Chapter 171

Avery's mocking words made Byron's expression darken instantly, his fingers curling into tight fists.

The Ashbourne family members remained silent, but Jeff suddenly had an epiphany, his furious gaze locking onto Avery.

"Evadne, ladies should have warm beverages. I've arranged for some mulled wine to be prepared for you. A small glass won't hurt," Avery said with a gentle smile, deliberately ignoring Byron's visible irritation.

"Uh, I'm fine with anything, really."

Trapped between the two Chambers brothers, Evadne shifted uncomfortably, forcing an awkward laugh. "But if I had to choose, I'd prefer a beer."

Both brothers turned to her simultaneously, their voices overlapping sharply. "Absolutely not! You'll get gout!"

As the banquet neared its end, Avery excused himself to visit the restroom.

At the sink, he pumped an excessive amount of soap into his palms, scrubbing furiously as if his hands were contaminated specimens. His skin turned raw from the friction, but he still couldn't shake the lingering scent of seafood.

He washed five times, sniffing his hands each time before squeezing more soap, meticulously cleaning every crevice.

The restroom door creaked open.

Byron strode in, his expression stormy. Seeing Avery's obsessive handwashing, he smirked. "Having a rough night? Peeling shrimp for Evadne must be torture for a germaphobe like you. Bet you'll be dreaming about hand sanitizer tonight."

Avery ignored the jab, calmly drying his hands with a paper towel.

"Long time no see, Avery. I thought Helgen might’ve taught you something impressive." Byron sneered. "Turns out all you learned was how to grovel."

"Jealous, Byron?"

Avery adjusted his glasses, his tone light but cutting. "At least I got close to her. You? You’re still scrambling for scraps outside, desperate for her attention."

"You—!"

"Face it. While you’re out here flailing, I’m the one she’s actually smiling at."

Byron’s eyes burned with rage. "Hah! No wonder Dad always favored me. You’d rather debase yourself than stand with dignity."

"In this world, the ends justify the means."

Avery tossed the towel into the bin, his smile chilling. "You never waste words on me. Why the sudden chatter tonight? Could it be… you’re panicking? Watching me get closer to Evadne while you flounder?"

"Avery! Don’t get ahead of yourself! Dad would never approve of you with an Ashbourne! You think you can compete with me?!" Byron snarled, his teeth grinding.

"Worthiness isn’t for you to decide."

Avery turned slowly, his gaze narrowing behind his gold-rimmed glasses. "As for Evadne? She will be mine."

Predictably, Byron stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Avery’s smile vanished, his fists clenching.

His phone buzzed. He answered coldly. "Speak."

"Mr. Chambers, brace yourself." His secretary’s voice was tense. "Thaddeus is here. Alone. Right outside the Ashbourne estate."

Avery’s eyes sharpened. "Understood."

Thaddeus stood under a flickering streetlamp across from Silvercrest Harbor, clad in a thin suit.

Despite Skyrim’s coastal warmth, the autumn night wind bit through his sleeves, sending chills down his spine.

This was his third time waiting here for Evadne.

But tonight, something was different. A quiet desperation had ignited in his chest, burning fiercer with each passing minute.

He stared at the stars, wondering—what if she never came?

As her ex-husband, pride kept him from reaching out. Humiliation was a bitter pill he refused to swallow.

So he waited. And waited.

He had to see her.

Then—the gates creaked open.

Thaddeus’s pulse spiked, his body tensing as he leaned forward.

His breath hitched.

But it wasn’t Evadne.

Avery strolled out, smirking.

"Mr. Thaddeus, lurking outside private property at this hour? How… ungentlemanly."

Thaddeus didn’t flinch. "Since when do you own Skyrim?"

"Still sore about losing, aren’t you?" Avery laughed coldly. "I know why you’re here. Regret’s eating you alive. You realized too late that Acacia played you, and now you want Evadne back. As if she’s some consolation prize."

Thaddeus’s throat tightened, the taste of bitterness spreading.

"Evadne’s moved on. With me. If you think you can waltz back into her life, you’ll have to go through me first." Avery adjusted his glasses, his gaze glacial.

"You don’t speak for her."

Thaddeus lifted his chin, defiance blazing. "If I want a second chance, she’s the one who’ll reject me. Not you."

"Avery!"

"Thaddeus!"

Two voices cut through the night.

Thaddeus’s head snapped up—

Evadne was storming toward him, her eyes blazing. His heart lurched.

"Evadne, you’ll catch a chill," Avery murmured, his harshness melting into concern.

But she breezed past him without a glance, stopping directly in front of Thaddeus.

Their gazes locked, an invisible force field sealing them in their own world.

Avery’s fists clenched.

"Mr. Thaddeus, back again? Should I start charging admission for the view?" Evadne crossed her arms, her tone razor-sharp.

Thaddeus swallowed. "The view is beautiful."

Her eye twitched. Was he mocking her?

"Next time, I’ll arrange a guided tour. Stop treating my home like a tourist trap." She gritted her teeth. "Now leave."

Thaddeus studied her for a long moment before murmuring, "Goodnight."

Evadne blinked.

Goodnight?

He came all this way just to say that?

Without another word, Thaddeus turned and walked toward his car.

"Thaddeus, wait."