The
hallway suddenly fell
an eene silence.
Thaddeus watched as Avery cradled Evadne, her frail form nestled against him like a bird seeking
refuge, a sight that sank a dagger into his heart and
unexpected sting to his eyes
In his absence, they seemed to have grown remarkably close
The more Thaddeus thought about it, the more bitterness seeped into his heart. He lowered his gaze,
refusing to look at Evadne. The blue veins on his hands, gripping the armrest of his grandfather’s
wheelchair, stood out starkly
Evadne, you just completed a highly demanding surgery You’re drained and you need to rest
immediately”
Avery was aware that the Abernathy family were right there, but he didn’t flinch. All his attention was on
Evadne, his gaze soft and tender. Ill take you
home
“Grandpa Hamilton”
However. Evadne ignored Avery’s tender advances, her concern solely for Hamilton. She moved to
kneel in front of him, taking his weathered hands into her own, “Grandpa Hamilton, why are you in the
hospital? Are you feeling unwell?”
Thaddeus pressed his lips together, a bitter taste spreading across his tongue
She was acting as it be, a grown man, was invisible, selectively turning a blind eye.
Apparently only Avery existed in her world now
““Kid, I’m fine. „Just an old health issue acting up, a discomfort in my heart. Thaddeus insisted we
come in for a check.” Hamilton still wore a fond expression when he looked at Evadne
“Grandpa Hamilton, you must not be negligent. You need to listen to me and get regular check–ups,”
Evadne said, her concern evident.
“Tana, is this gentleman?” Hamilton’s gaze traveled to Avery with a speculative look.
“Mr Abernathy, my name is Avery Chambers” Avery stepped forward, bowing politely.
“Oh, I remember now, from Myra’s birthday party. Mr. Chambers youngest son.” Hamilton
complimented, “A fine young man.”
Despite his words, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of discomfort at the sight of Avery and Evadne’s
closeness
The atmosphere between the former couple was exceptionally tense, even more awkward than when
they had first divorced.
What was he to do?
Just as Hamilton was about to pull Evadne aside for a heart–to–heart, a shrill voice broke the silence.
Grandpa Hamilton, how are you feeling?”
Evadne looked up coldly to see Edith, clad in her nightgown, rushing towards them. Two bodyguards
trailed behind her, careful not to get too close Upon seeing Edith, Hamilton’s lips pressed into a thin line
as he shot Thaddeus an accusing glance.
Thaddeus expression hardened, his gaze icy as it landed on Edith, “What are you doing here?”
heard grandpa Hamilton was sick. I couldn’t sleep, so I sneaked out without telling mom to see him.”
Ediths delicate face was flushed, her curly hair a little disheveled. Her nightgown and slippers clearly
indicated her haste and concern for Hamilton’s
“You must be Jareth’s sister, right?” Hamilton asked, an ambiguous feeling exuding from his eyes.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Yes, I’m Edith “Edith’s hands nervously intertwined, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.
Knowing this was her first formal meeting with Hamilton, and that she would soon be a part of the
Abernathy family, her current attire felt inappropriate
“Just call me Edith”
Edith bent forward slightly, appearing earnest, “Tonight, Thad and I will stay by your side. If you’re
hospitalized, I’ll stay with you, for as many days as
reeded!”
Thaddeus frown deepened, his expression darkening noticeably
Evadne caught sight of his face Unlike other CEOs. Thaddeus was the type to wear his displeasure
openly His business success was attributed to his ruthless strategies rather than his emotional
intelligence
Back when she had first married Thaddeus, he used to wear the same sour expression around her
So, was he unhappy with Eden?
Exadre averted her gaze, refusing to give him another glance
After all despite his current disp
nust have been delighted when he knocked on Edith’s hotel room door that night.
