Chapter 318

Evadne jolted upright, her pulse racing as her eyes locked onto the stage.

Debby, seated closest to her, immediately noticed the shift in her sister's demeanor and the sudden intensity in her gaze.

The crowd's attention swiftly diverted from Avery back to the spectacle unfolding before them.

"Look! This is from my grandson, my very own grandson!" Hamilton beamed, enthusiastically patting Cassius on one shoulder and Jeff on the other.

He'd known his grandson wouldn't let him down. "That sly Chambers boy wasn't about to steal the spotlight, was he?" Hamilton thought smugly. "Tell me, Jeff, doesn't your youngest have his eye on our Evadne?" His snowy eyebrows danced mischievously.

"Our Evadne?" Jeff echoed, perplexed.

"I mean Evadne. That's what I call her—force of habit," Hamilton corrected with a chuckle.

Jeff pressed his lips together, his expression inscrutable. "My youngest has always marched to his own beat. I can't claim to understand his thoughts."

"You don't?" Hamilton laughed heartily. "On Myra's birthday, your boy pulls out a three-million-dollar antique. If that's not courting Emeric's favor, what is? Seems he's set his sights on Evadne."

"The younger generation's affairs are... complicated," Jeff replied stiffly.

"Be that as it may, I'll say my piece." Hamilton reclined comfortably, triumph gleaming in his eyes. "Evadne will end up with my grandson. So Jeff, my advice? Tell your boy there are plenty of eligible ladies out there. With Avery's talents and looks, he'll find someone more suitable. No sense wasting time on what he can't have."

Jeff could only muster an awkward smile in response.

Even Cassius beside him couldn't conceal his surprise, his lips quirking slightly.

Mr. Hamilton, ever the strategist. It was clear why he'd been such a formidable force in his youth.

In the shadows, a handsome face darkened with icy displeasure.

He'd anticipated Thaddeus would present a gift, but not this grand gesture. It had caught him completely off guard!

At that moment, the host brought forth another tray draped in crimson silk, placing it ceremoniously on the display table.

Simultaneously, measured footsteps approached from behind Avery.

With a cold glance, he turned to see Thaddeus making his entrance—composed, dignified, every inch the aristocrat.

"Mrs. Myra, this is my birthday gift to you," Thaddeus announced, taking his place beside Avery. His chiseled features seemed carved from marble, his eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "Wishing you the happiest of birthdays."

His courtesy was impeccable, his bearing that of true nobility.

Hamilton couldn't suppress his grin. His grandson had clearly outshone that bespectacled upstart!

Evadne studied Thaddeus, her emotions a turbulent sea.

What intrigued her most was what this infuriating man had chosen for Myra.

Avery had set the bar astronomically high with his rare antique. What could Thaddeus possibly present to surpass that?

"Thank you for your kind wishes, Mr. Thaddeus. We're honored by your presence tonight," Myra responded graciously, her warmth enveloping the room.

Emeric observed Thaddeus with a sardonic smile. Outwardly composed, inwardly seething.

After all, this was the man who'd broken his precious Evadne's heart.

Yet here he stood, bold as brass at an Ashbourne family event.

The audacity was almost impressive.

"My gift isn't particularly valuable, but it comes from the heart. I hope it pleases you, Mrs. Myra," Thaddeus said with quiet dignity.

Evadne rested her chin on her hand, watching him with amusement.

The usually aloof Thaddeus was showing an unexpectedly charming side.

She had to admit—he was quite the performer.

"Since it's a token of Mr. Thaddeus's sincerity, let's see it," Emeric said airily, as though granting a favor.

Myra hid a smile. His dislike for Thaddeus was practically genetic.

Noticing Emeric's expression, Avery smirked.

No matter how Thaddeus tried to ingratiate himself, it was futile. He'd wounded Evadne deeply—and in doing so, alienated the entire Ashbourne clan.

Some breaches were irreparable.

Together, Myra and Emeric lifted the crimson cloth.

Inside the crystal case lay a golden phoenix crown, adorned with lustrous pearls.

Myra's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as she fought back tears.

"Myrie? Are you all right?" Emeric asked softly, squeezing her hand.

Myra quickly composed herself, though her eyes still shimmered. "Emeric... I love Mr. Thaddeus's gift. Truly, I do."

Her heartfelt words echoed through the banquet hall, stunning everyone—including Evadne!

She couldn't fathom why this crown, which looked more like an elaborate prop than a priceless artifact, had moved Myra so deeply.

