Chapter 180

Evadne clenched her jaw.

The Ashbourne children had always been coddled by Emeric and his three wives, given every privilege to pursue their dreams without restraint.

Once, she had been desperate for love. For Thaddeus, she had abandoned her home, risked everything, and even let him trample over her pride—all for the foolish notion of true love.

Now, she had woken up.

She had returned to the Ashbourne Group, determined to take on the responsibility of inheriting the family business. Not just to atone for past mistakes, but to ensure her siblings could live freely, unburdened by duty.

She refused to let her family's peace be shattered.

Yet here was Thaddeus, shamelessly pushing her limits.

It was unbearable.

"Low?"

The word struck Thaddeus like a blade. His eyes darkened, burning with something dangerous.

In an instant, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her lips. "If I'm so low, then tell me, Evadne—was having Gordon arrested your way of getting back at me?"

Getting back at him?

Fury surged through her. The man was utterly unreasonable!

He had sent Gordon to spy on her. He had been caught red-handed by Aaron. And instead of apologizing, he had the audacity to accuse her?

Unbelievable.

"If it wasn't your doing, why would Aaron arrest Gordon without cause?" Thaddeus demanded, his voice thick with anger. His chest heaved, emotions tangled beyond control. "You hate that I won once, don't you? So you teamed up with your brothers to take me down—to take down the Abernathy Group!"

She smirked, tilting her head. "Jealous? My brothers adore me. What can I say?"

"Evadne!" His jaw tightened.

"You have your precious sisters. Can't I have my brothers?" She arched a brow, her smile sharp enough to draw blood. "If it bothers you so much, why don’t you send your little darlings after me?"

Normally, she’d never stoop to this.

But tonight, with alcohol in her veins and Thaddeus provoking her, she couldn’t hold back.

"Sisters? What are you talking about?" Confusion flickered across his face.

"Don’t play dumb." She shoved at his chest, disgust curling her lip. "I don’t have time for your games, you revolting old man."

His grip tightened.

A memory flashed—Evadne vomiting on him outside a bar, then nearly getting him arrested for harassment. When he’d gotten home, he’d found claw marks raked across his chest, stinging and raw.

Now, her hands were on him again, and his pulse roared in response.

"I’ve said my piece. If you send anyone to follow me again, the police station will be the least of your worries." She pushed harder, her eyes glinting with warning. "Let. Me. Go."

"No." His voice was rough, unyielding.

"This is a police station! Keep this up, and I’ll have Aaron arrest you!"

"Even then, you’re not leaving."

"Why not?"

"What sisters?" he demanded, frustration bleeding into his tone. "I only have Glynnis and Mari. Who else?"

She nearly screamed. This man was impossible!

Just then, Thaddeus’s body tensed. He spun, blocking a strike aimed at his back with lightning reflexes.

Evadne barely had time to gasp before Thaddeus and Aaron were locked in combat, fists flying.

The air crackled with violence.

Thaddeus moved like a storm, every motion precise and lethal. Aaron, though skilled, was outmatched.

Only Elvis and Cassius could rival Thaddeus in combat.

When Thaddeus’s fist halted mid-swing at Evadne’s cry of "Don’t hit Aaron!"—Aaron seized the opening.

His punch landed hard.

Thaddeus staggered, the taste of copper flooding his mouth.

Evadne’s breath caught.

He had listened. He hadn’t fought back.

Aaron pulled her close, glaring at Thaddeus. "Touch my sister again, and I’ll make sure even your mother won’t recognize you."

But Evadne knew the truth—Thaddeus had held back.

In the end, she didn’t press charges. She knew Gordon wasn’t malicious—just blindly loyal.

Back in the car, Gordon slumped like a scolded puppy. "I’m sorry, Mr. Thaddeus. I messed up."

"Forget it," Thaddeus muttered, dabbing his split lip.

"You’re hurt!" Gordon gasped. "That cop hit you? I’ll file a complaint—"

"Innocent?" Thaddeus scoffed. After cornering Evadne, he was anything but.

"Drop it. The cop is Evadne’s brother—Emeric’s son."

Gordon paled. "How many brothers does she have?"

Thaddeus sighed. He’d like to know that himself.

His phone rang.

Edith’s name flashed on the screen.

"Edith," he answered coldly.

"Thad!" Her sugary voice grated on his nerves.

Then it hit him—Evadne’s words: "You have so many sweetheart sisters. Can’t I have a few good brothers?"

So that was why she was angry.

A thrill shot through him.

"Call me by my full name," he interrupted Edith’s rambling.

"What?"

"Your brother is Jareth. Not me."

He hung up, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Evadne was jealous.

And he loved it.