Chapter 85

16:40

Thaddeus's words hung in the air, even startling himself. He had no proof, yet he'd assumed the worst of Evadne. A part of him wanted her to be that kind of person—as if it would validate his lingering significance in her heart.

"Thaddeus," Evadne laughed softly, though her chest ached. "Are you perhaps a little too full of yourself?"

She tilted her head, her smile sharp. "Honestly, revenge never crossed my mind. Whether you married Acacia or pulled an Emeric and took four wives, I wouldn’t care. Hating you? That’s the most pointless thing in the world."

The words hit Thaddeus like a physical blow. His jaw tightened. "Evadne—"

"Camille’s orders are booked solid until next year. She doesn’t bend her rules for anyone—not even the leader’s wife." Evadne’s tone was light, teasing, but her eyes were dull, devoid of their usual fire. "If I really wanted revenge, I wouldn’t need Camille. I could’ve just slapped Acacia a few times and called it a day. You really don’t know me at all, do you?"

Thaddeus flinched. That emptiness in her gaze—it hurt more than he expected.

"Evadne!"

A familiar voice cut through the tension.

Cassius.

Evadne seized the chance to step back, nearly jogging toward him. Cassius caught her effortlessly, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. "Sorry I’m late," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"It’s fine." Her voice was small, eyes glistening.

Cassius shot Thaddeus a warning look. "Did he do anything to you?"

Evadne shook her head. "Let’s just go home."

Thaddeus stood frozen, watching as they walked away. Then, like a man possessed, he followed.

Outside, Jason waited by the Rolls-Royce, ever the loyal shadow.

"Ugh, these heels are killing me," Evadne groaned, leaning into Cassius. "Sneakers are so much better."

"Jason," Cassius ordered without hesitation.

The bodyguard retrieved a pair of pristine sneakers from the trunk and knelt to place them at Evadne’s feet.

Thaddeus reached the doorway just in time to see Cassius kneel, gently removing her heels and sliding on the sneakers, tying the laces with meticulous care. The sight twisted something inside him.

Evadne plucked a piece of chocolate from Jason’s pocket, popping it into her mouth with a satisfied hum. "Let’s go home."

Cassius helped her into the car, and within seconds, they were gone.

Leaving Thaddeus standing there, chest hollow, an unfamiliar ache spreading through him.

His ex-wife—the woman who once waited for him in that cold, empty mansion—was now being cherished like royalty. Cassius, a man of status and pride, willingly knelt for her, his love evident in every gesture.

True love meant never letting her bend down to tie her own shoes.

And it burned Thaddeus to witness it.

That night, Acacia clung to Thaddeus’s arm as they returned to Windermere Estate, her voice dripping with false concern. "You left me alone earlier. I was so nervous..."

Thaddeus peeled her fingers away, his tone icy. "Acacia."

Her eyes widened, lips trembling. "What’s wrong?"

"In the future, if Evadne doesn’t provoke you, don’t seek her out."

Acacia’s face paled. "You think I’m the one bullying her?"

"Isn’t that the case?" His gaze was unyielding. "She didn’t do anything to you today."

Acacia’s nails dug into her palms. "Thaddeus—"

"After Grandfather’s birthday, once the divorce is finalized, we’ll have no ties to her." His voice was final. "Stop making scenes. That’s all I ask."

The rest of the ride was silent.

At the estate, Thaddeus stormed upstairs without another word, leaving Acacia seething.

Half an hour later, dressed in fresh clothes, he descended the stairs—only to freeze at the sound of laughter from the living room.

Glynnis’s voice carried, laced with disdain. "We need a new chef. The food’s been unbearable since Evadne left. Who knew that country girl could actually cook?"

Acacia giggled. "She cooked for you every day?"

"Of course," Glynnis sneered. "It was the only way she could justify staying in this family. The maids called her the ‘high-class nanny.’"

Elspeth sighed dramatically. "I thought she’d leave after a year, with how cold Thaddeus was. But no—she endured three years of humiliation. Pathetic."

Glynnis snorted. "Thank God Acacia’s back. Otherwise, that leech would’ve clung to us forever."

Thaddeus’s hands clenched into fists.

"Have you quite finished?" His voice cut through the room like a blade.

Silence.

Acacia jumped up, forcing a smile. "Thaddeus, we were just—"

"Grateful?" He scoffed, eyes blazing. "You’ve been benefiting from Evadne’s kindness for years, and this is how you repay her? Mocking her behind her back?"

Elspeth and Glynnis blanched.

"Evadne was my wife," he growled. "I won’t tolerate disrespect toward her—not from anyone in this family."

The women shrank under his glare.

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed back upstairs, leaving them in stunned silence.

Acacia’s fists trembled.

Evadne. Always Evadne.

Even now, divorced and gone, she still haunted them.

And Thaddeus—he was still under her spell.