Chapter 11

Evadne swept her hair into a loose ponytail, secured with a simple ribbon. The sky-blue chiffon dress she wore fluttered around her ankles as she moved gracefully, her voice weaving through the melody of Eternal Whispers for Cassius.

Her eyes shimmered like constellations, their brilliance casting a melancholic glow over the moment.

When she finished, Cassius was already clapping, his face alight with admiration. "That was breathtaking. Father's third lover really trained you well. In another era, you'd have had kings fighting for your favor."

"I don't care for kings," Evadne retorted, cracking her knuckles with a smirk. "If I wanted power, I'd take the throne myself."

Cassius chuckled, shaking his head.

Her expression darkened as she settled beside him, thoughts of her father's three wives creeping in. "Evadne, they've all missed you these past three years. They've asked about you—privately."

"What are you getting at, Cassius?"

"You left to join Doctors Without Borders, but we both know part of it was to spite Father." He draped an arm around her shoulders, his smile tinged with sadness. "But he is who he is. We can't change that. And let's be honest—even Thaddeus, the man you loved for years, turned out flawed after three years of marriage, didn't he?"

Her lashes flickered. Her fingers tightened around the bracelet on her wrist.

"You can divorce Thaddeus, but you can't sever blood ties. If you can't cut them, accept them. Father loves you. And his other wives? They're decent women. They've never overstepped. I swear that on my honor."

What Cassius didn’t know was that Evadne had already made peace with them—two years ago.

Gordon had just finished dressing Thaddeus’ wound when he left the room.

Thaddeus massaged his temples, exhaustion weighing on him. Acacia’s hysterics, her tantrums, the destruction—none of it matched the gentle, devoted woman he remembered.

Had she changed? Or had he never truly known her?

No matter. She had stood by him in his darkest days. That loyalty alone meant he would marry her.

His gaze drifted to the suit draped over the couch.

He stood, lifting it for inspection.

Though he and Cassius were similar in height, Thaddeus had broader shoulders, a more muscular frame.

Oddly, the suit seemed tailored for him.

"Disgusting," he muttered.

Yet minutes later, he found himself wearing it.

The mirror reflected a flawless fit—precision stitching, impeccable fabric. This wasn’t off-the-rack. It rivaled bespoke luxury.

Since when did that country girl have such taste?

A knock interrupted him. Alva entered, carrying a glass of milk.

"You're wearing Ms. Evadne's gift?" Her face lit up. "She'll be thrilled!"

"Gift?" Thaddeus stiffened.

"The suit you're wearing—I fetched it from the tailor last month. Ms. Evadne had it made for your birthday. She swore me to secrecy."

His birthday wasn’t for months.

"Alva, I know you favored her, but she's gone. No need to lie for her."

"I’ve served this family since you were a boy. The only person I’d lie for is you." She stepped closer, her voice softening. "She hand-stitched every seam. Chose the fabric herself. Even carved the buttons. She worked on it between chores, hiding it so you wouldn’t find out."

His chest tightened.

"Check the label. Your name’s still there."

Thaddeus tore off the jacket, tossing it aside with a scowl. "We’re divorced. I don’t care what she did. Leave."

"But Ms. Evadne adored you—"

"Adored me?" He barked a laugh. "Then why was she in another man’s arms the second she walked out?"

Alva gasped. "That can’t be true!"

"Three years. That’s how long it takes to really know someone." His blood roared in his ears. "If she never cared, why pretend? Did she think I’d fall for her act? That I’m some fool to be manipulated?"

"You’ll regret this."

"Enough."

Alva sighed, folding the suit with care before leaving.

Evadne’s internal clock woke her at five.

Old habits. This was when she’d start breakfast for the Abernathys.

Now? No smoky kitchen. No demanding in-laws.

Divorce tasted like freedom.

She dressed in fitted athletic wear and took her paddleboard onto the lake behind the villa.

Birdsong accompanied her strokes, ripples spreading across the glassy surface.

Post-workout, showered and refreshed, she descended the stairs—radiant.

Jason gaped.

Today, her hair was pinned up, her makeup understated yet striking. A sleek black coat draped over a crimson sheath dress, accentuating every curve.

"Close your mouth," she teased, snapping her fingers.

He flushed. "You—you’re stunning."

"You’re my brother’s head secretary. Try not to look like a starstruck schoolboy."

The Rolls-Royce glided to the K World Hotel.

Employees froze as she entered—beauty incarnate, yet they trembled like prey.

Yesterday’s lesson had stuck. Floors gleamed. Ingredients were pristine.

After a swift inspection, Evadne retreated to her office.

"You can return to my brother. I don’t need you here."

Jason grinned. "President Ashbourne reassigned me. I’m your secretary now."

Her eyes widened. "His gift is you?"

He nodded.

Unbelievable.

Her brother had gifted her a person.

Jason fidgeted under her silence. "You’re not… rejecting me because I’m secondhand, are you?"

She snorted. "It’s called experience."

"Then I’ll work hard! A raise would be nice, though."

"Perform well, and you’ll live like royalty. Fail, and I’ll toss you back." She propped her chin on her hand, lips curving.

He gulped, launching into his report.

"All Vintage Elegance bedding has been replaced. Every K Group hotel nationwide will follow within the week."

A frantic knock interrupted them.