Chapter 330

Evadne could tell by the grimace on Hamilton’s face that she was treading on hallowed ground within the Abernathy family history.

She knew better than to delve any deeper, but this matter concerned Thaddeus and she couldn’t keep herself from prying. Without a hint of subtlety, she blurted out, “Grandpa, is there some sort of tension between Mr. Thaddeus and Mr. Chad? Is it related to the kidnapping incident from their childhood?”

Hamilton’s eyes widened in shock and he stared at her, “Are you aware of the kidnapping?”

I’m sorry, Grandpa. I didn’t mean to pry.”

Evadne’s throat felt dry as she softly continued, “Thaddeus mentioned something about his older brother. He said he would tell me about it when the time was right. He didn’t want to keep anything hidden from me. At that time, I resisted knowing the truth but I was intrigued. I couldn’t help it.” Hamilton listened, a smile spreading across his face as he saw the blush creeping up her cheeks. It was as if that shy little girl from years past had returned, dissipating the gloom that had hung over him.

This was a good sign.

It meant that Evadne was no longer resistant towards Thaddeus and was even showing a curiosity towards him. Their relationship was definitely improving!

“Ilana, if Thaddeus is willing to share his past with you, it means he truly trusts you. He’s opening up his heart to you.”

Hamilton sighed heavily, the pain of the past still evident on his face, “My two grandsons were kidnapped by a notorious group of criminals who were infamous for their heinous deeds: drug trafficking, murder, bank robberies. They’ve kidnapped numerous heirs of wealthy families across the country.”

“I know, you’re referring to the notorious gang leader, Morgan, aren’t you?”

Evadne had heard about the Morgan gang. Aviana had told her about it.

Morgan used to be a henchman under Aviana’s father’s control, but due to his insatiable ambition, he left the organization and started his own criminal empire.

Back then, Morgan was audacious and brazen. He even taunted the police, vowing to retire only after accumulating a fortune of ten billion dollars. When Morgan was arrested eighteen years ago, it was a cause for national celebration. But Morgan showed no remorse. He even smiled for the cameras! It was infuriating to say the least.

Aviana once mentioned that her father’s biggest regret was not eliminating Morgan when he had the chance.

“Yes.”

Hamilton sighed, “Despite our best efforts and precautions, Morgan managed to kidnap my grandsons!”

As Evadne listened, a chill ran down her spine, “And what happened after that?”

“After Thaddeus and Chad were kidnapped, they demanded a ransom of two hundred million dollars. A hundred million for each child! Back then, that amount was equivalent to one billion today! But I didn’t hesitate and prepared the ransom. Nothing mattered more than my grandsons! But Morgan was cunning. He kept changing the drop–off location, playing us for fools! Thaddeus and Chad were held captive for half a month and we didn’t dare alert the authorities!”

Hamilton lowered his gaze, shaking his head in pain, “Eventually, Thaddeus managed to escape. He was just eleven years old at the time. I never thought he would make it out.”

“Did he escape on his own?”

so many ruthless kidnappers at such a young

“Yes. Chad helped him.”

a sharp

was a fifteen–year–old teenager then. He was taller and stronger

teenager, unarmed and ill–prepared to deal with hardened criminals. How did

she only asked,

outside the gates of Windermere Estate.” Hamilton’s face turned ashen, his lips trembling, “When the boy came back, he was barely alive. His body was covered in blood and he had been tortured. His health was completely

asked in

hadn’t received the ransom yet, they couldn’t kill him. So they used him as a punching bag. They starved him, beat him up and locked him in a sealed shipping container. Chad was beaten and deprived of oxygen for so long that by the time he was admitted

Now, Evadne understood.

was the source of Thaddeus‘ guilt towards his brother and why Frederic was so

Thaddeus must have carried that guilt and burden all these years, which was why he tolerated Frederic’s harsh treatment. He wanted to repay

any of this to Thaddeus, alright? If he doesn’t bring it up, just play dumb,” Hamilton

concern.

presence. “Don’t worry, Grandpa.

him as a man who only cares about his own survival, without considering his brother?” Hamilton’s voice was

moved to sit

to sacrifice for him, and the grace of God to return safely to you. I feel sorry for what happened to his elder brother. But that

Thaddeus’s side, I can rest easy. Even if I’m not here one day, I know he’ll be in good hands

cheeks flushed as she struggled to find the words. Instead,

1

IV drip, Thaddeus noticed that

stomach rumbling and knew that she must be hungry but

need to go home and cook for Marilla,” Jareth said, wrapping his arm around Marilla’s waist. They were so close that they seemed inseparable. Thaddeus choked on his water at the mention

you decide to become a chef after

Jareth confessed. He had never cooked before in his life, he didn’t even

yourself too hard,” Marilla said, tugging at his sleeve

clearly not trusting Jareth’s cooking skills. “If you want to kill

piece of advice. “If the oil in the pan catches fire, remember to turn off the heat and cover

Marilla replied,

annoyed. “I am not an idiot, you guys! I am a learned man. I know how to handle

into his arms

quiet again, filled with

was awkward,

able to shower due to his injuries, so the

incredibly handsome man,

her throat to diffuse the tension, her voice calm

you want to investigate the man who tried to attack Mrs. Myra? You want to figure

with determination

handle

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