Chapter 438

The moment Thaddeus's gaze landed on Evadne, the ice in his eyes melted into warmth.

She had known him for years. Even as a child, he had treated her with gentleness—though distant.

But now?

The way he looked at her spoke volumes.

Evadne was special.

Edith's jaw clenched so hard her teeth ached. Her vision burned red as she watched Thaddeus stride toward his goddess.

Evadne noticed him immediately.

Tall. Commanding. Impossible to ignore.

His presence alone drew every eye in the room.

"Evadne," Cassius murmured, amusement lacing his usually stern tone. "Your boy is coming for you."

"Why should I care?" She huffed, though her pulse betrayed her. "We agreed to keep our distance today. He promised to listen to me. Liar!"

Cassius smirked.

Nearby, Emeric and Myra walked arm-in-arm down the red carpet, drawing gasps.

Myra's outfit—tailored by Evadne—mirrored her daughter's in color but carried an elegant sophistication. The tulle-draped hat softened her features, lending her an ethereal grace.

"Is that Emeric? He looks decades younger!"

"Imagine him in his prime—handsome as Thaddeus Abernathy!"

"And Myra... stunning. No wonder she outshone Elspeth back then."

Myra flushed, fingers tightening around Emeric's arm.

"Relax," he murmured. "Who dares insult my wife?"

Her lips trembled. "I just... don’t want to embarrass you or the children."

Emeric's grip on her hand tightened. "You never could."

She smiled, bittersweet.

She knew she wasn’t his first love.

But she was content.

The crowd erupted again as Thaddeus approached Evadne.

Emeric's glare could have melted steel.

"Chairman Emeric," Thaddeus said, eyes locked on Evadne. "May I escort your daughter?"

Emeric's voice was ice. "Plenty of women here would kill for that honor. Why her?"

"Because it’s only ever been her."

Thaddeus held out his hand.

Evadne’s cheeks burned.

The entire room sighed.

Edith, too far to hear, seethed at the reporters' reactions.

Emeric shot Evadne a look.

She sighed. "Mr. Abernathy, you should go alone."

Thaddeus didn’t hesitate.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her flush against him, claiming her before the world.

"Evadne," he murmured, voice thick with affection. "Let’s go."

She scowled. "You’re impossible."

"I’m persistent."

His lips brushed her ear. "And very, very clingy."

They left under envious stares, their images splashed across the jumbotron.

Myra sighed. "They’re perfect together."

Emeric grunted. "I don’t see it."

"You were young once. You know love can’t be stopped."

"Love?" Emeric scoffed. "If he truly loved her, he’d let her go."

Myra fell silent.

Evadne tugged Thaddeus’s arm. "You realize my father hates three things? Losing his woman, his daughter, or both."

Thaddeus paled.

"Congratulations," she teased. "You just ticked all three."

Suddenly, her expression darkened. "Is everything ready?"

"Of course." His thumb traced her knuckles. "I’d never disappoint you."

Her pulse skipped—until she spotted Edith lurking nearby, eyes venomous.

Even now, the memory of their scandal stung.

"Thad," Edith cooed, batting her lashes. "I’ve been waiting for you."

His gaze turned arctic. "I never asked you to."

Her smile faltered. "But we were supposed to—"

"Leave."

The single word shattered her.

Evadne’s grip on Thaddeus loosened.

He interlaced their fingers tighter and steered her away.

Once alone, she yanked free. "Go find your girlfriend."

He caught her waist. "You know she’s lying."

"I know." Her voice cracked. "But it still hurts."

Thaddeus’s chest ached. "I was an idiot. I should’ve seen through that setup."

"You were worried about me." She sighed. "But I’d never be that careless."

"Never again." He pressed his forehead to hers. "Thank you for trusting me."

Her lips quirked. "Just don’t make me regret it."

He kissed her—deep, possessive—until she shoved him away.

"My makeup!"

He grinned. "Worth it."

Elsewhere, Elspeth scrolled through social media, nails digging into her phone.

Myra and Evadne trended everywhere.

No scandals. No shame.

Just praise.

Thirty years of scheming—for nothing.

Her bladder screamed.

"Are you okay?" Frederic asked absently.

"Fine," she hissed.

"Leave if you’re unwell."

Her smile was razor-thin. "I wouldn’t miss this for the world."