Chapter 65

Jareth was, without a doubt, a master at charming women.

"Hmph, are you seriously asking for another beating?" Evadne shot back, her teeth clenched. Her icy gaze burned with lethal intensity.

Jareth wisely took two steps back, raising his hands in surrender. "Easy there, Ms. Evadne. Just a joke. No need to get violent. Besides, I’m the one who got hit, yelled at, and now my clothes are ruined. I have lunch with my mother later—if she sees me like this, she’ll freak out. So, how about helping me change?"

Evadne exhaled sharply. Maybe she had gone too far. Compared to the shallow Thaddeus, Jareth was at least reasonable. He’d defended her when Acacia tried to humiliate her. She remembered that.

"I’ll have my secretary get you a new outfit and arrange a private suite for you to freshen up. Will that work?" Her tone was cool but not unkind.

"Too much hassle," Jareth countered smoothly. "There’s a department store nearby. Why don’t you come with me to pick something out? Your secretary might not have the best taste." His lips curved into a smirk. "And I’d love for you to choose something for me."

Evadne considered it. Broad daylight, public place—what could he possibly try? "Fine."

She drove.

Her speed left Jareth gripping the seat, his pulse racing faster than the car. What should’ve been a twenty-minute trip took ten.

Jareth gaped. "You drive like a pro."

"Used to drive a taxi before I met Thaddeus." She unbuckled her seatbelt. "Out. I don’t have time to waste."

Jareth, an underground racing legend himself, recognized skill when he saw it. This woman was not ordinary. His interest deepened.

The mall was quiet on a Monday, but their striking presence still turned heads.

"You’ve been trending online lately," Jareth mused. "Showing up with me might stir more gossip."

Evadne ignored him. "You like YL, right?"

His brows lifted. "How’d you know?"

"First time I saw you, you were in YL haute couture. Same at the charity gala."

"Observing me that closely?" He grinned, pleased.

"YL suits you."

"Oh?"

"Flashy. Over-the-top."

Jareth’s smile faltered.

"These are off-the-rack. Deal with it."

"As long as you pick it, I’ll wear it."

Evadne strode into the boutique, commanding immediate attention. The staff froze under her sharp presence.

"Money’s no issue," she said coolly, crossing her legs on the couch. "Pick what you want."

Jareth watched, amused. He was used to spoiling women—never the other way around.

It felt… nice.

Meanwhile, two well-dressed women passed by.

Acacia and her mother, Una.

"Mom! That’s her!" Acacia hissed, spotting Evadne with Jareth.

Una’s eyes gleamed. "This is perfect. Call Thaddeus—tell him you’re feeling unwell. When he sees this, he’ll despise her even more!"

Acacia hesitated. "But I just faked a depressive episode to get his attention. If I push too hard—"

"Men want to feel needed!" Una snapped. "Be helpless. Make him rush to your side!"

Acacia bit her lip but dialed.

Thaddeus answered briskly. "Mrs. Stirling."

"Thaddeus! Have you heard from Acacia?" Una feigned panic.

"No. Why?"

"She went shopping alone—said she needed air. Now she’s not answering! Her phone’s off! What if something—"

"I’ll find her."

Within minutes, Thaddeus stormed into the mall, calling Acacia. She answered, voice frail. "Thaddeus…"

"Where are you?"

"Second floor… by the elevator. I feel… dizzy."

"Stay there!"

He found her slumped on a bench, tears glistening. The moment she saw him, she flung herself into his arms.

"You came," she whispered. "I feel better already."

"Why didn’t you answer your mother?"

"My phone died. I just charged it."

"Don’t go out alone again." His voice softened. "It’s not safe."

She nuzzled his chest. "I only need you."

Nearby, whispers erupted.

"What a gorgeous couple!"

"The girl’s like a painting! And the man—so handsome!"

Thaddeus ignored them—until Acacia gasped.

"Thaddeus… look!"

He turned.

His blood ran cold.

Then boiled.

There, in the boutique, stood Evadne—with Jareth.

His fists clenched.

Fire burned in his eyes.