Chapter 66

Just a few paces ahead, Jareth and Evadne strolled side by side—one towering with effortless charm, the other a vision of icy elegance. They looked like they'd stepped out of a high-fashion editorial.

Thaddeus's brow twitched when he spotted the shopping bag in Jareth's hand. Since when did they hang out together?

Evadne hadn't noticed Thaddeus and Acacia yet, too absorbed in whatever witty remark Jareth had just made. Her laughter, rare and bright, hung between them like sunlight.

Something sharp twisted in Thaddeus's chest. His vision blurred for half a second.

Jareth sensed the shift first. His head snapped up. "Thaddeus? What are you doing here?"

Only then did Evadne turn. Her smile vanished. Her gaze flicked over Acacia clinging to Thaddeus's arm, and her lips curled in disdain.

Acacia seized her moment, pressing closer to Thaddeus with a triumphant glare at Evadne.

But Evadne just looked bored. Once, this scene might have shattered her. Now? She couldn't muster more than mild disgust. A cheating husband and his tacky mistress—how predictable.

"Interesting question," Thaddeus growled, voice low as thunder. "I should be asking you that, Jareth."

"Retail therapy, obviously." Jareth flashed his trademark grin, either oblivious or deliberately provoking. "You know I can't resist a good sale."

Evadne almost snorted. The man had the attention span of a magpie in a jewelry store. Half their "date" had been him darting into boutiques while she checked her watch.

To Thaddeus, the casual admission felt like a slap. His jaw clenched.

"How cozy," Acacia purred, fingers tracing circles on Thaddeus's sleeve. "Ms. Evadne and Mr. Jareth on a little shopping date. Come on, darling, let's not interrupt their... whatever this is."

Evadne's eyes turned arctic. Jareth stiffened.

Then Thaddeus did something shocking—he shoved Acacia aside and closed the distance between himself and Evadne in three long strides.

"Thaddeus!" Acacia's shriek went ignored.

Evadne had to tilt her head back to meet his glare. Even in heels, he loomed over her. "Problem?"

"What's going on here?" His voice could've frozen lava.

"Retail therapy," she echoed dryly. "We bumped into each other. Should I have taken a detour to avoid offending your delicate sensibilities?"

"You're shopping with him?" The words came out strangled.

"Hey, I'm not the big bad wolf," Jareth cut in, frowning.

"Just a wolf in designer clothing," Thaddeus shot back.

Jareth winced. "Ouch."

"Thaddeus," Evadne sighed, "we're divorced. Who I spend time with is none of your business. This tantrum is embarrassing."

A muscle jumped in his jaw. Was he... jealous? Impossible. Thaddeus didn't love her. This was just possessiveness—the same instinct that made toddlers scream over toys they'd discarded.

"The divorce isn't finalized," he ground out. "Flouncing around with my best friend? Think of the scandal for both families."

Evadne laughed, sharp and humorless. "Scandal? Thaddeus, after three years of marriage, who even knows I was your wife? No public introductions. No wedding. Not even a damn Instagram post." She leaned in, close enough to see his pupils dilate. "Relax. If I plastered my face on every billboard in the city, no one would connect me to you. Now if you'll excuse me."

She sidestepped him, spine straight.

Jareth hesitated only a second before abandoning his friend to follow her.

Thaddeus watched them go, knuckles white, breath coming too fast. It felt like watching someone walk off with something precious he'd forgotten was his.

"Thaddeus," Acacia whined, draping herself over his arm. "I feel faint... Oh, since we're here, let's go shopping! You've never taken me. Look how sweet Jareth is being with Ms. Ice Queen—"

"Fine," he snapped, eyes tracking Evadne like a missile lock.

Evadne stormed down the corridor, heels striking marble like gunshots. Running into her ex was bad enough. Running into him with that leech Acacia? She needed a drink.

"Hey," she barked.

Jareth materialized at her elbow. "Present."

"Tell me something funny. Now."

He rubbed his neck. "Or... I could take you somewhere with actual alcohol tonight?"

"I don't drink with men I don't trust." She shot him a sidelong glance. "Aren't you worried about your bromance with Thaddeus?"

"Please. You're basically divorced. If he's got a problem with me being civil, that's his damage." Jareth scowled. "I didn't sign up for this soap opera."

Just then, a sapphire necklace in a boutique window caught Evadne's eye—a teardrop of midnight blue winking under the lights. She veered inside without thinking.

"May I see this one?" she asked the clerk.

"Excellent choice, madam! This is from our 'Starry Abyss' collection—only five exist worldwide." The saleswoman beamed as she unlocked the case.

Evadne examined it critically. The stone itself was decent, but the craftsmanship? Exquisite. The designer had turned good into breathtaking.

Jareth sprawled on a velvet chair, elbow propped on the armrest, chin in hand. "Like it?"

"Hmm."

"Try it on," he urged, eyes dancing.

"Wow! It's stunning! I must have it!" Acacia's shrill voice cut through the store. Evadne didn't need to turn to know Thaddeus had followed them in.

The clerk gaped. The contrast between the two women was almost cruel—one radiant in effortless chic, the other drowning in try-hard glamour.

"Ugh. Stalk much?" Jareth muttered.

Thaddeus's gaze burned into Evadne's back.

"Darling," Acacia simpered, batting her lashes at Thaddeus, "buy this for me? Pretty please?"

Jareth fake-gagged.

Thaddeus said nothing. Normally, he'd have handed over his card without blinking. But all he could think of was the Ruby Enigma locked in his safe—and the night he'd realized too late what he'd thrown away.

His silence made Acacia's smile falter.

"I'll take it." Jareth slapped down a black card. "Gift-wrapped, please."

Evadne blinked. Before she could protest, another card appeared beside Jareth's.

"Charge it to me." Thaddeus's voice was rough. His eyes never left Evadne's face.