Chapter 462

Thaddeus inclined his head in a respectful bow, the perfect balance of deference from a younger man.

Even though this elder had made his life difficult before—putting him through uncomfortable situations—his love for Evadne and deep admiration for Chairman Ashbourne's integrity kept him humble. But his humility was nothing like Avery's desperate, fawning eagerness.

"Chairman Ashbourne, the night air is chilly. You should take care not to catch a cold."

His presence was like sunlight without heat, a powerful current beneath still waters. Reflecting on it now, it felt unexpectedly pleasant, like standing in a soft breeze.

Emeric gave a slight nod.

The absence of his usual bodyguards sent Evadne's heart racing with worry. She rushed forward. "Dad, why didn’t you bring anyone with you? Coming here alone—what if something happened?"

"Mr. Lyle is perfectly capable. Besides, it's late, and I didn’t want to disturb their rest." Emeric glanced around the villa. "I wanted to see for myself how my daughter is living here in Elmsworth. To check if this place is comfortable enough for her."

He surveyed the space. "Small, but well-appointed. Not spacious, but cozy."

"You didn’t pick the lock to get in, did you?" Evadne’s cheeks burned, her tone sharp with mock indignation.

Her embarrassment stemmed from the fact that this villa had become her and Thaddeus’s private sanctuary, filled with traces of their shared life.

"Do you really think I’d resort to breaking in?"

Emeric feigned offense, his expression darkening. "Didn’t you hire a housekeeper? She let me in, served me tea and pastries. I had a few—they were quite good. Mr. Lyle packed the rest to take with us."

Mr. Lyle shook the clear container in his hand.

"How could you! Those were for Thaddeus—leave them alone!"

Evadne stomped her foot, reaching out to snatch the treats, but Thaddeus caught her wrist. "You have three women waiting on you hand and foot, and Thaddeus only has me! He hasn’t even tried them yet—how can you just take them?"

"Evadne, it’s fine." Thaddeus pulled her closer, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Tsk, no harm in letting your old man enjoy them. If he wants more, you can make them anytime." Emeric guarded the container like a lion protecting its prey. "But for me to get a taste, I had to come all the way to Elmsworth. I’m keeping them!"

Later?

The couple exchanged glances, startled.

Emeric’s attitude toward Thaddeus had shifted subtly. Before, it had felt like he wanted to chase them off with a stick every day. But tonight, not only was he less harsh, his words carried a hint of something more.

Thaddeus’s pulse quickened, his palms dampening. But he didn’t dare hope too much—even this small thaw was enough for him.

In the end, Evadne lost the battle. All her afternoon efforts, barely tasted by her man, were now claimed by her father. Infuriating!

"Hey, kid, you seem lively. Your back must be better?" Emeric asked, genuine concern in his voice.

"It’s fine. I’m not that fragile," Evadne said, lifting her chin defiantly.

"Evadne, don’t push yourself. A sprain takes longer to heal than a break."

Thaddeus frowned, calling her out. "Last night, you were in so much pain you couldn’t sleep. Why don’t you tell your father the truth?"

"It’s not like that. You talk too much." Evadne bit her lip, elbowing him lightly.

Emeric watched their playful exchange, warmth spreading through his chest like he’d been hit by a barrage of candy-coated shells. Even Mr. Lyle, standing behind him, couldn’t suppress a smile.

"Mr. Abernathy, Evadne is injured. I know you’re looking after her, but as a CEO, your schedule is packed. You can’t be with her every moment." Emeric’s tone turned serious. "I’m worried about leaving her without proper care, so I’d like to take her home for a few days to recover."

The lighthearted mood vanished.

"I’m not going back. Who says I don’t have anyone to look after me? Alva, the assistant Thaddeus found, takes excellent care of me!" Evadne crossed her arms, pouting.

Thaddeus stood silently beside her, his grip on her waist tightening slightly.

Logically, he knew she’d be better cared for at home. But the thought of being apart from her was unbearable. Every moment with her was precious, and he cherished her with everything he had.

Even a single day without her would be agony.

Seeing her stubbornness, Emeric turned to Thaddeus, his expression grave. "Mr. Abernathy, my daughter may have married you, but you’re no longer together. Given your backgrounds, it’s inappropriate for you to live like this. If you truly see a future with Evadne, it should develop naturally, not rushed. Don’t you agree?"

Thaddeus took a deep breath, tenderness and hesitation warring within him as he gently nudged Evadne toward her father.

"Evadne, go home with your father for now. Rest well."

"You’re sending me away?" Her brows knitted together, her voice trembling like an abandoned kitten’s.

"Silly girl, I’m not sending you away. I’m doing what’s best for you." His voice caught, his heart aching at her pitiful expression.

"Will you come to Skyrim to see me?" Her lips quivered.

"Of course. I’ll come in a few days."

But in truth, he wouldn’t last a single day. He’d want to leave for Skyrim at dawn, even if it meant standing outside the gates of Silverlake Harbor just to be closer to her.

Emeric felt an inexplicable pang of guilt, but his worry for Evadne outweighed it.

After all, she had just provoked the Abernathy and Fairhaven families—and one of the Fairhaven dogs had bitten her. Who knew what they might do next? The thought kept him awake at night.

