Chapter 383

The whispers spread like wildfire through the skyscraper—Cassius Ashbourne, CEO of the K Group, had made an unexpected visit to the Abernathy Corporation.

Jareth supported a visibly weakened Thaddeus back to the office, with Gordon following close behind, concern etched on his face.

Thaddeus's arm was dislocated, the pain so excruciating it had drenched his shirt in sweat. Yet he hadn’t uttered a single complaint.

Jareth had sensed something was wrong and discovered Gordon’s injury. Despite Gordon’s protests, the staff rushed him to the hospital for treatment.

"That Cassius," Jareth muttered, shaking his head. "Always so composed and refined. Who knew he could turn into such a brute?"

It had been terrifying.

"He did it for his sister. I understand that," Thaddeus rasped, slumping onto the couch, his head falling back in exhaustion.

If someone had hurt Evadne, Thaddeus knew he would have reacted even more violently than Cassius.

The memory of Cassius’s parting words sent a chill through his veins, freezing his blood.

"Fair enough. If it were Mari, I wouldn’t have stayed calm either."

Jareth’s gaze lingered on the shallow knife wound on Thaddeus’s neck. The cut wasn’t deep, but the blood had stained his pristine white shirt a stark crimson. "You should get that checked."

"It’s nothing," Thaddeus breathed.

"Why did Cassius turn on you like that?" Jareth asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

"He found out Evadne and I were intimate."

Jareth let out a dry chuckle. "So in Cassius’s eyes, Evadne isn’t just his sister anymore—she’s practically his daughter. You’re lucky he didn’t come in guns blazing."

Thaddeus clenched his fists. "It’s my fault. After the divorce, I shouldn’t have touched her."

His voice cracked as he dragged his hands through his hair. "But Jareth, I couldn’t control myself. That night, she was right there—so close. All I could think about was possessing her."

Possessing her. Owning her. Making her his.

Jareth winced, recalling Mari’s words. "Thad, I don’t blame Cassius for wanting to kill you. What you did to Evadne was monstrous."

Thaddeus stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

"Two years ago, you took Evadne’s virginity—and you don’t even remember it. What kind of beast does that?"

Thaddeus’s eyes flew open. His hand shot out, gripping Jareth’s wrist. "Is that true? Who told you?!"

He had doubted Evadne’s words that day, but the truth was too devastating to accept.

"Mari saw everything."

Jareth sighed, relaying Mari’s secret.

Thaddeus’s mind reeled. The shock was so intense he nearly blacked out.

They had been intimate.

Why hadn’t Evadne told him?

She was so foolish. So unbearably foolish.

"Mari is reliable. If you don’t believe anyone else, believe her." Jareth shook his head. "Honestly, I’m amazed you don’t remember sleeping with a woman. That’s just bizarre."

"I don’t know. I don’t remember."

Thaddeus pressed his palms against his temples, his chest aching with regret. "It was the anniversary of my mother’s death. I drank too much. I kept dreaming of being with Evadne. I thought they were just dreams. I never imagined they were real."

Jareth’s expression darkened. "Two years ago, you were still involved with Acacia. You told me you’d get back with her and divorce Evadne because she meant nothing to you. Remember those heartless words, Thad? You confided them in me."

Each word was a dagger to Thaddeus’s heart. He slumped forward, images of Evadne’s tear-streaked face flashing in his mind.

What had she thought when he took her virginity?

How much had she loved him to endure such torment and still stay by his side?

He deserved to die.

Cassius’s dagger should have gone deeper.

"Thad, I think you’ve loved Evadne for a long time. But you didn’t understand love—or how to love. Acacia manipulated you, using your childhood guilt to control you. That’s why you couldn’t accept Evadne or your own feelings."

Jareth exhaled, torn between anger and sympathy. "I came here today to tell you this. I was going to convince you not to give up on Evadne—to fight for her. But after seeing Cassius’s reaction, I think some things just aren’t meant to be. You two are star-crossed. Forcing it will only bring more pain."

Too many obstacles stood between them.

Jareth couldn’t bring himself to push Evadne to forgive Thaddeus. It felt like torture.

"Jareth."

Thaddeus’s voice was hollow, his eyes aged with pain. "I need to see Evadne. I need to apologize."

Avery Chambers had rushed to the hospital the moment he heard about Evadne’s accident.

"Mr. Chambers," Harvey reported eagerly, "President Ashbourne stormed into the Abernathy Corporation today and confronted Thaddeus. It was chaos—some staff got hurt."

Avery’s eyes narrowed. "Oh? What happened?"

"Details are scarce, but President Ashbourne is fiercely protective of his sister. This was clearly about Evadne."

Avery’s expression darkened.

Had Evadne’s accident been connected to Thaddeus?

Something must have happened to make the usually composed Cassius lose control.

"Regardless," Avery murmured, a smirk playing on his lips, "this works in my favor. Cassius once favored Thaddeus over me. Now that they’re at odds, I might even have the advantage."

"Of course you do," Harvey sneered. "How can that illegitimate bastard compare to someone of your standing? Thaddeus is just Frederic’s pawn. If he weren’t useful, the Abernathy Corporation wouldn’t even spare him a glance."

Avery’s gaze flickered with something unreadable.

After a pause, he asked, "Any updates on that man getting close to Elsie?"

Harvey paled. "I—I couldn’t find anything. His records are sealed tight."

Avery arched a brow. "Interesting."

His lips curved, but his eyes remained cold. "Keep watching Elsie. I don’t want her causing trouble."

At the hospital, Avery and Harvey were blocked by Cassius’s bodyguards.

"Do you know who Mr. Chambers is to Ms. Ashbourne?" Harvey snapped. "Even if you don’t, you should know the relationship between the Ashbourne family and the Chambers Group!"

The bodyguards remained unmoved.

Avery adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his smile fading.

Just as he was about to speak, a lazy voice cut in.

"All this talk about relationships sounds like a tongue twister."

Avery looked up—and froze.

The man from the club. The one who had been with Elsie.

Who was he, and why was he here?

Elvis Waverley leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, his sharp gaze locked on Avery.

"So, what is Mr. Chambers’s relationship with my sister? I’m curious."

Avery’s fists clenched.

Sister?

Did he mean Evadne?

"May I ask your name?" Avery forced a polite smile.

"Waverley." Elvis tilted his chin slightly. "Elvis Waverley."

Avery’s blood ran cold.

Evadne’s mysterious brother.

The one no one ever talked about.