Chapter 455

Avery refused to look at Evadne, his face shadowed as he adjusted his glasses.

Thaddeus stood beside the petite woman, lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to intervene, but she was always quicker, sharper. Besides, if he stepped in now, wouldn’t he be playing right into Avery’s hands? Becoming exactly the kind of man Jareth had described with such disdain.

"How are you feeling, Evadne?" Thaddeus murmured, his voice low. "Is your back still hurting?"

Emeric ignored his daughter’s sharp tongue, his concern solely for her well-being. "You’re as stubborn as your mother. After a fall like that, you should’ve gone straight to the hospital! Wind and Gene have everything under control. Why do you insist on being involved?" He sighed, shaking his head. "Cassius, call Mr. Larry immediately. Have him take Evadne to the hospital and assemble a team of specialists."

Cassius, sensing the tension, wisely stayed out of it. He knew better than to intrude when the young couple needed privacy. "That won’t be necessary," Evadne interjected smoothly. "Thaddeus is all the company I need."

She boldly laced her fingers with Thaddeus’s, locking eyes with him in a gaze that left no room for anyone else. "Dad, let me remind you of something—true warriors don’t boast about their victories. Who was it who gathered the evidence today? Who stood up for me, for Wind, for our family under all that pressure? And who did it all without seeking credit?" Her voice was steel. "I hope you see things clearly and aren’t swayed by sweet talk. Don’t let yourself become a laughingstock."

With that, she lifted her chin and strode past Emeric and Avery, dragging Thaddeus along with her.

A chill settled over Avery’s shoulder as they passed, a sharp pang twisting in his chest. His hands clenched into fists, his expression darkening.

Thaddeus, ever the gentleman, gave Emeric a quick, stiff bow before following Evadne out.

"That girl," Emeric muttered, watching them go. "I swear, I can’t control her anymore!"

Cassius and Myra exchanged amused glances. Some men would kill for that kind of "misery" and never get the chance.

As Evadne climbed into Thaddeus’s car and drove away, resentment clawed at Avery’s chest, his eyes burning red.

But he quickly schooled his expression, turning to Emeric with sorrowful eyes. "Mr. Ashbourne, I failed today. I should’ve acted faster. I let you and Evadne down."

"Don’t be so hard on yourself," Emeric said warmly. "You did well. If it weren’t for you, who knows how the Fairhavens might’ve treated Evadne?"

"If I’d done better," Avery murmured, his voice laced with guilt, "maybe Evadne would’ve looked at me differently. And you wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble."

Emeric studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Avery, I’ve seen everything you’ve done for Evadne. But matters of the heart… they can’t be forced."

Avery’s breath hitched. What did that mean?

Just days ago, Emeric had been adamant about pushing him and Evadne together. Why the sudden change? Was it because Thaddeus had played the hero today? Had Emeric finally seen him in a new light, overlooking the years of pain he’d caused Evadne?

Or had Emeric never truly hated Thaddeus as much as he pretended?

After everything, was he back to square one?

No. He wouldn’t accept that. He needed Evadne.

Myra stepped forward, linking her arm with Emeric’s. "Mr. Chambers, Emeric means no offense. We all know your feelings for Evadne are sincere. But love must be mutual to work. As her family, her happiness is all that matters. If she marries someone she doesn’t love, we’d be ruining her life."

Cassius smirked, his gaze dripping with disdain.

Avery’s face paled, his fingers trembling.

"Let things take their course," Emeric said gently.

Despite her protests, Evadne found herself practically carried to the hospital by Thaddeus.

By the time they returned home, it was late.

"Why do you always have to be so stubborn?" Evadne huffed as she stepped out of the car, only to wince when a sharp pain shot through her back.

Thaddeus was at her side in an instant, his arms wrapping around her. "Stop pretending you’re fine. Remember how loud you were at the hospital?"

Her cheeks flushed. "I wasn’t that loud."

"Weren’t you?" His voice dropped, husky. "I thought I was outside a delivery room, waiting for our baby."

The word baby sent a pang through her heart. She flinched, but Thaddeus, mistaking it for pain, scooped her up and carried her inside.

Alva had been waiting anxiously. "Mrs. Abernathy! Are you alright?"

"I’m fine," Evadne grumbled, punching Thaddeus’s chest. "He’s just being dramatic."

Thaddeus chuckled, his eyes soft. "Yes, my warrior princess. The strongest, most stunning woman I’ve ever met."

He hated calling her strong. No woman should have to be.

She should be cherished, protected.

And he’d be the one to do it.

Evadne’s stomach growled. Alva hurried to prepare dinner while Evadne demanded a bath.

"I smell like a stable!"

"No," Thaddeus said firmly. "The doctor said no water on those wounds for a week." He carried her to their room. "I’ll give you a sponge bath."

She pouted. "Will that even get me clean?"

"Of course," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. "I’ll make sure you’re spotless."

"Don’t get any ideas," she warned. "I just want to sleep tonight."

Images of tangled limbs and whispered promises flickered in her mind. Her body warmed.

Thaddeus sighed, his gaze heavy. "I can control myself. I’ll wait until you’re healed."

In the bathroom, he carefully wiped her down, his lips trailing along her neck.

He could restrain his body, but not his heart.

"You’re usually so articulate in board meetings," Evadne teased, tracing his Adam’s apple. "What happened today with my father? Cat got your tongue?"

Thaddeus kissed her softly. "As long as you’re safe, I don’t care who gets the credit."

Tears pricked her eyes. This was why she loved him.

Nothing else mattered to him but her.

"It’s just…" He exhaled roughly. "I feel like I can’t win. Like I’m always falling short."

"That’s not true," she whispered.

He would always be her hero.

But she wouldn’t tell him that.

She didn’t want him getting too cocky.