Chapter 73

The press conference had been a catastrophic failure for Glynnis, shattering the elegant facade Elspeth had meticulously built for her. That evening, Glynnis stumbled into Windermere Estate, barely able to stand, supported by her attendants.

"Mother, you must help me get revenge! I need to restore my reputation!"

Tears streamed down Glynnis's face, her composure obliterated. "The internet is flooded with hateful comments about me. I can't face anyone now!"

"Revenge? How? Should I slap Thaddeus across the face, or force him to resign and hand his CEO position to you, you foolish child?"

Elspeth glared at her tear-streaked face, fury simmering in her eyes. "What did I tell you before you left? Stick to the script—no makeup, appear genuine! But what did you do? You ruined everything! This is your own doing, and now you come crying to me? What good are tears? Even your father wants nothing to do with you!"

"Mother, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have disobeyed you. I won’t be so reckless again!"

Glynnis dropped to her knees, clutching Elspeth’s legs. "Mother, while Thaddeus played a part, the real villain is that witch Isabella! If she hadn’t provoked me, none of this would’ve happened!"

"Oh, we’ll deal with Isabella." Elspeth’s lips curled into a venomous smile. "Your grandfather’s birthday is approaching. I’ve arranged for Isabella to humiliate herself publicly—and for you to reclaim your dignity."

"Mother! What’s your plan?" Glynnis sniffled, her mood instantly lifting at the mention of Isabella’s downfall.

Elspeth folded her arms, smirking. "You’ll see."

Just then, Glynnis’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen and shrieked, startling Elspeth.

"What are you screaming about at this hour?"

"That bitch Isabella must pay!" Glynnis screeched, her rage spiraling into hysteria.

Simultaneously, Elspeth’s phone rang. It was Acacia.

"What is it, Acacia?"

"Auntie, have you seen the photos I sent Glynnis?" Acacia’s voice dripped with faux concern.

"Photos?"

Elspeth snatched Glynnis’s phone and gasped.

"I ran into Isabella and Mr. Jareth at the mall today while shopping with Thaddeus. They looked intimate—like a couple. Worse, Mr. Jareth gifted her an exorbitant sapphire necklace—the very one Thaddeus was supposed to give me. But Mr. Jareth bought it and handed it to her."

Acacia sighed dramatically. "To me, it’s just jewelry. But for Glynnis? This is about her future. She’s meant to marry into the Jareth family. If Isabella interferes, how can Glynnis accept that?"

"That woman exists to torment us! How dare she meddle with my future son-in-law!"

Elspeth’s grip tightened, her eyes glinting with malice. "If she enjoys stealing, I’ll let her steal until it destroys her!"

Isabella’s days were numbered. Mr. Hamilton’s birthday would be her undoing.

For three days, Thaddeus remained hospitalized.

He kept his condition secret, brushing off Acacia’s attempts to visit with vague excuses.

Every night, his mind replayed the moment he’d kissed Isabella.

His lips still tingled with the memory of her softness.

Had he lost his mind? Absolutely.

Alcohol was a curse.

Thaddeus vowed never to engage with Isabella again.

Yet by the fourth day, when she hadn’t visited, his irritation resurfaced.

Heartless woman.

"Mr. Thaddeus, the doctor has cleared you for discharge." Gordon entered, holding fresh attire.

"Did Isabella contact you?" Thaddeus’s voice was ice.

"No."

"She nearly kills me, and that’s it?"

His fist clenched, his expression darkening. "The military academy graduation photo I asked for—did you find it?"

"Here."

Gordon set down the suit and retrieved a navy-blue album from his briefcase.

Thaddeus flipped through it, scrutinizing each face.

The masked man from that night—his combat style had been familiar. Thaddeus, trained in military tactics, never forgot an opponent.

Then he froze.

His sharp inhale made Gordon tense.

"Mr. Thaddeus?"

"So it’s him."

The photo showed a striking man in uniform—Elvis Waverley.

"Isabella Waverley. Elvis Waverley. Siblings. Of course."

Elvis had been Thaddeus’s only rival at the academy. Post-graduation, they’d lost touch.

Now, Thaddeus’s curiosity about Isabella’s secrets deepened.

But before he could dwell, a knock interrupted.

Gordon opened the door—and stiffened.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Gordon."

Jason stood there, holding an expensive gift. "Ms. Isabella sent me to check on Mr. Thaddeus. Is he available?"

"Enter." Thaddeus’s tone was frigid.

Jason stepped inside, placing the gift on the table. "Ms. Isabella predicted you’d be discharged today. She was right, as usual."

"Did you come alone?" Thaddeus’s gaze flicked past him, searching.

"Ms. Isabella is occupied assisting President Ashbourne at the hotel. As her personal secretary, my presence equals hers."

The first half was Jason’s addition—a deliberate jab.

Thaddeus’s jaw tightened. "I don’t want hollow pleasantries. Take the gift back."

"Ms. Isabella said if you refuse it, discard it. She never takes back what she gives."

"Tell Isabella to see me." Thaddeus rose, his imposing frame radiating authority.

"Apologies, Mr. Thaddeus. Ms. Isabella is unavailable. All compensation matters will be handled by me. State your demands—within reason, and she’ll comply."

"I want her."

"No."

"Then why are you still here?" Gordon snapped. "You’re just here to provoke us!"

Jason’s smirk said exactly.

"Tell Isabella this." Thaddeus’s voice turned lethal. "She hands over the man who attacked me, or this isn’t over."

"The Abernathy Group’s legal team is formidable, but K Group’s isn’t weak either. If you sue your ex-wife before your wedding, President Ashbourne will intervene."

Jason’s gaze hardened. "But as a businessman, you know lawsuits are messy. Smart men avoid them."

With a bow, he turned to leave—then paused.

"Oh, Ms. Isabella asked: Was Glynnis’s press conference your doing?"

"That’s Abernathy business. Not yours."

"Very well. Goodbye."

Jason exited, leaving tension thick enough to slice.

"That wasn’t a visit—it was a taunt!" Gordon growled.

Thaddeus exhaled sharply. "Follow him. Report his every move."