted a formal tone. "We are, in fact, here for Mr. Thaddeus. We need him toe to the station with us to cooperate with an investigation."


    By now, a crowd of Abernathy Group employees had gathered to watch. They all heard him clearly: Aaron said "cooperate," not "assist." The difference between the two words was a world apart.


    Gordon''s mind raced, and he reacted instantly, lowering his voice to a near-plea. "Captain Ashbourne, there are so many people watching. This looks terrible. Can we please talk about this upstairs?"


    Aaron''s brow tightened. He knew


    protocol better than anyone. But the man he was here to take away was Thaddeus-the man who had almost be his brother-inw, the man who had repeatedly risked his life for their Evadne. For the first time in his career, he hesitated.


    "I''ll go with you," Thaddeus said, walking over calmly. His expression was cid


    as his steady gaze met Aaron''s.


    Aaron''s lips turned white as he


    pressed them together, his eyes filled with aplex mix of


    emotions and a heavy feeling h


    couldn''t quite name. Just as two officers moved toward Thaddeus Frederic arrived, nked by Dennis and a retinue of senior executives, looking furious.


    "Don''t you police have any regard for the consequences of your actions? Do you have any idea where you are?!" Frederic''s anger spiked when he sa the Ashbourne family was


    involved You bring your men here


    in front of everyone, to take Thaddeus in for questioning? He is the president of the Abernathy Group! Have you considered the damage this will do to my son''s reputation? To ourpany? Can you afford to cover the losses?!”