Chapter 262

Bet's chest tightened painfully, his vision blurred with unshed tears as he reached to take Evadne from Thaddeus' arms.

Among the four sons born to Evadne’s mother, Cassius appeared the most composed—but appearances deceived.

Bet, burdened by his unique position, wore a mask of icy detachment. Yet beneath that hardened exterior, he was the most tender-hearted of Emeric’s children.

Even this year, when military duty kept him from celebrating Evadne’s birthday, he had wept silently beneath his sheets in the dead of night.

His soul was soft, his emotions raw.

"Let me hold her." Thaddeus’ voice was steel, his grip unyielding as he glared down at Evadne’s feverish form.

"You don’t have the right!"

Bet’s voice cracked, tears spilling as he remembered his sister’s shattered heart. "Do you think saving her erases what you did? You abandoned her! You broke her! I’ll never thank you for this!"

"I don’t want your gratitude."

Thaddeus exhaled roughly, his voice gravelly with regret. "Evadne means everything to me. I hurt her—I know that. Everything I do now is to atone."

"You can’t!"

Bet’s interruption was sharp as a blade. "You should’ve thought of that before! Look at her—she’s a shadow of who she was because of you. Your life isn’t enough to repay that debt!"

Thaddeus stiffened, the words striking like a physical blow.

A weak murmur broke the tension.

"Home… I want to go home."

Evadne stirred in Thaddeus’ arms, her fingers curling weakly into his shirt.

"Evadne, I’m here!" Bet’s anger dissolved into desperation as he reached for her.

But as he lifted her, her grip on Thaddeus tightened.

"Don’t leave…" Her whisper was fragile, barely audible.

"I won’t." Thaddeus’ voice softened, his usual coldness melting. "You’re burning up. I’m not going anywhere."

Then, to Bet’s shock, Thaddeus looked at him—pleading. "Let me take her to the hospital. I’ll leave as soon as she’s safe."

"Absolutely not!"

"Bet."

Cassius stepped forward, his tone firm. "Let him come. We’ll all go together."

Bet’s jaw clenched.

"Mr. Thaddeus," Cassius continued calmly, "regardless of the past, you saved her tonight. That deserves acknowledgment."

A lump formed in Thaddeus’ throat. "Thank you."

He cradled Evadne closer, as if she were something precious he’d lost and reclaimed.

The Abernathy Group’s helicopter arrived moments later. Thaddeus dismissed his own team without hesitation, boarding with the brothers.

As the aircraft ascended, Thaddeus never loosened his hold.

Bet pressed a hand to Evadne’s scorching forehead, his breath hitching.

"Open your eyes, Evadne. It’s me—your brother’s home."

"Bet, it’s just a fever. She’ll be fine." Cassius tried to reassure him, though his own pulse raced.

Thaddeus’ gaze darkened. "She nearly died today. She almost went over a cliff."

Both brothers paled.

"I helped, but she saved herself."

Bet’s lips curled. "You deserve hell, Thaddeus."

Every word dripped venom. "Every ounce of pain she’s endured—it’s because of you."

"I know."

No excuses. No defenses. Thaddeus accepted the blame like a man facing execution.

"Then why?" Bet’s voice broke. "Why marry her if you didn’t love her? Why give her hope just to destroy it?"

His tear-filled eyes burned with accusation. "She built her world around you. What did you ever give her but misery?"