“Son! What a surprise to hear from you!”

Frederic’s face lit up instantly, his warm tone contrasting sharply with his usually aloof and dignified demeanor:

Thaddeus fluttered his long lashes.

In his memory, his father had never spoken to him with such paternal affection, nor had he ever referred to him affectionately as “son“.

Only in the presence of his elder brother did he genuinely act like a doting father. So, in Frederic’s heart, was Elspeth the only woman he loved, and his elder brother the only son he cherished?

The irony was palpable, yet Thaddeus could say nothing.

“Dad, how have you been feeling?” Chad’s deep voice came over the line.

Chad’s voice was distinctive, resonating from his chest, clear even from a distance.

“I’m doing well, son. And you? How’s your health? Everything going smoothly? Any relapses?” Frederic had flown to the States last year to visit his eldest son but had been too tied up this year to make another trip.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Chad paused, then asked with concern, “I heard Thaddeus got hurt and is in the hospital. How is he? Is it serious?”

Thaddeus frowned slightly.

He didn’t resent his brother’s concern. It was just unexpected that his brother, who hadn’t returned to Elmsworth for over a decade and lived abroad, was aware of his current situation.

Frederic explained, “Thaddeus just had major surgery. He was unconscious for a few days, but he’s awake now.”

Chad asked, “Are you at the hospital to see Thaddeus?”

“Yes, your grandfather and I are in his room.”

“Could you pass the phone to Thaddeus? I’d like to speak with him.”

Frederic complied and walked over to hand the phone to Thaddeus. “Your brother wants to speak with you.”

Thaddeus hesitated before accepting the phone, holding it up to his ear. “Chad.”

“Thaddeus, I heard about your injury and I’m quite concerned. I wish I could fly back to see you.” Chad’s voice was filled with concern.

“Chad, I’m fine. You shouldn’t have to endure a long flight for my sake.”

Thaddeus managed a small smile, trying to reassure him. “I’m doing fine now. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Your surgery was performed by Miss Evadne, wasn’t it?”

Thaddeus was taken aback. “Yes.”

“I know, Miss Evadne is my sister–in–law. You two divorced this year, but I didn’t expect her to put aside past disagreements to operate on you. Miss Evadne is truly forgiving and generous.”

Even though you two can’t be husband and wife anymore, given her noble character and kindness, you should still maintain a cordial relationship with her.” Chad’s voice held a hint of regret.

Thaddeus’s lips tightened.

brother, though living abroad, seemed to know everything

had. I brought this on myself, and I owe her so much.” Thaddeus clenched his fist, his eyes filled with

Frederic was taken aback!

like his son was resolute in spending his life entangled with the

all, just a woman. Was it worth it to let one woman turn his

Hamilton, on the other hand, was extremely excited,

encouragement. “Good, it’s great that you have this mindset. I

Chad.” Thaddeus responded

phrase

friendly. “Chad! How’s life overseas? I hear the beaches there are stunning. When are you going to

is overseas, it’s not

journey is long. I wouldn’t want you to tire yourself out. Perhaps, before long, when my health improves a bit, we’ll be able

no outward sign of his feelings,

can come back, that would be wonderful. We’d

concern, “But don’t push yourself. I know about your health

visit you. It’s just a matter

chatted a little longer before

back? Is that true?” Frederic’s eyes brightened as he

eyes flickered, but before he could respond, Mr. Murray

Evadne. Mr. Jareth and Marilla are

is here

could say anything else, Evadne and Jareth had

hand was firmly

as if they

man, her pale face blushing

walk in together, feeling a

clearly smitten with each other, and she couldn’t play the role of a villain spoiling their

is this?”

the two young and beautiful figures, their fingers tightly interlocked. It was so tight and the shock in

The crowd was stunned.

her

as Mr. Frederic. “Uncle Frederic” came as a surprise. It was far too intimate from the usual. Frederic’s entire body tensed, “Jareth, what

entwined with Marilla’s, and voiced out the speech he had been rehearsing all

I’m deeply in love with your daughter. My feelings for her are as deep as the Grand

Who taught him

stop. It’s embarrassing.” Marilla couldn’t stand it anymore. She squeezed

Thaddeus treats Ms. Evadne. I swear on my life! I will give her happiness that all women in the world would envy! I love Marilla, please let me marry her!” Jareth was so nervous. He squeezed Marilla’s hand so hard it turned red, his voice even

who was using

glared at him and thought, “Better than me treating

breath, his expression was stiff, his speech

clear that he had been holding this in

thought, “Poor

I don’t doubt

more than thirty years, was almost overwhelmed

“Thaddeus!”

small steps, blinking her clear eyes, “Jareth

stroked his sister’s face, softly saying, “It doesn’t hurt

Even though Thaddeus was her brother,

“That’s good.”

suddenly grabbed Evadne’s hand, shaking it gently, and asked eagerly, “Evadne, can you please stay by Thaddeus‘ side? Can you take care of him until he

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