Chapter 346

The Fairhaven mansion stood eerily quiet tonight. With Emeric and Cassius overseas for business negotiations, the household was dominated by feminine energy.

Avery wasn't exactly a stranger here, but given the late hour and Myra's recent identity crisis, she didn't want to cause a scene. Evadne guided him to the parlor instead.

Neither expected to find Debby there, nursing a cup of espresso alone.

"Debby, you're still awake." Evadne blinked in surprise before gesturing to her companion. "This is my friend."

"Mr. Chambers. We met at Myra's birthday gala." Debby set down her cup with practiced grace, offering a polite smile. "Evadne's never brought a male friend home before. You're the first."

"The honor is entirely mine." Avery's deep voice carried quiet amusement as he adjusted his glasses. "And meeting Helgen's future First Lady privately? That's a privilege few can claim."

Evadne stiffened. She hadn't anticipated this turn in conversation.

Debby's expression remained unreadable. "I'm simply Evadne's sister. My husband is merely one voice in Helgen's parliament. Your flattery is unnecessary."

Avery's lips curved slightly, neither confirming nor denying.

"Enjoy your visit." Debby rose gracefully. "I'll leave you two alone."

Though Evadne maintained her smile, tension prickled between them—something unspoken, something dangerous.

Once the door clicked shut, Debby's composed mask shattered. She whipped out her phone, fingers flying across the screen.

"Did you find what I asked for?"

"Yes, ma'am. Avery Chambers' full dossier just hit your secure inbox."

"Good."

Avery didn't linger long—it was late, after all.

Back in the car, Harvey couldn't contain his excitement. "Sir! Ms. Evadne invited you inside! That's progress!"

Avery loosened his tie with a single practiced tug. "Drive."

The truth stung—she hadn't welcomed him willingly. As always, he was the one chasing, the one sacrificing. Evadne remained just out of reach.

"With Thaddeus out of the picture, you're clearly the frontrunner!" Harvey babbled. "No man in Elmsworth compares—"

"Are you implying I'm inferior to Thaddeus?" Avery's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

Harvey paled. "N-never, sir! Forgive me!"

"Evadne may have moved on," Avery mused, watching streetlights blur past the window, "but Thaddeus hasn't. Stay vigilant."

"About the investigation, sir..." Harvey produced a sealed evidence bag containing a syringe. "The racetrack attack? We found traces of neural stimulants in the horses' bloodwork. Surveillance confirms Byron's men planted it."

Avery's chuckle held no warmth. "Byron lacks his brother's finesse. Sloppy work for such a small mind."

"We can't let this stand!" Harvey hissed.

"Of course not." Avery leaned back, eyes closing. "An eye for an eye seems appropriate, don't you think?"

"More than appropriate! You're showing mercy by not eliminating him outright!"

"Mercy?" Avery's lips twisted. "If Evadne had been harmed that day, do you think Byron would still be breathing?"

Later, freshly showered and wrapped in silk pajamas, Evadne finally relaxed—until Debby knocked.

"Come in!"

Debby entered like moonlight incarnate, her blue nightgown shimmering. "Still awake?"

"Obviously." Evadne patted her moisturizer-laden cheeks. "Wow, if Helgen's First Lady looks this radiant at midnight, no wonder their approval ratings are soaring."

"That golden horse outside—it's blindingly ostentatious." Debby perched on the edge of the bed. "Avery's?"

"His. He offered it to me. I declined."

"You adore horses, yet resisted a purebred? Impressive self-control." Debby nodded approvingly. "That eases my mind."

Evadne's ears perked up. "Eases your mind? Why?"

"His feelings for you are painfully obvious. The way he looks at you... it's practically tangible."

Evadne groaned. "He already confessed. God, is there a manual called 'How To Be Less Attractive'? At this rate, I'll join a convent."

"Because Thaddeus broke your heart?" Debby teased.

"Broke? More like gnawed on it like a rabid dog!" Evadne winced as she accidentally slapped her own face.

"Aviana's riding that horse right now, by the way."

"What? I haven't even—!" Evadne shot upright.

"Relax. You gift million-dollar jewels like candy, but begrudge your sister a joyride?"

Aviana's distant laughter floated through the window. Evadne sighed. "Fine. Whatever makes her happy."

Debby hesitated, fingers twisting in her lap. "Evadne... about Avery..."

"You investigated him." It wasn't a question.

"Elementary school friends who vanish for fifteen years are essentially strangers," Debby said carefully. "He's... complicated in Helgen. His business ties intersect with organized crime. My husband's first act as president was cracking down on that very corruption."

Evadne's stomach dropped. "Sounds like you two have your work cut out."

"Focus." Debby's gaze turned razor-sharp. "Avery was investigated—and acquitted—on drug trafficking charges. The prosecutor? Your brother-in-law's most incorruptible student."

"No smoke without fire," Evadne whispered.

"Exactly. Be friendly, but keep him at arm's length."

Evadne exhaled slowly. "I'm not that naive girl anymore, Debby. I've seen war. I'll be careful."

Five days later, a convoy of black SUVs rolled up to Windermere Estate.

Edith and her mother emerged first, followed by Barry Fairhaven—resplendent in his frock coat, leaning heavily on his gold-tipped cane.

"Last time you came begging, that Abernathy brat couldn't even be bothered to show his face?" Barry's voice dripped venom.

Mrs. Fairhaven flinched. "Yes, Father."

"Pathetic." Barry's cane struck marble. "The Fairhavens bow to no one! That arrogant whelp will marry Edith, or I'll make Abernathy Group regret crossing us!"

Meanwhile, inside a VIP lounge at Club Noir, Glynnis Abernathy was living up to her wild-child reputation. Half-naked male models surrounded her as she poured champagne down her décolletage, shrieking with laughter.

"Miss Glynnis!" Her assistant pushed through the throng. "The Fairhavens are at Windermere—Barry himself!"

Glynnis froze mid-giggle. "Old Man Fairhaven? Now this I've got to see!" She sprang up, eyes gleaming. "Get my car!"