Ms Farhaven, I’ve already been checked. It’s a minor issue and I can be discharged now”
Hanulton called Jareth affectionately as Jareth, but addressed Edith formally as Ms Fairhaven His lack
of warmth was evident, “Ms. Fairhaven, if you stay in the hospital with me, it’s as if you’re hoping I
won’t be able to leave”
His words were half in jest
But to Edith, they were like a slap in the face
A long time ago, she’d heard Glynnis complain about Hamilton, how he couldn’t distinguish between
friends and foes. He showered Evadne with affection, ignoring his own granddaughter, Glynnis. He not
just disagreed Evadee and Thaddeus’s divorce, but also gave Evadne the family heirloom jade bracelet
when they divorced!
Luckily, Acacia had smashed the bracelet in a fit of anger before she left
At least she had done one good thing.
“No, grandpa Hamilton, that’s not what I meant Anxious, Edith quickly turned to Thaddeus with a
pleading look,
But Thaddeus barely glanced at her, blocking out all signals that Edith was trying to send him
“Ms. Fairhaven, I appreciate your concern, but Thaddeus and Ms. Ashbourne are with me. That’s
enough. It’s late, and it’s not safe for you to be out. I see your bodyguards are here. Let them take you
home.” Hamilton’s tone was mild, not wanting to make a big fuss about it with a young girl.
However, Edith’s face turned ashen in embarrassment.
She was not welcomed by this old man, and there was no hint of Thaddeus escorting her back. It was a
clear message: she should leave the way she
camel
How could they!
When she finally became part of the Abernathy family, when that old man landed in the nursing home
for dementia, she’ll surely bribe the nursing staff to torment him, denying him meals and making him
drink bath water!
“Tanal llana, come here!” Hamilton’s expression swiftly shifted, beckoning Evadne with a grin and
ignoring Edith.
“Yes, Grandpa Hamilton.”
Evadne resisted Thaddeus internally, yet she didn’t wish to upset Hamilton. She promptly and
obediently walked towards Hamilton.
Seeing this thunderous, almost Amazonian woman taking tiny, timid steps before her grandfather,
presenting a vulnerable and endearing facade, Thaddeus‘ thoughts were yanked back to three years
ago, when she first became his wife.
Deep inside, a tender part of him was silently stirred.
In truth, he liked her in any form, but back then he couldn’t understand his own feelings, nor did he
know how to express them
But what of it?
Behind Thaddeus‘ profound gaze, his scrutinizing eyes on Evadne are once again filled with distress
and sorrow.
“llana, would you come home with Thaddeus and me tonight? Stay over at Havenbrook.”
Hamilton gently stroked Evadne’s hair. Worried she might reject, he quickly added, “The house is big,
plenty of rooms. You can stay in the room next to mine. Tomorrow, I’ll have Thad cook for you, and
tonight he can prepare your foot bath! You can rest for a couple of days, and let him do all the work!”
Thaddeus‘ lips press together, his brow twitching.
Preparing foot bath water, he could do..
But let him cook?
“Grandpa Hamilton” Evadne hesitated, her eyes flickering.
Just as she was forming her response, Avery stepped forward at a leisurely pace, an elegant and
endearing smile playing on his lips, “Mr. Abernathy, I’m afraid Evadne can’t go with you tonight.”
“Why?” Hamilton frowns.
Avery sighed deeply, his gaze on Evadne’s slightly haggard face filled with warmth and concern,
“Evadne has just performed a major surgery for my brother today. She stood for nearly ten hours.
When she came out of the operating room, she was completely drained, almost fainting”
“What?” Hamilton was shocked, leaning forward in an instant.
Thaddeus was also startled, his heart clenching.
It was unreasonable, unbelievable. A myriad of emotions caused his gaze to become complex.
She just performed a major surgery? No wonder she looked so weary, her complexion was not good,
like she was ill
+
Thaddeus jawline hardened, his lips slowly parting
He wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in his throat, unable to come out
What was he resisting? What was he hesitating about?
“So, I’m going to take Evadne home now. My house is right behind Evadne’s villa. It’s very convenient
Avery’s arm hovered over Evadne’s shoulder, not touching her, showing his gentlemanly demeanor in
front of the Abernathy family. “Mr. Hamilton, I know you care for Evadne. But Evadne has divorced Mr.