In the end, Evadne climbed into the car with her father. The night was deep, the air heavy with dew as Thaddeus stood in the wind, watching the luxury vehicle disappear into the distance.

Only when it was out of sight did he lower his head, fists clenched, tears misting his eyes.

Gordon, sensing his distress, murmured, "Mr. Abernathy, don’t worry. Mrs. Abernathy just went home—she hasn’t left for good. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?"

Thaddeus’s vision blurred, his voice rough. "I know. I just feel like I failed to take care of her."

The Rolls-Royce glided through the night toward Skyrim.

In the back seat, Evadne nestled against her father, silent for a long while. Emeric patted her shoulder gently, his voice warm. "Evadne, are you mad at me?"

She shook her head. "I know you’re looking out for me."

A pause. Then soft sobs, damp warmth seeping into his shirt.

"Evadne? Are you crying?"

"Dad. I miss Thaddeus. I miss him so much."

It had been years since she’d cried in his arms like this. Emeric’s heart ached, his own eyes growing moist.

He hadn’t felt this way since Debby married and left for Helgen.

Seeing how deeply Evadne and Thaddeus loved each other, it felt like the young man had carved a piece of his flesh away. The pain, the reluctance—only a father could understand.

"My Evadne, I really can’t hold onto you anymore."

Back home, Evadne locked herself in her room, wrapped in a quilt, chatting with Thaddeus on the phone.

She chattered endlessly, like a little songbird. On the other end, he listened patiently, occasionally agreeing or adding his thoughts.

Two souls in sync, their values aligned—there was never a shortage of topics. Eventually, her words slowed, and without realizing it, she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, she rubbed her bleary eyes and stretched.

"Seems like you slept well."

Evadne gasped, flipping over to grab her still-lit phone. "Thaddeus?! Why are you still on the line?!"

His voice was hoarse, clearly exhausted. "Last night, you went quiet. I figured you’d fallen asleep."

"So you—?"

"I didn’t want to hang up. Hearing you snore is a rare treat." He chuckled lightly.

Her cheeks flushed. "You’re lying! I don’t snore! A beauty doesn’t snore!"

"Alright, my mistake." He yawned.

"You should sleep. Staying up all night must’ve drained you." Her heart ached for him.

"By the way, Evadne, we’ll see each other soon. William and his son are hosting a gala at their castle this weekend. All four families are invited, including your father. We’ll meet then."

"A gala? Must be for some big announcement." Her eyes sparkled.

"Likely finalizing a business deal."

"Your father must be under a lot of pressure lately. He won’t pass up a chance to collaborate with J Corp."

"Elspeth’s mess has him spread too thin to focus on William."

Thaddeus’s voice darkened. "But I can’t say what Chad might be planning."

"Thaddeus, even if your brother is recovering abroad, don’t underestimate him. His debut with J Corp means he’s bound to make a comeback."

"Evadne, are you really afraid I’ll become a kept man?" He teased.

"I’m serious!"

"I’m not afraid of him coming back. If he wants to reclaim what’s his fairly, I have no objections."

The abduction years ago still haunted him. He owed Chad.

"But if he plays dirty, I won’t stand by. Ashbourne Group should win this race. If William is decent, he’ll choose you without hesitation. But if Chad or others try anything, I won’t just watch."

His deep, resonant voice soothed her. "With me here, you’ve got nothing to worry about."

Myra hadn’t gone on vacation as she’d claimed. Instead, she stayed home, caring for Emeric and cooking for the family.

Her life, untouched by Elspeth’s downfall, remained peaceful. She appreciated Evadne’s revenge but, with a loving husband and daughter, hatred no longer weighed on her.

Evadne savored the tonic soup Myra had prepared, drinking every drop. The women of the house gathered around, relieved to see her in good spirits.

"Looks like that boy is taking good care of you."

Aviana propped her chin on her hand, shaking her head admiringly. "Hearing you talk, I’m impressed with Thaddeus. A pampered young master turned doting househusband just for you—that’s no small sacrifice."

"Absolutely. Emeric would never stoop to that. He’s far too proud." Suri chuckled.

Evadne smirked, feeling like she’d hit the jackpot.

"Evadne, be patient a little longer. I think Emeric is warming up to the idea of you and Mr. Abernathy. His pride is just too big—he hasn’t found a graceful way to back down yet."

Myra’s words sent a shock of delight through the room.

"Really?!"

"Emeric had his sights set on Mr. Avery Chambers for you, always trying to push you together. But after the last race, I think he’s softened toward Mr. Abernathy. He made it clear to Mr. Chambers that day—he won’t interfere in your relationship anymore. He’s letting nature take its course."

Evadne’s heart soared. Finally, the clouds had parted!

"Mrs. Myra Ashbourne, Ms. Nydia and Mr. Jason have arrived. They’re waiting in the living room."

Myra’s expression stiffened slightly. "I’ll be right there."

"Something wrong?" Evadne, ever observant, noticed her discomfort.

Myra hesitated, but Aviana blurted out, "Jason and Nydia’s relationship reached Emeric’s ears. He doesn’t approve. And with Jason’s older brother representing Elspeth as her lawyer, and their father backing the Abernathy Group, Emeric is even more displeased."