Chapter 288

Evadne had just finished giving Thaddeus his medicine when Mr. Murray entered the room.

"How are you feeling, Thaddeus?"

"Much better, thanks to Evadne." Thaddeus' gaze lingered on her, warm and appreciative.

Evadne subtly took a step back, putting distance between them.

Normally, Thaddeus was as emotionally distant as a monk in meditation. But now? He was all charm and flirtation, seizing every chance to send her heart racing with just a look.

It was like he was a seasoned pan, and she was a fresh egg—he had her sizzling before she even realized it.

"Evadne, I can't thank you enough."

Mr. Murray started to bow, but Evadne quickly stepped forward, gently stopping him.

"Mr. Murray, there's no need. It's my duty."

"Evadne, you're still so kind to Mr. Thaddeus." Mr. Murray wasn't usually one to interfere, but he couldn't resist playing matchmaker.

"Don't misunderstand. My concern for Thaddeus is purely because he matters to his grandfather."

Evadne smiled. "Everything I do is for Grandpa."

Mr. Murray could only offer an awkward smile in return.

Thaddeus, however, looked utterly smitten, grinning like a fool.

He knew her sharp tongue well, but he also knew that at least one part of her—whether her body or her lips—was always honest with him.

"Thaddeus, if you're feeling up to it, Frederic would like to speak with you in the study."

Thaddeus gave a slight nod. "Of course."

Then he turned to Evadne, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait for me. I won't be long."

"Humph. Who said I'm waiting for you? I'm leaving now. Goodbye!"

Evadne brushed past him, chin lifted defiantly.

He had the sudden urge to grab her hand and pull her back. But all he could do was watch her walk away, lips pressed together in silent frustration.

Seeing Thaddeus' expression, Mr. Murray felt both amused and regretful.

"Do I look ridiculous to you, Mr. Murray?" Thaddeus asked, his tone self-deprecating.

Mr. Murray smiled reassuringly. "Not at all, Thaddeus. I'm glad you've finally acknowledged your feelings. You're both free now. There's still a chance. Just love her the way she once loved you. She's a good woman. Don't let her down again."

Then Mr. Murray bowed deeply.

Thaddeus swallowed hard, fighting back the lump in his throat. "Mr. Murray... do you really think I can win her back?"

Mr. Murray hesitated before answering. "The road won't be easy, Thaddeus. But no matter what, don't give up on her."

Thaddeus walked alone into Hamilton's study.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Evadne's slender figure emerged from around the staircase. She tiptoed to the study door, pressing her ear against it, her dark eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Inside, Hamilton poured his grandson a glass of warm water.

"Thank you, Grandfather."

Thaddeus accepted it with both hands, maintaining his composure despite his injuries.

"Thaddeus, are your wounds still painful?" Hamilton's face was etched with concern.

"They're nothing serious. Just superficial."

Thaddeus shifted slightly, discomfort flickering across his face before he masked it. "Don't worry. I'm not that fragile. I am a soldier, after all."

"If you're not fragile, then why didn't you fight back? Your father was clearly provoked by Elspeth. He had no right to take it out on you. Why didn't you throw that whip back in her face?" Hamilton's voice was thick with frustration.

Thaddeus stared at his reflection in the glass, silent.

After a long pause, Hamilton sighed. "You're my grandson, Thaddeus. You're part of this family. You don't still feel guilty toward the Abernathys, do you?"

Thaddeus' jaw tightened.

When he was five, he and his dying mother had lived in a filthy slum, bullied and struggling to survive.

Then, one stormy night, a luxury car had crashed into their bleak world.

Their ramshackle house leaked everywhere. The rickety wooden door was easily pushed open by the man outside.

A young Thaddeus had been sitting by his mother's bed, feeding her water. His father, Frederic, had been young and handsome then, dressed in an immaculate suit. He strode into the room, his expensive shoes untouched by the storm.

