Chapter 350

Evadne's cheeks burned crimson. Her slender frame twisted in protest, her toned legs kicking wildly against his hold.

Her delicate hands, once clutching his collar, now formed tight fists. She pounded against his unyielding chest with all her strength. Each strike sent a dull ache through her knuckles, yet to him, it was nothing more than playful resistance—something he clearly relished.

"Behave," he warned, voice low and dangerous. "Or I'll carry you out of here myself."

Thaddeus' gaze darkened, though a flicker of something warmer danced beneath the icy surface.

Control? He had none when it came to her.

And if love could be controlled, was it even love at all?

"Listen to you? Why should I?" Evadne spat, her embarrassment fueling her defiance. "Who do you think you are to me? I won't—I refuse!"

His lips curved, predatory. "Keep struggling, and I'll silence you the only way that works."

Her breath hitched. "You wouldn't dare—"

But he did.

With a sudden, wicked grin, he released her.

A startled gasp tore from her lips as gravity yanked her downward. Instinctively, her arms flew around his neck, clinging for dear life.

Cold amusement glinted in his eyes, softening just slightly as he secured her against him once more. Without another word, he hauled her upstairs, leaving the stunned crowd behind.

The Fairhavens stood frozen, humiliation burning through them.

They had come expecting a marriage negotiation. Instead, they were being publicly dismissed.

"Dad," Mrs. Fairhaven hissed, gripping Barry's arm. "This is a disaster. Thaddeus won't even entertain the idea of Edith. He's made that painfully clear."

"Grandpa!" Edith wailed, tears streaking her face. "Are you just going to let them humiliate me like this?"

Barry's jaw clenched. Any other man would have already erupted into curses. But he prided himself on restraint—though it was wearing dangerously thin.

"Mr. Frederic," Barry bit out, his voice trembling with suppressed fury. "Your son has disgraced my granddaughter. And now, he flaunts his ex-wife in front of us? Do you take the Fairhavens for fools?"

With a sharp motion, he snatched a teacup from the table and hurled it to the floor. The porcelain shattered like their fragile negotiations.

At the sound, the Fairhaven bodyguards moved as one, encircling their employers. Elspeth paled, shrinking behind Frederic.

Everyone knew the Fairhavens' reputation. Their underworld roots were no secret in Elmsworth.

This was escalating into a standoff.

"Barry," Frederic growled, "you forget who you're dealing with. The Abernathys don't bow to threats."

Barry smirked. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of resorting to violence. We live in a civilized society, after all." His eyes turned glacial. "But when I'm angry, consequences follow. And your son has made me very, very angry."

Frederic's fists tightened.

This wasn't just a warning—it was a declaration of war.

The Fairhaven Group was a powerhouse, with influence spanning continents. If they allied with the Chambers family, the Abernathys would face unprecedented pressure.

"Grandpa, must you always cause trouble the moment I step away?"

A new voice cut through the tension.

Jareth strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention.

Elspeth's eyes brightened. This was the man she hoped would soon call her "mother."

The Fairhaven guards bowed in unison. "Mr. Jareth."

Barry scowled. "What are you doing here?"

Jareth smirked. "Saving you from embarrassing yourself further."

His gaze swept over the tense gathering before landing on Edith. The hatred in her eyes struck him like a blade.

This wasn't the little sister who once clung to him, begging for ice cream.

"Romantic moment?" Barry scoffed. "Don't be absurd. They're divorced!"

Jareth shrugged. "Love doesn't follow rules. And let's be honest—Evadne outshines Edith in every way. Looks, talent, pedigree. Why would Thaddeus settle for less?"

Barry choked on his retort. He had seen Evadne. There was no denying her allure.

"You're her brother!" Mrs. Fairhaven shrieked. "How can you betray her like this?"

Jareth's expression hardened. "I'm not betraying her. I'm exposing the truth."

He pulled out his phone. "Edith's call records show no contact with Thaddeus before their so-called rendezvous. And then there's this."

He played a recording.

Edith's voice, smug and eager, filled the room.

"Everything's set. I'll be waiting. He will come, won't he? Thank you—I owe you!"

Gasps erupted.

A trap.

Thaddeus had been set up.

"Lies!" Edith screamed, her face contorted with rage. "You edited that! Evadne put you up to this!"

She turned to Barry, sobbing. "Grandpa, how could he do this to me?"

Barry's frown deepened as he studied his granddaughter. Doubt crept in.

Jareth crossed his arms. "The question isn't whether I'm lying. It's who helped you orchestrate this."

Silence fell.

The real puppet master remained hidden.

And the game was far from over.