His Ex Wife Is A Billionaire

Chapter 456

After a quick shower, Thaddeus, not wanting Evadne to exert herself, scooped her up and carried her to the dining room for dinner.

He had been on the move all day, and his normally crisp white shirt now clung to him, emitting waves of warmth mixed with the scent of masculine exertion.

Evadne found her head spinning, not repulsed by the smell but rather pressing her nose into his chest, inhaling deeply like a kitten that couldn’t get enough.

“What’s the matter, got an appetite for me?” Thaddeus lowered his head with a low chuckle, his lips grazing her forehead.

“Even if I want, you’d have to be squeaky clean, wouldn’t you? The smell is just horrible.” Flushing, Evadne averted her gaze, “Aren’t you usually Mr. Clean? What’s with the no–shower today?”

“Didn’t get around to it. I’ll take one after we eat.”

Evadne pursed her lips, feeling a warm flutter in her heart.

The table was laden with an array of exquisite dishes, some prepared in advance by Alva, just needing a quick heat, so it was all ready in no time. “Wow, Alva, you rock!” Evadne clapped her hands in excitement, resembling a joyful schoolgirl.

“Mrs. Abernathy, don’t flatter me; your cooking skills are way beyond mine! A couple of Mr. Abernathy’s favorites here are your recipes, remember?” Alva’s smile was genuine.

“Is that so? I’d forgotten,” feeling a bit embarrassed, Evadne started to tuck into her meal heartily.

She knew Alva meant to praise her, but it inevitably stirred up memories of less happy times. Thaddeus was acutely aware of the hardships she had faced and felt a pang of sorrow as he took a napkin and tenderly wiped her lips.

Just as he was about to say something, Evadne swiftly shoved a piece of shrimp into his mouth, “Don’t apologize. Didn’t we agree to leave the past behind?”

Thaddeus paused, managing a wry smile as he chewed. Indeed, nothing tasted quite as good as when his woman made it.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening echoed, and three boisterous men stormed in, instantly filling the villa with a festive, holiday–like noise. “Wow, Evadne, that’s just not fair, hogging all this food for yourself. That’s a bit much, don’t you think?!” Arnold, who hadn’t eaten all day while reviewing case files, lunged forward and grabbed a pork knuckle, stuffing it into his mouth.

Aaron followed suit, chewing one dish he grabbed fiercely, as if he’d just returned from a hunt, “I’ve been interrogating suspects all day; I’m parched! Need to sink my teeth into some meat to quench this thirst!”

The Ashbourne brothers, usually so polished, were devouring the food like it was their last meal, leaving Thaddeus and Gordon dumbstruck. “Those two, they’re like mythical beasts, one a gluttonous tiger, the other a voracious wolf.”

resting her cheek on her hand, “If Emeric and Suri saw this, they’d probably strangle them. Like they never raised ‘em.” Alva, happy to see the young men enjoying the meal, hurried to invite them to sit, “Come on, there’s plenty! I even made some pasta, but since Mr. Abernathy isn’t fond of it, I didn’t

Aaron’s heads bobbed eagerly, “Yes, yes, yes! Is there any

forehead on her hand, “Be grateful there’s food at all; you’re

longer and discreetly reminded them, “Ahem., Arnold and Aaron, Mrs. Abernathy had a serious fall from her

mouth, the other gnawing the food crazily, they said in unison, “She looks fine to me, eating

was left speechless. Who’s being heartless

strong arm supported

presence of both Ashbourne brothers together was a rarity and

misuse of prescription meds. But she’s denying everything, claiming she thought she was receiving regular beauty treatments from her doctor, Victor, and had no idea about

Evadne was stunned.

prepared by Victor. With his extensive pharmacological knowledge, Evadne had trusted him

was as if he was

do with Victor. Elspeth must be desperate, trying to drag someone

banter faded from his gaze, “But as a police officer, I must act impartially and follow the law. I can’t use my position for personal reasons. Right now,

silence heavy with

While soothing Evadne’s hand in his own, he spoke calmly, “Captain Ashbourne, we understand

She knew Aaron was right; she just felt guilty

tense atmosphere was rare

a low voice, he said, “I’ve got to head back to the precinct. There’s unfinished business. Arnold, why

up and flung herself at him, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist, “Aaron, don’t go! I didn’t ask you to leave!”

returned the embrace, his

Evadne was just as dear to him as to any full sibling, yet he always felt a step removed. Rare were the moments he could openly express his affection and

shy to voice the

barely above a whisper as his hand gently stroked

know how hard you’ve worked – getting into the police academy, joining the detective squad, and now leading it. It hasn’t been easy for you. I shouldn’t be so willful. I shouldn’t mix personal feelings with business. Go do what you have to do. No matter what

and Aaron, and couldn’t help but peek at the

as foul as a spoiled picnic, as if someone

himself, but envy still

are you?” Arnold quipped as he dropped into a chair beside him, grabbing a muffin and shoving it into his mouth, still managing to talk, “If you can’t handle this little sting, how are you going to cope with our Evadne? You’ll be