Thaddeus Having her stay at your house, under the same roof with Mr. Thaddeus, as a bystander, i find
it inappropriate if you truly care for Evadne, you should consider her feelings more”
This statement, neither humble nor arrogant, remained calm and composed.
But it stirred a fire in Hamilton’s heart, and even Thaddeus, with his icy gaze, was filled with anger
How dared him to speak like this, so audacious?!
Thaddeus‘ brows furrowing, he was about to retort when Evadne said calmly, “Ave, Grandpa Hamilton
is my family. Everything he does is for my best interest. Words like this are better left unsaid”
TL┐- TH
“Oh my, Mr. Abernathy! Fancy meeting you here, what a coincidence
Everyone turned their gazes, only to see Jeff, along with his secretary, hurriedly approaching
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEvadne couldn’t help but be surprised.
True to a tycoon, he was just crying his heart out over his beloved son’s disability, yet he could chat
and laugh leisurely in front of others, completely composed
It was understandable though. After all, the Abernathy family and the Chambers family had been rivals
for years. Jeff couldn’t possibly show his weakness in front of his business competitors.
“Jeff, I heard your son is having health issues. Is everything okay?” Hamilton asked with concern
“Byron had a car accident. Indeed the initial situation wasn’t promising”
Jeff then looked gratefully at Evadne, But Evadne has saved Byron with her amazing skills! Others may
not know how to appreciate Evadne, or fail to recognize a gem, but to us, the Chambers family, Evadne
is a blessing, someone we should valuel Emeric and I are like brothers. Naturally, I treat Evadne as my
own daughter!”
The insinuation in his words was clear to all present.
Jeff had long found out that Evadne was divorced, and her ex–husband was Thaddeus
Back then, he had expressed his indignation, saying that he was no match for her
Marrying into the Abernathy family was bad enough, but marrying the illegitimate son was simply
degrading. Even his son, Avery, was better than Thaddeus
“Mr. Chambers, are you thirsty? Let me take you for a cup of tea.“Evadne, hearing this, looked
somewhat discomforted.
She knew that Jeff and Emeric were good friends, but to speak like this in front of grandfather…
Evadne, I’m not thirsty! I haven’t finished talking about you yet!” But Jeff didn’t get the hint!
Edith was fuming, grinding her teeth in anger
Why did every big shot in Elmsworth favor this wretch? Were all other women dead?!
Thaddeus looked at Evadne with a frosty gaze, his heart aching as much as his eyes were cold.
“You seem to have a liking for daughters. One daughter isn’t enough, and you have to go and take a
goddaughter.”
Hamilton picked up on Jeff’s little slip, “Well, I’m different. I just want a granddaughter–in–law. And I
only want Evadne, no one else will do.”
Avery smiled, but his hand behind Evadne’s back was clenched in hidden frustration.
A wave of humiliation and shame washed over Edith, tearing at her heart
She regretted coming here. She should have stayed home, waiting for her grandfather and mother to
figure out a way to get her into the Abernathy family
Every time she tried to do something on her own, she only ended up embarrassing herself!
Jeff paused, about to speak, when Thaddeus, in his cold, clear voice, cut in
“Grandpa Hamilton, Ms. Ashbourne and I have been divorced for over half a year now. Ms. Ashbourne
has already chosen someone else. It’s not fair to
force her”
The hallway fell quiet.
Evadne’s heart contracted sharply.
But it was just a moment. She lifted the corner of her lip in resignation.
Why should she regret anything? This wasn’t the first time Thaddeus had let her go.
All men’s promises to women were fake. Which man could chase after a woman for a lifetime? Love a
woman for a lifetime?
Not even Emenc, who was so righteous, could do so.
Never mind. Her tycoon father’s love life was a joke.
“What the hell are you talking about, boy! Hamilton glared at his grandson, gritting his teeth as he
forced out each word.
If it werent for the crowd, he would have slapped him across the face!
“Seems like Mr. Thaddeus has let go. If the people involved have moved on, then it’s the best result for
both Mi Thaddeus and Evadne Wouldn’t you agree, Mr Hamilton? Avery asked lightly, a smile playing
on his lips