Chapter 161

Sweat beaded on Elspeth's forehead as she hurried back to the restaurant. Acacia, the girl she'd raised like her own, was now a ticking time bomb in her hands.

She hadn't been worried before—without solid proof, Acacia's words were just empty threats.

But now? Frederic had grown distant. One wrong move, and her standing in the Abernathy family would crumble. She needed to bail Acacia out without spending a dime of her own money. That meant playing the pitiful card with Frederic.

"Frederic," she began, voice trembling, "I know Acacia messed up, but she's still the girl you watched grow up. She was always so obedient before. Now, with my sister in jail, my brother in a coma, the Sterling Group drowning in debt—Acacia's terrified. Debt collectors hound her day and night. She's still family to me. How can I not ache for her?"

Elspeth placed a trembling hand over Frederic's tense one, tears welling. "You've always been generous. Let's help her through this, just this once. Consider it charity."

Frederic's expression softened slightly.

Then Thaddeus tossed a recorder onto the table.

"If you still want to help her," he said coldly, "listen to this first."

Elspeth's pulse spiked. What was this?

Frederic pressed play.

Two voices—George and Acacia.

"Don't touch Evadne yet. Wait for my signal. Things are looking up—Thaddeus trusts me again. He's been by my side these past few days. And Mr. Frederic approved our marriage. The engagement should happen soon."

"Since you've secured Thaddeus, what about that fifty thousand?"

"You're nagging over pocket change? Fine, I'll send five now. The rest after the engagement."

Silence.

Elspeth's face drained of color. She regretted every word she'd just spoken.

Acacia was an idiot. Leaving evidence before sealing the deal? She deserved every bit of her downfall.

"Is this the 'good girl' you raised?" Thaddeus's voice was ice.

"You should thank my ex-wife for stopping your niece's little scheme. If Evadne had been hurt, Acacia wouldn't just be in debt. I'd make sure she suffered."

Elspeth inhaled sharply.

She'd underestimated him. She thought Thaddeus, like his father, would cling to sentiment. That years of history with Acacia would make him hesitate.

But no. His affection had vanished overnight.

"Acacia sees me and this family as stepping stones and ATMs," Thaddeus continued, standing. "Who's to say she won't waste this money on something reckless?"

He wiped his mouth, gaze cutting. "If you want to donate, Mr. Frederic, there are orphanages and schools in need. Why throw money at a schemer?"

With that, he left.

Elspeth shivered.

Frederic pulled his hand away. "Thaddeus is right. The Sterlings dug their own grave. We've helped enough. No more."

He stormed off.

Glynnis chewed her steak, unfazed. "Why help her? She deserves this."

"Shut up!" Elspeth hurled a bread roll at her.

She'd have to dip into her own funds now. The thought made her chest tighten.

Later, Thaddeus drove to Havenbrook alone.

Even with Acacia dealt with, his mood remained heavy.

He'd always prided himself on perfection—running the Abernathy Group flawlessly.

Yet somehow, he'd failed at everything.

Marriage. Family.

A memory surfaced—someone praising Evadne: "She handled Mr. Hamilton like a pro! I never knew she had medical training. She's as skilled as his private doctor!"

His grip tightened on the wheel.

He should've noticed sooner.

She'd saved his grandfather. Treated a waiter's seizure. Even before the divorce, her massages had eased his migraines.

She'd done so much. Played the perfect wife.

So why had he found her irritating? Why had he dismissed her strengths, blinded by resentment?

His chest ached.

Looking back, Acacia was his biggest mistake.

And to Evadne, he was probably no better than Acacia.

At Havenbrook, Hamilton waited eagerly.

He'd always doted on Thaddeus—why else push him as CEO against all objections?

"Grandpa, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?" Thaddeus knelt by his wheelchair. "Come stay at Windermere. Alva and I can care for you."

Hamilton scoffed. "And shorten my lifespan? That woman Elspeth is a headache!"

Thaddeus chuckled.

Mr. Murray smiled. "You stay here because this villa holds your wife's presence. You can't bear to leave."

Hamilton's gaze grew distant. "Sometimes... I see her in the garden. Singing. Watering the flowers. She even smiles at me."

Thaddeus's throat tightened.

He remembered his grandparents' love. Had wanted that for himself.

Instead, he'd clung to Acacia—forcing a mismatch, ignoring the red flags, terrified of being alone.

And in the process, he'd shattered a heart as bright as a diamond.

"Grandpa," he whispered, voice breaking. "I'm sorry."

Hamilton sighed, patting his shoulder. "You're as stubborn as I was. But I was luckier—I found the right person. At least you woke up before it was too late."

Then, sternly: "Mr. Murray, compile a list tomorrow. All the eligible bachelors worthy of Evadne. She's divorced, but that shouldn't limit her future!"

Thaddeus's fist clenched.

The image of Avery offering Evadne roses under a sunset flashed in his mind.

His chest burned.

After chatting, Thaddeus left.

"Sir," Mr. Murray asked, puzzled, "I thought you wanted them back together?"

Hamilton smirked. "Men are possessive. Threaten what they take for granted, and they'll realize what they truly want."

Finally, the storm had passed.