Chapter 67

Two elite black cards, two of Elmsworth's most eligible bachelors, and they were fighting over a necklace.

Unbelievable.

The attendant's hands trembled as he held the cards. "Gentlemen, we only have one of these necklaces in stock..."

"I know." Thaddeus' cold gaze flickered from Evadne's face. "That's exactly why I want it."

Acacia smirked, already picturing the necklace around her throat.

Evadne pressed her lips together, bitterness flooding her chest. Of course. Anything Acacia desired, Thaddeus would move heaven and earth to give her.

But her own wants? Her feelings? Irrelevant.

"Don't mind him. Swipe my card and wrap it up." Jareth drummed his fingers on the counter. "I said I wanted it first."

"Jareth." Thaddeus' voice was dangerously low.

Jareth met his glare head-on. "Thaddeus, you know me. I don't gift things to just anyone. We've been friends for twenty years. Let me have this one."

Evadne's breath hitched.

Acacia's jaw dropped. How?! How was this divorced woman still pulling men like this?!

Thaddeus' chest tightened. Jareth had never challenged him over a woman before. Never risked their friendship. And now, for his ex-wife—the woman he claimed to despise?

"Thank you, Jareth." Evadne's soft voice cut through the tension. She smiled at him. "I love it."

Jareth's pulse spiked. "Anything for you."

Thaddeus saw red. She accepted Jareth's gift? Right in front of him?!

Jareth fastened the necklace around her slender throat.

Thaddeus' fists clenched, powerless.

"Stunning," the attendant breathed.

"The necklace is beautiful," Evadne murmured.

"No, no! You're the one who makes it shine. Others have worn it, but none like you."

Acacia's nails dug into her palms. She shot Thaddeus a glare, but he just stood there, frozen.

"Jareth, I have work. Let's go."

"Of course."

They walked away like a perfect pair.

"Thaddeus!" Acacia whined. "That necklace was supposed to be mine!"

Thaddeus ignored her, striding after Evadne. "Evadne!"

She turned, icy. "What now, Mr. Thaddeus? Want to rip the necklace off me?"

His jaw clenched. He pulled a velvet box from his pocket and thrust it at her.

"What is this?"

"A bracelet. To replace the one my grandfather gave you." His voice was stiff, refusing to say the words burning in his throat.

She laughed coldly. "No need. My grandfather will replace it. Take it back before your fiancée gets the wrong idea."

"Why take Jareth's gift but not mine?!"

"Because yours makes me sick."

She left him there, gutted.

"See you tonight, Thaddeus!" Jareth called before chasing after her.

Thaddeus' chest ached, her words echoing in his skull.

Acacia stormed over, livid.

Evadne marched through the parking lot, Jareth catching her wrist.

"Let go."

"Was it Thaddeus? I'm sorry—I didn't know he'd be here."

She remembered the box, her heart twisting. Compensation? She didn't want it.

"Take this back." She removed the necklace, handing it to him. "Thank you, but I can't accept it."

Jareth froze. "You used me?"

"I'm sorry."

He should've been furious. Instead, he just felt sorry for her. She wasn't over Thaddeus. She needed time. He'd wait.

"Don't worry. At least you didn't take his gift either." He pocketed the necklace with a forced grin.

"You're a good man, Jareth. You deserve better."

"The better woman is right in front of me."

She smiled sadly and walked away.

Rejected.

That night, Sapphire Nights Lounge.

Thaddeus' mood was black. Jareth had cleared the place, leaving just the two of them.

Thaddeus sat at the bar, the velvet box in front of him. He'd carried it for days, waiting for the right moment. And she'd rejected it.

He swirled his whiskey, seeing Jareth fastening that necklace, her smile—

A smile that used to be his.

Now she gave it to everyone but him.

He downed the drink in one gulp.

"Thad, slow down." Jareth's hand covered his glass.

"What's the point? Better than being betrayed by my best friend."

"Betrayed? When have I ever betrayed you?" Jareth signaled the bartender. "Same for me."

"Stay away from Evadne."

"Why?"

"She's with Cassius."

"Is that the reason, or is it because she's your ex-wife?"

Thaddeus' blood boiled.

"If it's the first, I don't care. If it's the second, I care even less."

Thaddeus slammed his glass down, grabbing Jareth's collar.

"Jareth, as long as I'm breathing, you stay the hell away from her!"