Chapter 162

The domino effect Evadne triggered with the insignificant pawn George led to the complete downfall of the Sterling family.

Though the Abernathy family suffered collateral damage, Thaddeus ultimately didn’t marry Acacia. He became another victim in this mess, his reputation dragged through the mud, making him the talk of Elmsworth.

In the General Manager’s office at K Hotel.

Evadne squeezed in a couple of mobile games while Jason peeled grapes for her, simultaneously briefing her on important updates.

"Aaron sent word—Una’s trial is about to begin. No lawyer is willing to defend her. The evidence is airtight, and no one wants to take on a losing battle. A twenty-year sentence is practically guaranteed."

Jason leaned over, feeding her a plump, translucent grape.

She savored it, licking her lips with satisfaction. "So sweet!"

Jason chuckled.

"Aaron could’ve called me himself, but he made you relay the message." Evadne sighed, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Aaron and Nydia were alike—both overthinkers.

Though only three years older than her, Aaron had cared for her since childhood with the same devotion as her other brothers.

"Aaron has a bit of an inferiority complex. He can’t bring himself to openly spoil you," Jason remarked, well-versed in the Ashbourne family dynamics.

"He always overthinks."

Evadne shook her head. "In my heart, he’s no different from Cassius. I love and admire them equally."

"By the way, George is rotting in jail now. Arnold and Aaron teamed up to crack down on underground gambling dens and loan sharks. A few of those scumbags are locked up with him."

Jason clenched his jaw, eyes icy. "George can take his sweet time repaying his debts behind bars."

Evadne smirked. "My brothers are so thoughtful. I’ll have to cook them a feast as thanks."

"Also, the Sterling family’s debt is nearly cleared."

Evadne paused, brows knitting. "Did Thaddeus bail them out? He’s really devoted to the Sterlings."

"No. It was Elspeth."

Evadne fell silent.

"But it’s strange. Acacia’s reputation is in ruins—she’s useless now. Elspeth isn’t a saint either. Why would she clean up the Sterlings’ mess?" Jason voiced his confusion.

"Even if Acacia is useless, she might have dirt on Elspeth."

Evadne’s tone turned frigid. "They’ve been scheming together for years. Do you think Acacia doesn’t know any of Elspeth’s secrets? As you said, Elspeth isn’t a philanthropist. She’s being blackmailed into filling the Sterling Group’s financial hole."

"Serves her right!"

Jason peeled another grape and handed it to Evadne. "I heard Acacia paid the hospital bill and fled abroad to avoid the scandal. Doubt she’ll dare show her face in Elmsworth anytime soon. That poor little girl was completely abandoned. As per your instructions, I sent her to the Ashbourne-sponsored welfare home. She’s adjusting well, so you needn’t worry."

"What a shame." Evadne swallowed the grape.

"Huh?"

"It’s a shame Acacia and Thaddeus didn’t end up together. They’re both selfish, cold-hearted monsters—they deserve to be shackled together for life."

Just as Evadne exited the game, a friend request popped up from a player named Rose, with an impressively high level.

As a gaming legend, she received countless friend requests daily. But the username "Rose" intrigued her, so she accepted.

Rose messaged immediately: [Want to play together?]

Cifer: [About to log off. Maybe next time.]

Rose: [Then, how about coffee at K Hotel?]

Minutes later, Evadne arrived at the third-floor café.

The place was nearly empty. Avery sat by the window, the golden sunset casting a halo around his tall frame, making him impossible to miss.

"Mr. Avery."

Evadne approached, surprised. "When did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me?"

"Didn’t want to disturb your work. I just got back and had nothing to do, so I thought I’d wait here."

Avery smiled, waving his phone. "Then I logged into the game and saw you online. Figured I’d shoot my shot."

"What would you like to drink? My treat."

His thoughtfulness made her feel oddly guilty, as if she owed him an apology.

"I’ve already had three coffees. Not thirsty, but I’m starving."

Avery adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his smile disarmingly genuine. "President Ashbourne, may I sample the cuisine at your esteemed hotel? Been in Helgen for years—I’ve missed authentic Elmsworth flavors."

Knowing he’d waited so long, she couldn’t refuse. "Of course. My treat."

She had Jason reserve a private dining room and ordered the chef’s signature dishes.

Over dinner, their conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter filling the room.

Outside, Jason leaned against the wall, unease gnawing at him as Evadne’s bright laughter drifted through the door.

He despised Thaddeus.

And Avery? Jason didn’t trust him either.

Some people, you just knew instinctively—you’d never be friends. Your gut screamed warnings from the start.

Though Jason adored Evadne, he wasn’t the jealous type. He didn’t resent men who interacted with her.

But Avery’s ever-present smile felt like a mask. Unreadable. Unpredictable. Even Evadne couldn’t anticipate his sudden appearances.

Too hard to guard against.

"The head chef here is incredible. This meal was perfect—all thanks to you," Avery said, satisfied.

"Thank you. I’ve been meaning to treat you, especially after you saved me," Evadne replied sincerely.

Avery tilted his head slightly, his smile turning playful. "Ms. Evadne, surely saving your life is worth more than just dinner?"

Evadne blinked.

Then, two concert tickets materialized before her.

"Christina’s debut piano recital is tonight at seven. Join me?" Avery’s grin was irresistible.

Evadne hesitated.

Sensing her reluctance, Avery leaned in, his voice low and coaxing.

"Ms. Evadne, you wouldn’t deny your lifesaver such a small request, would you?"

In the president’s office at Abernathy Group.