Chapter 325

Dawn barely broke when Jareth rushed to the hospital after ensuring Mari was safely tucked in bed. The Ashbourne and Abernathy families had already gathered in tense anticipation.

Hamilton, the aging patriarch, was visibly exhausted. Frederic guided him to a private hospital room to rest.

Cassius stepped into the hallway to answer Aaron’s call.

“Cassius, I just finished interrogating that bastard.” Aaron’s voice crackled through the phone, sharp with frustration. “Years of detective work, and I could tell right away he was hiding something. But he’s stubborn as hell—won’t confess!”

“What did he say?” Cassius’s tone remained steady, unreadable.

Aaron scoffed. “Claims he attacked Myra because he was some obsessed fan. Said he felt betrayed when she retired after that scandal. Absolute bullshit. Myra was stunning—he just couldn’t handle that she was never his to begin with.”

Cassius’s brow furrowed. “Get to the point.”

“Right, sorry.” Aaron exhaled. “He insists seeing Myra back in the spotlight triggered him. But I don’t buy it. Someone put him up to this. His phone’s clean—too clean. I bet he’s got a burner.”

“Dig deeper,” Cassius ordered. “If he was paid, this wasn’t his first job. Find other victims.”

“And if it was his first time?”

Cassius’s voice turned icy. “Then his confession’s a lie. This was planned. Whoever’s targeting Myra won’t get away with it.”

“Understood. I won’t let our family be wronged.” Aaron hesitated. “How’s Thaddeus?”

“Critical.” The word tightened Cassius’s throat.

Aaron fell silent.

“But he’ll make it,” Cassius added, forcing conviction into his voice. “Evadne’s performing the craniotomy. It’s been five hours already.”

“A craniotomy?” Aaron choked. “Does she think skulls are as easy to crack as coconuts? Damn, Cassius, your sister’s revenge on her ex is next-level.”

A faint smirk tugged at Cassius’s lips. “For Dr. Eve? Opening a skull is probably easier than slicing fruit.”

“Wait—Dr. Eve?” Aaron’s shock was palpable. “The miracle surgeon from all those medical journals? That’s Evadne?”

Cassius’s pride was unmistakable. “That’s our little sister.”

Aaron let out a low whistle. “Holy hell, she’s terrifying.”

By 9 a.m., the Abernathy Group had reconvened outside the OR. Frederic supported Hamilton as they both stared at the sealed doors, willing them to open.

Elspeth had retreated home with Glynnis, citing exhaustion. Hamilton despised her; she couldn’t care less about Thaddeus. No point pretending otherwise.

Emeric paced, anxiety gnawing at him. “Why isn’t Evadne out yet? It’s been too long.”

Cassius rested a reassuring hand on his father’s shoulder. “Craniotomies aren’t quick. A full day isn’t unusual. Evadne’s capable—she’ll succeed.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Emeric muttered. “I’m worried about her. Standing for hours—has she eaten? Drank anything?” His fingers twitched, itching to barge in and check on his daughter.

Cassius smirked. “Dad, I thought you were worried about the one inside the OR.”

Emeric shot a glance at Hamilton’s hunched figure and grimaced. “That boy saved my girl. I’ll give him credit—he’s gone from negative to zero in my book.”

Cassius pressed his lips together. He’d promised Evadne to keep their secret: this wasn’t the first time Thaddeus had nearly died for her. Misty Mountain still haunted him.

Before Cassius could speak, a shrill voice cut through the tension.

“Thad! Thad!”

Edith stormed down the hallway, heels clicking, face streaked with tears.

Jareth intercepted her, voice sharp. “Edith, not here. Go home.”

She met his gaze—cold, unfamiliar. The sibling bond they’d shared for twenty years had shattered.

With a furious shove, she pushed past him and lunged toward the Abernathys.

“Mr. Hamilton! Mr. Frederic! How is he? Is he awake?” Her voice cracked, her delicate frame trembling.

Hamilton blinked, bewildered. “Who is this?”

Frederic softened. “Dad, this is Jareth’s sister, Edith. She and Thaddeus grew up together—practically siblings.”

Edith wiped her tears. “Thad’s always been kind to me. When I heard what happened, I had to come. Jareth tried to stop me, but I couldn’t stay away.”

Frederic patted her hand. “Your concern touches us.”

Edith’s cheeks pinked. “We’ve always been close. I’ll always be here for him.”

The subtext was obvious.

Jareth’s jaw clenched.

Emeric nudged Cassius. “She’s into Thaddeus?”

“Seems so.”

“And him?”

Cassius shook his head. “Not a chance.”

Emeric huffed. “What’s so special about that Abernathy boy? My sons are right here.”

Cassius coughed. “Not my type.”

Emeric’s eyebrows shot up.

“Ms. Edith,” Cassius clarified smoothly, “is already spoken for.”

Hamilton’s patience wore thin. “Thank you for your concern, but prayers won’t help. Science will.”

Edith’s eyes flashed. “Of course! But I know Thad. I’d never hurt him—unlike some people.”

Jareth grabbed her arm. “Enough.”

Hamilton’s voice turned dangerous. “Are you blaming Evadne?”

Edith bit her tongue. Obviously. But Hamilton adored Evadne—she couldn’t say it.

Then—

The OR doors burst open.

The hallway erupted into motion.

Medical staff emerged first, followed by slow, deliberate footsteps.

A woman stepped out, her beauty undeniable even in oversized scrubs and a mask.

She removed the mask.

Edith’s breath caught.

Evadne.

“Evadne!” Hamilton and Emeric rushed forward, each grasping one of her trembling hands.

Her face was pale, eyes red-rimmed, mask lines etched into her skin.

Hamilton’s voice wavered. “How is he?”

Evadne squeezed his hand, her smile fragile but triumphant. “The clot’s gone. Surgery was successful.”

The crowd erupted in relief.

Jareth sagged against the wall, whispering thanks.

Frederic clasped his hands. “Blessed be!”

Hamilton shot him a look. “Thank her, not God.”

Frederic stiffly approached Evadne. “Ms. Evadne… thank you for saving my son.”

She shook her head. “He saved me first. This was my duty.”

Hamilton pulled her into a hug, voice thick. “We owe you everything.”

Over his shoulder, Evadne’s icy gaze locked onto Edith—still frozen in shock.