Chapter 315

The grand banquet hall doors stood open, revealing the glittering world inside.

Avery Chambers wasn't dressed in the flashy designer suits his brothers favored. Instead, he wore a tailored dark gray suit, simple yet refined. His short hair was neatly styled, and the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose gave his deep brown eyes an intellectual air.

"Darling, let's go home. I don't like it here." Mrs. Chambers clutched the sleeve of his jacket, her voice trembling.

She looked stunning in an elegant lavender gown, her hair pinned up with a priceless jade hairpin. A delicate set of pearl jewelry adorned her neck and ears—custom pieces gifted by the royal family of Helgen, more valuable than diamonds.

To Avery, she was everything.

He wanted to give her the world.

Avery smiled gently, squeezing her hand. "Don't be afraid, Mother. I'm right here."

"But—"

"I brought you tonight because I knew you wanted to see Evadne. Didn't you say just yesterday how much you missed her?"

"Evadne?" Mrs. Chambers brightened instantly, her eyes lighting up. "Oh! Evadne! I get to see Evadne!"

Avery turned, and there she was—Evadne Ashbourne, walking toward them. Warmth flooded his chest, and his lips curved into an uncontrollable smile.

"Evadne."

"Mrs. Chambers!"

Evadne hurried forward, taking the older woman's hands with a delighted grin. "I had no idea you were coming! This is such a wonderful surprise!"

"I'm so happy to see you, dear!"

Mrs. Chambers adored Evadne. She pulled her into a tight hug before rummaging through her purse. "Here! I brought chocolates for you! Last time, you loved them, didn't you?"

Evadne accepted the candies, touched. "You remembered. Thank you."

She had seen battlefields and bloodshed, but it was these small, tender moments that moved her most.

"You look absolutely radiant tonight," Evadne said warmly.

"Do I?" Mrs. Chambers blushed like a schoolgirl. "My son picked this outfit. I usually just wear house clothes, so all this finery feels strange."

"You're stunning," Evadne assured her before glancing at Avery. "You have excellent taste."

Avery's breath hitched. His pulse roared like crashing waves.

"The Chambers family is already seated—Jeff and my father are at the same table. Let me take you over."

Evadne started to guide them when Avery stopped her. "Wait."

She turned, puzzled. "Yes?"

"You know our situation. My mother and I lost our place in the Chambers Group years ago. We were exiled to Helgen for fifteen years. I was just a boy, and she... wasn't well." His voice was rough, as if the words scraped his throat.

Evadne listened, picturing a young boy caring for his ailing mother. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"So I don’t want to sit with them. And I don’t want my mother subjected to their company either."

When Evadne didn’t respond, Avery assumed she disagreed. His smile turned wry. "If it’s uncomfortable for you, we’ll leave. I’ve seen you, and I’ve delivered Myra’s gifts. That’s enough."

"Ave, you’re overcomplicating things."

Evadne wouldn’t refuse them. "We’ll all sit together. It’s just a family dinner. No pressure."

Relief washed over Avery’s face. His brown eyes crinkled. "Thank you."

As they entered the banquet hall, Byron Chambers nearly choked on his wine. "Matthew! Look—it’s her!"

Matthew swirled his glass, his gaze flicking toward the entrance.

Avery and Evadne walked side by side, laughing. Matthew’s jaw tightened.

He’s getting too close.

"Persistent men always win over shy women," Byron sneered. "Our little brother is shameless! The deal isn’t even done, and he’s already playing servant. If they marry, he’ll be her lapdog!"

Elva shot him a disgusted look. Hard to believe he was a Chambers heir.

"Father wanted you to marry Evadne," Matthew said coldly. "If this continues, your future wife will be your sister-in-law."

"I won’t grovel like him!"

Matthew leaned in, voice low. "If persistence earns you billions, elevates your status, and secures power—would you still refuse?"

Byron fell silent.

"Act now, or everything we’ve worked for will be wasted." Matthew’s eyes darkened. "If he marries into the Ashbourne family, especially with Emeric’s favorite daughter, he’ll become unstoppable."

Byron’s grip on his glass tightened.

Meanwhile, Evadne led Avery and Mrs. Chambers to the Ashbourne table.

"Mrs. Chambers! You’re back from Helgen!" Suri and Aviana greeted her warmly.

"Who are these people?" Mrs. Chambers whispered to Avery.

He introduced them patiently. "This is Chairman Emeric’s wife, Suri, and Myra. These are Evadne’s siblings. That’s Jareth Fairhaven and his lovely companion, Mari."

Jareth, initially annoyed by Avery’s presence, preened at being called "lovely."

Men were so easily flattered.

Cassius stood, ever the gentleman. The Ashbourne siblings followed suit—even if they disliked Avery, they’d never show it publicly.

Only Thaddeus remained seated, his icy glare fixed on Avery, body coiled like a spring.

He didn’t introduce me.

Deliberate disrespect.

"There are so many people," Mrs. Chambers fretted. "I can’t remember them all!"

"Don’t worry," Evadne reassured her. "We’re all friends here. Please, sit."

But there was only one empty seat.

"Mother, you and Evadne take it. I’ll find another table," Avery offered.

"No!" Mrs. Chambers clung to him. "I won’t sit alone!"

The table exchanged glances.

"Suri," Aviana murmured, "does Mrs. Chambers seem... off?"

"Emeric mentioned she has Alzheimer’s. It’s progressed quite far."

"How tragic."

Seeing Mrs. Chambers’ distress, Avery looked helplessly at Evadne.

"Mr. Thaddeus."

Evadne tapped his shoulder. "Would you mind giving up your seat?"

Thaddeus looked up, eyes blazing. "Why should I move for him?"

Jareth stifled a laugh.

Petty.

"It’s not about him. Mrs. Chambers needs to stay with her son. Since you’re the only one who can move..."

"I won’t."

"Fine. Then I’ll go to another table!"

Panicked, Thaddeus nearly stood—but Cassius intervened.

"Evadne, Mr. Thaddeus is our guest. I’ll move."

With that, Cassius gracefully excused himself.

Avery’s jaw clenched.

He’s making me look ungrateful.

Thaddeus exhaled in relief.

Thank you, brother-in-law.

The banquet began at last.

Since Evadne hadn’t seen Debby in ages, she seated her beside herself—forcing Avery to sit next to Debby instead. His disappointment was palpable.

"Debby, Mr. Avery just returned from Helgen too. You must have much to discuss."

"Really? How long were you there?" Debby asked.

"Fifteen years."

"Then you’re practically a local! I’ve only been married there three years."

"What business were you in?"

Avery smiled. "Import-export."

Thaddeus cut in, voice razor-sharp. "What exactly did you import?"

Avery’s fist clenched under the table.

"Unless it’s classified," Thaddeus added, icy gaze dissecting him. "Or perhaps your business dealings aren’t fit for polite company?"