Chapter 328

Avery's exhausted gaze finally ignited with life after a night of dark contemplation.

"Let her in."

"Right away, Mr. Chambers!" The secretary bowed and retreated.

Moments later, the sharp click of stilettos pierced the silence of the private room.

"Ave."

That sultry voice preceded the entrance of a woman whose every movement was calculated elegance.

Avery's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a smirk as he studied Elsie—his masterpiece, sculpted to perfection.

Elsie, proprietress of The Velvet Haven, was a woman forged in the fires of the underworld. Her approach was intoxicating, exuding sophistication rather than cheap seduction.

But the most startling thing was her face.

The moment she stepped inside, Avery's pulse spiked.

Raven-black hair, crimson lips, that self-assured smile—features he'd meticulously refined over the years. She was a near-perfect replica of Evadne.

The only difference? The aura. That untouchable magnetism Evadne possessed could never be replicated, no matter how hard Elsie tried.

"Come here, Elsie." Avery's throat bobbed as he crooked a finger.

She obeyed instantly, gliding toward him. He seized her wrist and yanked, sending her tumbling into his lap.

"Ave."

Her eyes brimmed with devotion as her fingers toyed with his tie, loosening the knot. Her lips parted, aching for his—

"Have you forgotten my warning?"

Avery's voice turned glacial, his warmth vanishing. "You may look like her, but you are not Evadne. Know your place. My kisses belong to her alone."

"I—I understand. Forgive me." Elsie recoiled as if burned, her fingers trembling.

Among all of Avery's subordinates, only she was permitted to call him "Ave."

Most assumed it was favoritism. Only she knew the truth—her privilege existed solely because of her resemblance to the woman he could never have.

Elsie bit her lip, heart aching.

She'd been with Avery since she was fifteen, molded by his hands. All these years, his obsession with Evadne never waned.

What kind of woman could inspire such relentless longing?

"You seem troubled, Ave. Is it about Evadne?" Her voice was soft, probing. "She and Thaddeus are growing closer."

Avery's eyes darkened with venom. "Even divorced, they're drawn to each other. And I can't interfere."

"Tell me how to help you," she whispered, desperation burning in her gaze.

"I've invested years in perfecting your face. Now, it's time to prove its worth." His fingers traced her jaw, possessive and cold.

A knock interrupted them.

"Mr. Chambers, it's me."

"Enter."

The secretary stepped in, startled—as always—by the uncanny resemblance between Elsie and Evadne.

"What is it?" Avery bit into the fruit Elsie had offered him.

"Your informant at Ashbourne Hospital sent word."

News of Thaddeus' awakening spread like wildfire.

Hamilton and Frederic rushed to the hospital. The moment Hamilton saw his grandson conscious, he nearly collapsed with relief, pulling him into a crushing embrace.

"Thaddeus! You reckless boy! Do you know how terrified I was?"

"Forgive me, Grandfather." Thaddeus returned the hug, guilt gnawing at him.

"How do you feel? Any pain? Dizziness?" Hamilton reached to touch his head but hesitated—this was a skull reassembled after ten hours of surgery. Priceless. Fragile.

"I'm fine."

Thaddeus saw his grandfather's fear and gently guided the old man's hand to his head. "See? Still in one piece."

"Stubborn fool!" Hamilton chuckled, eyes glistening.

Frederic lingered awkwardly. When Thaddeus was unconscious, he'd barely slept. Now that his son was awake, he couldn't muster a single kind word.

"Don't pull this stunt again," he grumbled. "Protecting your woman is one thing, but throwing yourself into danger? Foolish."

Hamilton scoffed. "Oh, shut it. At least my grandson has the sense to cherish the right woman. Unlike some people still pining after vipers."

"Father!"

Frederic's face flushed crimson. Before he could retort, his phone buzzed.

His breath caught.

It was his eldest son—calling from overseas.