At that moment, Thaddeus had looked at this man who seemed to have descended from heaven, and only one thought had crossed his mind.

Please save my mother.

Frederic had rushed to the bedside, tears in his eyes as he gathered the unconscious woman into his arms.

"Cynthia... I'm sorry. I came too late. I've come for you and our son."

Thaddeus would never forget the day Frederic brought them to the Abernathy estate, their love as deep as the ocean. Despite the family's objections, Frederic had accepted him—his illegitimate child.

But had Frederic truly loved his mother?

If he had, he wouldn't have turned his affections elsewhere. And his mother wouldn't have sunk into despair and taken her own life.

Was her death due to illness, or the fickleness of the man she loved?

"You don't owe the Abernathys anything, boy. They owe you," Hamilton said, patting his grandson's shoulder.

"Your father loved your mother deeply. But at the time, the Abernathy Group was in crisis. We had to arrange his marriage to the Austins to save the company. I'm sorry, my boy."

"You did nothing wrong, Grandfather. You did what was necessary." Thaddeus' words implied forgiveness—but not for Frederic.

"I didn't fight back because of my brother. Before he left Elmsworth for treatment, he asked me to maintain peace with Frederic for his sake." Thaddeus' voice was steady. "I've tolerated it as long as I could. But this is the last time."

Hamilton sighed heavily.

Outside the door, Evadne strained to listen.

She was practically glued to the wood, trying to catch every word. The mansion's soundproofing was excellent, and she had to focus hard to hear clearly.

Thaddeus' brother? What happened back then?

Suddenly, the study door swung open!

Lost in thought, Evadne didn't react in time—and collided with Thaddeus.

"Eavesdropping?"

"Goodbye!" Evadne tried to bolt, but Thaddeus caught her waist, pulling her flush against him.

Their bodies pressed together, warmth seeping through their clothes. Their heartbeats were loud, synchronized.

Caught red-handed, Evadne flushed crimson, squirming in his hold. Thaddeus' grip tightened, his fingers curling around the delicate curve of her waist.

"Answer me."

"I—I came to say goodbye to Grandfather! I wasn't trying to listen in. Let go of me!"

Thaddeus studied her—the blush on her cheeks, the way she fumbled for excuses. It was endearing.

He couldn't look away. The more he saw, the deeper he fell.

"No secrets," he murmured.

"Huh?"

"I have no secrets from you."

He leaned in, his breath brushing her lips, barely restraining himself from kissing her. "Ask me anything. I'll tell you everything."

"Fine. Then tell me—what happened between you and your brother?"

Thaddeus' expression darkened.

"Men's mouths are full of lies," Evadne scoffed. "Your promises are just hot air, aren't they?"

"Once things settle, I'll tell you everything. You're tired. Go home and rest."

Before she could react, he pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead—gentle, restrained.

Her breath hitched, heart fluttering wildly.

"Goodnight, Evadne."

Outside the grand Havenbrook Villa, the night had turned bitingly cold.

Evadne had left in such a hurry that Jason, worried she'd catch a chill, had brought a thick down jacket when he came to pick her up.

He'd waited so long his feet had gone numb before she finally emerged.

"Miss Evadne!"

She didn't respond, walking past him with flushed cheeks and a distant look in her eyes.

"Miss Evadne!" Jason caught her arm, concerned. "Are you all right?"

Evadne blinked. "Oh. Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for picking me up. Let's go."

Inside the car, the heater was already blasting. A thermos of tea Jason had prepared sat waiting for her.

Evadne crossed her legs, sipping the tea, her fingers absently brushing her forehead where Thaddeus had kissed her.

The warmth of his lips still lingered.

"Jason, can you look into something for me tomorrow?"

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Find out everything about Thaddeus' relationship with his brother—and what really happened to the Abernathy family before his mother left Elmsworth."

She didn't trust Thaddeus to tell her the truth.

But she would uncover it—no matter what.