"Myrie, I don't understand," Emeric admitted.

Myra didn't explain immediately. Instead, she turned to Thaddeus, eyes shining. "Mr. Thaddeus, might I ask where you found this?"

"It's quite a story," Thaddeus replied solemnly. "After extensive searching, I located it with a retired prop master who'd kept it all these years. He refused to sell—until learning it was for your birthday. Then he gave it freely."

Myra's breath caught. "Is it from... 'Love In A Fallen City'?"

Thaddeus nodded. "Indeed."

Myra covered her mouth, overwhelmed.

Evadne quickly searched the series on her phone.

It was a wildly popular drama from over two decades ago—the role that made Myra a star!

The iconic queen Myra portrayed had worn this very crown.

"Of course!" Evadne murmured, her gaze softening toward Thaddeus.

However much she disliked him, she couldn't deny the thoughtfulness of his gift.

He'd clearly gone to great lengths to find something so meaningful to Myra.

Emeric, listening quietly, was visibly moved. His hostility toward Thaddeus faded. "Well done, Thaddeus. This was exceptionally considerate."

"You honor me, Chairman Emeric," Thaddeus replied, his heart soaring.

Tonight, sleep would be impossible—he'd be floating on cloud nine!

Avery watched Thaddeus's triumph, fury rising like a tide.

He prided himself on cunning, yet Thaddeus had outmaneuvered him with a mere gift!

"There's more," Thaddeus added, his smile radiant. "My grandfather and I wish to donate thirty million dollars to the Myra Foundation."

Gasps filled the room.

Thirty million!

The Abernathy Group certainly knew how to make a statement.

Emeric's sharp eyes gleamed with approval.

Avery had been thoroughly eclipsed.

Seeing an opening, Jeff raised his hand casually. "I'll donate as well—forty million, if I may."

Cheers erupted. "How generous!"

If Abernathy acted, Chambers couldn't lag behind!

"Much obliged!" Emeric laughed, waving at him.

"Forty million? That's outrageous!" Byron grumbled.

"To Father, it's worth it to salvage Avery's dignity," Matthew observed, watching Avery's pallid face with amusement.

After presenting their gifts, Thaddeus and Avery returned to their seats.

"Mr. Thaddeus, I underestimated your cunning. My compliments," Avery said coldly, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "This round is yours—but only this one."

"Choose your words carefully, Mr. Avery." Thaddeus lifted his chin, his handsome face imperious. "You didn't 'let' me win. You lost."

"Thaddeus." Avery's jaw clenched, his eyes darkening—he despised losing.

"But do you know why you lost, despite your efforts?" Thaddeus's gaze was calm, his lips curving in a beautiful, mocking smile. "However cunning I may be, it's only to win Evadne's heart. Your motives... aren't so pure."

With that, Thaddeus strode away.

Avery's breath came harshly, his expression savage.

The banquet continued in high spirits.

Pleased with his victory, Thaddeus slipped out for a celebratory smoke.

He hadn't gone far when a voice stopped him cold.

"Thaddeus!"

He turned swiftly.

Evadne approached, her stilettos clicking rhythmically, her movements graceful as a summer breeze.

Her luminous eyes sparkled, her glossy hair swayed, her lips like a midnight rose.

Suddenly, desire overwhelmed him.

He longed to pull her into his arms, to hold her, to kiss her.

In moments, she stood before him.

Their gazes locked, the air between them charged with unspoken electricity.

No words were needed—the tension was palpable.

"I didn't expect your gift to be the highlight of Myra's evening," Evadne said lightly, her eyes dancing. "Among all the presents, yours clearly moved her most. You've outshone even me."

"What?" Thaddeus blanched, hastily explaining. "I only thought she'd appreciate it. I never meant to—Evadne, I'm sorry, I didn't intend to overshadow you. You're her family—she must cherish your gift above all."

"Stop apologizing!" Evadne frowned impatiently, her lips pursing. "How many times must I say it? Your constant 'sorries' make me feel like a bully! I came to thank you."

Thaddeus stared, stunned.

Her anger he could handle—her blows, her temper.

But gratitude? That left him reeling.

"It's been ages since I've seen Myra so genuinely happy," Evadne admitted, her smile soft. "For that, thank you."

"Family means everything to you. That's beautiful." Thaddeus gazed at her tenderly, his affection plain.

Evadne's heart skipped. Emotions surged within her.

'You used to be everything to me too,' she thought.

"Evadne, come with me." Suddenly, Thaddeus took her hand. "I have something for you."