Chapter 6

The name Thaddeus struck Evadne like a blade, piercing straight through her composure.

"Should I answer?" Cassius asked, his voice steady.

"Go ahead."

He tapped the speakerphone button but remained silent, letting the tension build.

"President Ashbourne, is my wife with you?" Thaddeus' voice was rough, strained.

Evadne's fingers curled into fists. Wife? That word was a mockery now. "Mr. Frederic, get your facts straight. I'm your ex-wife."

"So you are with him." His tone darkened, turning glacial.

"What, did you expect me to sit around waiting for you to throw me out?"

Her sarcasm cut like glass.

Thaddeus' jaw tightened. "You're being reckless. The divorce isn't finalized yet. Legally, you're still my wife. Have some respect for the Abernathy name—and yourself."

"You moved Acacia into Windermere Estate while we were still married. You forced me to sign those papers. Tell me, Thaddeus—where was my dignity then?"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "You never cared about my feelings. Why should I care about yours now? Acacia can have the title of Mrs. Abernathy. Let her worry about your family's precious reputation."

Cassius smirked, lifting his glass of water for a slow sip.

This was the real Evadne—not the meek, obedient wife who had endured three years of humiliation. That had been nothing but an act.

And he preferred her like this—sharp, unapologetic, untouchable.

Thank God she was back.

"I don't have time for this," Thaddeus snapped, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "Grandfather is ill. He's refusing treatment unless he sees you."

Evadne's breath hitched.

Despite everything, the old man had been kind to her. She could walk away from Thaddeus, but not from him.

"Ashbourne General? Fine. I'll go."

She hung up, shoulders sagging under the weight of worry.

"Let me drive you," Cassius offered.

"No. This isn't a fight. If you come, it'll just make things worse."

Her eyes were steel. "I'll handle this myself."

Hospital

Thaddeus and Gordon stood outside the private ward, tension thick in the air.

Evadne arrived in a rush, heels clicking sharply against the tile. Even after just days apart, she noticed the hollows under Thaddeus' eyes, the way his suit hung slightly looser.

Stop it. He's not your problem anymore.

Annoyed with herself, she lifted her chin.

The men turned at the sound of her approach—and froze.

Thaddeus barely recognized her.

"Mr. Gordon, how is he?" Evadne ignored Thaddeus entirely.

"Mrs. Abernathy?" Gordon blinked. "Is that... you?"

She almost laughed. In her hurry, she'd forgotten to dull herself down—no demure dresses, no timid smiles. Just sleek black tailoring, blood-red lips, and the glittering butterfly brooch pinned to her lapel.

"Who else would it be?"

"You look... incredible." Gordon swallowed. "Different. Stronger."

"Divorce suits me," she said lightly. "Like shedding dead weight."

Thaddeus' expression darkened. "If being married to me was such a prison, why stay for three years? You could've left anytime."

The old wound ached.

"I made a promise to your grandfather. Three years meant three years." Her smile was razor-thin. "But congratulations—you're free now. No more sneaking around. Acacia can move in permanently."

His chest tightened.

Who was this woman? The Evadne he knew would never speak like this.

And yet—he couldn't look away.

"Thad!"

Acacia's voice shattered the moment. She rushed forward, throwing herself against Thaddeus, her delicate frame trembling.

"You didn't tell me! Don't I matter to you?"

Elspeth hovered behind her, sighing dramatically. "She barely ate lunch. The stress made her sick again."

Thaddeus' arms closed around Acacia. "You're still unwell?"

"The doctors can't find the cause," Elspeth lamented. "We've tried everything."

"I'll arrange for specialists. If necessary, we'll fly to Switzerland."

Evadne watched, numb.

She remembered nights curled over the bathroom sink, dizzy with pain, dragging herself to the hospital alone. Thaddeus had never once asked.

So he could care.

Just not about her.

Acacia shot her a triumphant glance—then did a double take.

Since when was Evadne this stunning?

And that brooch—wasn't that Alea's latest design? Half a million dollars. There was no way Evadne could afford that. It had to be fake.

"Thaddeus, take Acacia in with you," Elspeth urged. "She's been so worried."

Evadne said nothing. Why would she care?

The ward door opened.

"Mr. Frederic is asking for his grandson and granddaughter-in-law," the secretary announced.

Acacia's face fell.

Evadne stepped forward without hesitation.

Thaddeus followed, jaw clenched.

"Thad, wait—!"

The secretary blocked Acacia smoothly. "I'm sorry. Mr. Frederic was very clear."

The door shut behind them, leaving Acacia seething in the hall.