Chapter 434

The trio had spent the day at a charming countryside festival, followed by an indulgent shopping spree and a delightful stop at a chic tea salon before returning home in high spirits.

To outsiders, their dynamic as three women sharing one household might seem unconventional. Most would expect bitter rivalry or dramatic clashes, but their bond was more sisterly than anything. Even Evadne sometimes felt a twinge of envy witnessing their closeness.

Emeric must have performed miracles in a past life to deserve such unwavering devotion from these women.

"You went out without me? I'm seriously offended!"

Evadne perched on the garden swing, her feet barely grazing the ground as she swayed lightly, her posture as carefree as a teenager's.

"Oh, darling, it wasn't intentional!"

Aviana slipped behind her, wrapping her arms affectionately around Evadne's shoulders. "You decided to come home without warning us. If we'd known, nothing short of your father breaking a leg would've kept us away!"

Evadne's lips twitched.

Suri and Myra stiffened. "Aviana, don't tempt fate!"

"Relax! If something happened to Emeric, where would I find another sugar daddy as reliable as him?" Aviana laughed, hands on her hips.

The other three exchanged exasperated glances.

Thankfully, Emeric wasn't around to hear that.

Otherwise, he might've collapsed on the spot.

"Myra wanted to visit the festival, so we accompanied her for a change of scenery," Suri explained gently, taking Evadne's hand.

"I'm sorry, Evadne," Myra added, her voice soft. "I'll make your favorite dinner tonight to make it up to you." She turned toward the kitchen immediately.

"Myra, wait! I was joking!"

Evadne sprang up, pulling her back with a pout. "You're too easy to tease."

Seeing Myra's timid demeanor, a pang of sympathy struck her.

Living so cautiously must be exhausting.

"Myra, how have you been? Feeling better?" Evadne asked gently.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine," Myra murmured, stroking Evadne's hair with tender concern. "But you—your father's been beside himself. He barely eats, he's lost weight. He misses you terribly."

"Exactly! Even Myra's cooking can't tempt him anymore," Aviana chimed in.

Guilt flickered in Evadne's chest, but she masked it well.

"Evadne, I heard Emeric shouting at you over the phone the other day. Did you two argue?" Suri ventured cautiously.

"Not exactly."

"Not exactly? Ever since then, he's been in a foul mood. This morning, he looked like a storm cloud," Aviana shuddered.

"Evadne, what happened? Your father rarely loses his temper," Myra pressed, worried.

Evadne inhaled deeply. "I got back together with Thaddeus."

Silence.

Then, in unison, the trio nodded. "No wonder. It's a miracle Emeric hasn't burned down the Abernathy estate or turned Thaddeus into a punching bag."

Before they could probe further, the butler hurried in. "Miss, Mr. Ashbourne requests your presence in the study."

"Alright."

Evadne stood, bracing herself. The trio exchanged glances and rose to accompany her, fearing Emeric's wrath.

In the study, Emeric sat stiffly on the sofa, his expression dark as he sipped his coffee. The usual warmth between father and daughter was absent, replaced by palpable tension.

"Why are you all here? I only need to speak with Evadne."

He set his cup down heavily, glaring at his wives. "She's grown now. Do you think I'm going to spank her like a child? If I were to hit anyone, it'd be that Abernathy boy first!"

Evadne's face fell.

"Emeric—"

Suri stepped forward protectively. "Thaddeus has risked his life for Evadne multiple times. He truly loves her."

"Risked his life? What do you mean? Has Evadne been in danger?!" Emeric lurched forward, panic flashing in his eyes.

"I'm fine. Suri's exaggerating," Evadne cut in quickly.

She wasn't hiding Thaddeus's devotion—she feared the shock might worsen her father's health.

She'd already lost her mother. She couldn't lose him too.

Emeric leaned back, his gaze sharp. "I don't care what spell that boy has cast on you. Even if he handed you the Abernathy Group as a wedding gift, I'd never approve. His life isn't worth the pain he's caused you or the years you've wasted!"

His anger was fierce, but unsurprising.

Everyone knew Evadne was his heart, his everything.

When Evadne was in elementary school, her doll-like beauty made her popular with boys—and a target for jealous girls. One spoiled classmate tormented her, ruining her homework, stealing her hairpins, even sabotaging her water bottle.

Young Evadne, sharp and resilient, brushed it off. She never told Emeric, not wanting to worry him.

Until the day that girl snipped off her braids.

When Emeric saw his daughter's ruined hair, he nearly wept. But little Evadne just smiled, comforting him.

Three days later, that girl vanished from school.

Her family went bankrupt. Her father was imprisoned. Her mother, realizing they'd crossed the Ashbournes, fell gravely ill and never recovered.

Given that history, Emeric's restraint toward Thaddeus was nothing short of divine intervention.

And that intervention was Evadne's doing.

If not for her pleas, Thaddeus would've been buried long ago.

"Dad, I share blame for my failed marriage," Evadne said firmly, dropping the casual "Emeric." "I pushed for it, knowing he didn't love me. Could you accept a marriage under those terms?"

"Evadne! Have you lost your mind? There are countless worthy men—why chain yourself to that coward?!"

Emeric slammed the table, trembling with rage. "He could've refused the marriage! But he caved to pressure, abandoning his lover like a spineless fool. He doesn't deserve you!"

Evadne's fists clenched, her heart leaden.

"Dad, it's not like that."

"Enough! Break it off—now. Or I'll do it myself." His voice was ice. "Your divorce is public knowledge. If you cling to him, people will assume no one else would have you. Have you no pride? No regard for our family's dignity?"

"I don't care what people think. No one dictates who I love." Her tone was steel.

Emeric's face flushed crimson. Suddenly, he swayed, gripping the sofa arm as the room spun.

"Dad?!"

Evadne lunged forward, catching his shaking form. The trio rushed over in alarm.

"I'm fine," Emeric muttered, eyes squeezed shut against the pain.

Suri calmly retrieved medication from the desk drawer, pressing pills into his hand.

"Take these."

Evadne snatched the bottle, her blood running cold at the label.

"Stroke medication?"

"From Bright Biopharma. Extremely limited supply," Suri explained, watching Emeric's labored breathing. "But lately, it's been less effective. He's had two minor strokes this year already."

"You all knew? And kept it from me?" Tears spilled down Evadne's cheeks.

"Cassius and Arnold don't know either. He didn't want to worry you kids."

Suri dabbed Emeric's brow with a handkerchief. "Don't be angry with him, Evadne. He loves you too much to see you hurt."

"Who dares look down on her?" Aviana snarled, eyes blazing. "Evadne is our treasure. Anyone who insults her will lose their eyes and tongue!"

Evadne clutched her father's cold hand, guilt crushing her.

She'd been selfish, chasing Thaddeus while oblivious to her family's pain.

A knock interrupted them.

Suri composed herself and answered. "Yes?"

"Madam, a visitor awaits outside," the butler said.

"At this hour? Who?"

"Mr. Avery Chambers."

Evadne's gaze darkened as she stood, a chill settling over her.

"Stay with Father. I'll handle this."

Outside, beneath the grand gate, Avery stood patiently, his tall frame silhouetted by the light. The rumors of his cruelty seemed at odds with his gentle demeanor.

Hearing the door open, he turned, his hazel eyes brightening behind gold-rimmed glasses. A warm smile curved his lips.

"Evadne."

His voice was tender.

She approached, her expression frosty.

"What do you want?"

Avery's smile faltered. "I saw Emeric at an event today. He seemed unwell. I came to check on him."