Chapter 283

Hamilton held onto Thaddeus with one hand and Evadne with the other, refusing to let go.

His grip was firm, his words relentless. He criticized Frederic, then Elspeth, his complaints never repeating. Evadne worried he’d exhaust himself.

After venting, Hamilton turned affectionate, murmuring Thaddeus’ name and casually pressing their hands together. Thaddeus couldn’t help but smile at Evadne, warmth in his gaze.

Evadne felt it but ignored him, lips pressed tight.

Seeing her indifference, Thaddeus tightened his hold.

Then—her hand slipped free.

He looked up, meeting her irritated glare.

She shot him a look sharp enough to flay skin.

Fine. He’d failed.

But her presence tonight was enough. He wouldn’t push.

"Thaddeus, you should thank Evadne," Hamilton said pointedly, winking. "If she hadn’t told me about Frederic’s punishment, I wouldn’t have gotten here in time. She saved you."

"Evadne," Thaddeus murmured, voice soft, eyes tender. "Thank you."

His gaze sent a shiver down her spine. She scoffed. "Thank Mari, not me."

"Mari?" Both men blinked.

"She called me. Told me everything. That’s how I knew to contact your grandfather." Evadne’s tone turned icy. "Don’t read into it."

"You told Grandpa. That means you care." Thaddeus was relentless.

Evadne rolled her eyes. "Believe what you want."

Hamilton sighed. "Mari’s a good girl. Kind-hearted, unlike that spoiled Glynnis. Almost landed herself in jail—nearly gave me gray hair!"

"Mari was always kind to me," Evadne said, voice steady despite the ache in her chest. "Without her, I wouldn’t have lasted three years in that house."

Hamilton caught the unspoken pain. He shot Thaddeus a reproachful look.

Thaddeus’ chest tightened with regret.

"Grandpa," Evadne hesitated. "There’s something I’d like to ask."

"Go ahead."

"I want you to take Mari in."

"I agree," Thaddeus cut in.

"I wasn’t asking you!"

He smirked. "Doesn’t matter. I support you either way."

Evadne gritted her teeth. She wanted to leap out of the car.

"Did something happen to Mari?" Hamilton asked, concerned.

"She has autism. Frederic and Elspeth are too busy to care for her properly. It’s not good for her condition." Evadne kept her tone neutral, avoiding mention of Glynnis’ cruelty. "With you, she’ll have family. And you won’t be alone."

Hamilton’s eyes misted. "You’re too thoughtful. I’ve neglected her." He patted her hand. "Tomorrow, I’ll send for her."

Meanwhile, Windermere Estate simmered with tension.

Frederic’s attempt at discipline had backfired spectacularly. Humiliated, he’d stormed out.

Elspeth fumed in her room, hatred boiling in her veins.

A timid knock interrupted her seething.

"Ma’am? Miss Glynnis is hitting Miss Mari again. Should we intervene?"