Chapter 385

Why had he come here to discuss this with her?

Why had he apologized?

What she wanted from him was never an apology. It was something far deeper, something he had never truly understood.

Disappointment and shame coursed through Evadne’s body, making her tremble with fury.

She wasn’t one to cry easily, but now, the tears wouldn’t stop.

Avery had never seen Evadne like this—broken, vulnerable. The confident, spirited woman he knew was crumbling before his eyes. "Evadne, please," he whispered, his voice thick with concern.

Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, letting her collapse against him.

Her body was weak, her head resting heavily on his shoulder as her tears soaked through his shirt.

Avery’s heart raced, a quiet satisfaction curling at the edges of his lips.

For the first time, he felt needed. Wanted.

Thaddeus watched, his chest caving in as if struck by a wrecking ball.

He stumbled back, pressing against the wall, his entire body numb.

"Thaddeus, aren’t you leaving?" Avery’s voice was ice.

"If you truly care about her, you’ll walk away. Every second you stay just rips open old wounds. She’s finally free—don’t drag her back into the past."

Thaddeus didn’t remember leaving the room.

The bruise on his forehead stood out starkly against his ashen skin, as if all the life had drained from him.

He couldn’t face Jareth now.

All he wanted was to disappear.

The stairwell was dark, silent.

He sagged against the wall, his tall frame buckling under the weight of his grief. Then—light.

The door swung open, harsh fluorescent beams cutting through the dimness.

Thaddeus straightened instantly, masking his turmoil.

"Still here? Persistent, aren’t you?"

Avery stood before him, smirking. "You saw what happened. She doesn’t need you. She needs me." His smile sharpened. "But I should thank you. If you hadn’t broken her heart, she never would’ve turned to me."

Thaddeus clenched his jaw, refusing to engage.

Just the sight of Avery made his blood boil.

Once, he would’ve thrown a punch without hesitation.

But now?

What right did he have?

As he moved to leave, Avery’s voice stopped him. "Why did you apologize? What did you do to her two years ago?"

Thaddeus froze, his vision blurring.

Memories flooded him—her skin against his, her breath hitching as he whispered I love you against her ear.

She had melted into him, soft and willing.

She never said the words, but he knew.

Back then, there was still hope.

And he had destroyed it.

His chest ached, tears burning behind his eyes.

"You really want to know?" His voice was raw.

"Of course. As the man who’s loved her for fifteen years, I deserve to know everything."

Thaddeus stared at him, eyes dark as a storm.

Then, slowly, he smiled—cold, humorless. "Two years ago, when she was still my wife, we slept together."

Avery’s face twisted in shock.

"Evadne has been mine for a long time."

"You bastard!"

Rage exploded in Avery’s chest. His fist flew toward Thaddeus’ face—

Only for Thaddeus to catch it effortlessly.

His grip was iron.

"Evadne can hit me. She can stab me. I’d let her." Thaddeus’ voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "But you? You don’t get to touch me."

With a sharp twist, he threw Avery back, sending him crashing into the wall.

Avery gasped, pain shooting through his wrist.

He had underestimated Thaddeus.

"You’re still fighting for her, aren’t you?" Avery laughed, low and dangerous. "Do you really think you can win?"

"I’m not fighting you." Thaddeus’ gaze was steel. "If you love her, I won’t stand in your way."

Because he had failed her.

If someone else could make her happy, he would let go.

"But remember this, Avery." His voice turned deadly. "I’ll be watching. Cross a line, and I’ll destroy you."

The door slammed behind him, the sound final.

Avery adjusted his glasses, his angelic face twisting into something dark.

With a roar, he drove his fist through the glass of the fire extinguisher box.

"Thaddeus," he hissed. "The price for challenging me is death."

Jareth waited outside the hospital, chain-smoking.

When Thaddeus emerged, pale and hollow-eyed, Jareth called out—

But Thaddeus walked right past him, silent.

The car ride was suffocating.

"Gordon said the villa’s been sealed," Jareth murmured. "Everything’s been packed—your mother’s photos are safe. The rest is gone."

No response.

"Thad? Are you listening?"

"I’m not going home." Thaddeus’ voice cracked. "Take me to my grandfather. I need to see him."

Jareth’s breath caught.

Thaddeus was crying.

In twenty years, he had never seen him shed a tear—not even at his mother’s funeral.

But for Evadne?

He was shattered.

Cassius drowned himself in wine, hidden away in his cellar.

"Mom," he whispered, swirling the dark liquid. "I failed her. She’s hurting. Tell me—how do I fix this?"

The door creaked open.

Chasel leaned against the frame, smirking.

"You shouldn’t drink alone."

Cassius’ heart stuttered.

For a second, he saw him.

Chasel sat beside him, pouring a glass. "You’ll ruin your liver."

"Since when do you care?"

"I always have." His fingers brushed Cassius’ hand, lingering. "You’re not married yet. Shouldn’t you take better care of yourself?"

Cassius scoffed. "I’m not getting married."

"Why not?" Chasel’s eyes gleamed. "You’re the Ashbourne heir. The future of K Group."

"That belongs to Evadne."

Chasel arched a brow. "You’d give up everything for her?"

"Everything."

Chasel leaned closer, his breath warm against Cassius’ skin. "Then what’s stopping you from loving someone else?"

Cassius stiffened.

"I’ve loved before," he said quietly. "And because I have, I won’t do it again."

Chasel’s gaze darkened.

Before Cassius could react, Chasel kissed him—hard, possessive.

Cassius’ glass slipped from his fingers, wine spilling like blood.

Emeric’s phone rang the moment he landed.

"Avery?"

"Evadne was in an accident. She’s in the hospital."

Emeric’s world tilted.

"Why wasn’t I told?!"

"She didn’t want to worry you."

"That foolish girl!" Emeric’s voice shook. "Where is she?"

"I’m outside the airport," Avery said smoothly. "I’ll take you to her."

A pause.

"There’s something else we need to discuss."