Chapter 431

Ward hadn't slept properly since meeting Evadne and Thaddeus. Her words haunted him, replaying in his mind like a broken record.

That silver-tongued witch had offered him a deal too tempting to refuse. Even if it was all a lie, he was tempted. But he despised them too much—their perfect faces, their effortless wealth. One was Elmsworth's rising business tycoon, the other the dazzling heiress of the city's most powerful family.

Just thinking about them made his blood boil.

And he blamed them for his current misery. He wanted Elspeth to keep tormenting them from the outside, to turn that golden couple into fugitives.

For days, prison life had been uneventful. But recently, he'd felt eyes watching him—dark, sinister eyes that sent chills down his spine. It ruined his appetite, kept him tossing at night.

Tonight was no different. He lay on the filthy mattress, skin crawling, unable to sleep.

Just as exhaustion finally pulled him under, a faint rustling sound jolted him awake.

Too close.

Years as a mercenary had sharpened his senses—most wouldn't have noticed.

Ward twisted to face the threat, but he was too slow.

A sharp, searing pain exploded in his neck.

In the dim light, he saw a man from his own cell driving a sharpened toothbrush handle into his flesh. Blood gurgled in his throat, a sickening sound.

"Die."

The man shoved the makeshift weapon deeper.

Ward choked, gripping the attacker's arm. "Who—who sent you?"

"No grudge. Just business."

Business?

Elspeth.

The name flashed in his mind before darkness swallowed him.

Thaddeus had followed Evadne's orders, resting at home instead of returning to work.

But he wasn't idle.

Every night, while she slept, he slipped into the study, buried in paperwork until dawn. Only then would he return to bed, pressing soft kisses along her skin before finally sleeping beside her.

That afternoon, Evadne took him to the Ashbourne family hospital. Dr. Larry examined him personally.

The results were perfect. His wounds were healing faster than expected.

Evadne beamed, throwing her arms around him, pressing a kiss to his neck. "This is amazing!"

She didn't notice the fire in his eyes, the way his breath hitched.

Thaddeus swallowed hard, voice rough. "Yes. Amazing."

He leaned in, lips brushing her ear. "I've waited too long for this. Any longer, and I'd lose my mind."

Heat flooded her cheeks.

Dr. Larry cleared his throat. "Congratulations, Mr. Abernathy. I'll, uh, leave you two alone."

He bolted before Evadne could protest.

She tried to follow, but Thaddeus held her waist, trapping her.

"Let me go!"

"No." He kissed her nose, voice thick with want. "No excuses this time."

"Excuses?"

"You're not on your period. I'm healed." His gaze burned. "How will you reject me now?"

She remembered all the nights they'd spent like roommates, all the times she'd pushed him away for his own good. Even on the plane, when he'd pleasured her with his hands but denied himself.

Now, pinned beneath him, she pressed a hand to his chest. "Is this all you want from me?" Her voice trembled. "Am I just a toy for your pleasure?"

Thaddeus stilled. The hunger in his eyes softened. "Silly girl," he murmured, kissing her forehead. "I want you. Only you."

Tears welled in her eyes.

He sighed. "After everything we've been through, don't you know how much I cherish you? I want every day with you to feel like our honeymoon. Even when we're old, I'll still hold you like this."

Evadne stared at him, silent.

"Are you crying?" Panic flashed across his face. "I'm sorry. I won't—"

She cut him off with a searing kiss, arms locking around his neck.

Thaddeus lost control.

Her dress tore under his hands.

What started as her taking charge ended with her surrendering to his passion, consumed by fire.

Sweet, aching fire.

They slept tangled together until late morning.

Thaddeus woke first, watching Evadne sleep on his arm, unwilling to move despite the numbness.

When she finally stirred, they showered together—though it took twice as long as necessary.

Brushing their teeth side by side, Evadne answered a call from Dr. Victor.

"You're back already?" she asked around her toothbrush.

Thaddeus tensed.

"I couldn't stay away," Victor said softly.

Thaddeus scoffed.

Evadne shot him a look. "Where are you staying? Let me arrange something."

"No need. I'm safe." Victor lowered his voice. "Elspeth's medicine should be running out soon."

Evadne's eyes gleamed. "Good."

"Without it, she'll contact me. This time, I'll increase the dosage. She'll be too weak to fight back."

"Perfect." Evadne exhaled. "We're almost there."

Just then, Thaddeus's phone rang.

Mr. Gordon's voice crackled through. "Mr. Abernathy! Ward wants to meet you and Mrs. Abernathy!"