Chapter 462

Thaddeus leaned in for a respectful bow toward him, the deference of a junior done just right.

Even though this elder had given him a hard time in the past, making him feel unwelcome and putting him in difficult positions, his love for Evadne and the deep respect he held for Chairman Ashbourne’s integrity kept him humble. Yet, his humility was nothing like Avery’s eager–to–please fawning.

“Chairman Ashbourne, the night air’s got a chill to it; mind you don’t catch a cold.”

His presence was like sunlight without glare, a deep current in still waters. On reflection, it did feel quite pleasant, natural, as if basking in a gentle breeze.

Emeric nodded slightly.

The top dog was without his usual bodyguards, which sent Evadne’s heart racing with worry. She hurried over, “Dad, why didn’t you bring anyone with you? Coming here all alone, what if.”

“Mr. Lyle is quite capable, and besides, it’s late and I didn’t want to disturb their rest. Also, I wanted to see for myself how my daughter’s getting on living here in Elmsworth, to see if the house she’s staying in is comfortable enough.”

Emeric glanced over the villa, “Hmm, small but well–appointed. Not spacious, but cozy enough.”

“You didn’t pick the lock to get in, did you?” Evadne’s cheeks flushed with heat, her words sharp with mock indignation.

Her embarrassment stemmed from the fact that the villa had become her and Thaddeus’s love nest, filled with traces of their life together.

“Do you really see me as incapable of doing things the normal way?”

Emeric’s face darkened with a mock frown, “Didn’t you hire a housekeeper? She let me in, made me tea, and served some pastries. I had a few; they were quite good. I had Mr. Lyle pack up the rest to take with us.”

Mr. Lyle shook the clear container in his hand.

“How could you! Those cookies were for Thaddeus, you leave them be!”

Evadne was stomping her foot in frustration, reaching out with her small, pale hands to snatch away the goods, but Thaddeus was quick to hold her back. “You’ve got three women waiting on you hand and foot, and Thaddeus has only me! He hasn’t even had a chance to try them; how can you swoop in and take advantage? Leave some!”

“Evadne, it’s alright.” Thaddeus hugged her tighter, a bemused smile on his face.

“Tsk, no harm in honoring your old man with these treats. Plus, if he wants more, you can make them for him anytime later. But for me to get a taste, I have to trek all the way to Elmsworth. It’s not easy; I’m keeping them!” Emeric guarded his prize like a lion with his mane slightly ruffled.

Later?

The couple were taken aback, exchanging glances.

Emeric’s demeanor toward Thaddeus was subtly different this time. In the past, it was as if he wanted to chase them with a stick every day. But tonight, not only was he less harsh on Thaddeus, but his words were also thought–provoking.

Thaddeus’s heart raced, his palms beginning to sweat. But he dared not think too much of it; even the slightest thaw in their relationship was enough to satisfy him.

In the end, Evadne couldn’t win against Emeric, and the pastries were taken. All the effort she’d put in that afternoon, and her man had barely had a taste before her father swooped in and claimed the lot. It was infuriating!

“Hey, kiddo, you seem sprightly enough. I take it your back’s better?” Emeric inquired about his daughter’s injury with genuine

concern.

Evadne stood tall with a defiant

possibly heal that quickly? You know, a sprain is worse than

her out, “Last night you were in so much pain you couldn’t sleep, tossing

You talk too much,” Evadne bit her lip,

had been bombarded by candy–coated shells. Even Mr. Lyle, standing behind him, couldn’t

Abernathy, Evadne’s got injury. I know she has you looking out for her, but you’re a CEO; your days are packed. You can’t be by her side every minute. I’m worried about leaving my girl without proper

over, and Emeric got down to point.

going back. Who says I don’t have anyone to look after me? Alva that Thaddeus found for me is really reliable, takes great- care of me every day! I’m not going back,” Evadne declared defiantly in

around her waist

well looked after and could spend time with her family. But he couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from her.

day apart was agony for him, the yearning

given your backgrounds, it’s not proper for

hesitation as he gently pushed

home with Mr. Ashbourne for now; take

Evadne’s brows knitted together, her voice tinged with hurt, eyes brimming with the vulnerability

girl, what nonsense. I’m not sending you away, I’m doing what’s best for you,” Thaddeus’s voice

see me?” Evadne’s lips quivered as she asked.

I’ll come see you

for Skyrim at dawn, to at least stand outside the gates of Silverlake Harbor

but he just

all, she had just ruffled the feathers of the Abernathy family and the Fairhaven family and one of the Fairhaven family pooches had taken a nasty nip at her. Who knew what those

ride away from town. The night was deep and dew heavy as Thaddeus, tall and handsome, stood for a long while in the wind, watching the luxury car disappear into

out of sight did he bow his head, his fists

Mrs. Abernathy just went home; she’s not gone for good. Absence makes

I just feel like I failed to take

Rolls Royce, shrouded by night, made its way

her father’s embrace, silent for a long while. Emeric held her shoulder, patting gently as one soothed a child, his voice

“I know you’re looking

heard soft sobs, and felt the damp

you

I miss Thaddeus. I

thrown herself into his arms and cried like this. But Emeric

hadn’t felt such a stir in his heart since

love, he felt as if a piece of his very flesh

really can’t hold onto you anymore.”

room, wrapping up in a quilt and chatting on the

on non–stop, like a little chatterbox. On the other end, the man listened patiently, occasionally agreeing with her ideas or adding his own suggestions.

their values aligned, there was never a shortage of topics. Later, Evadne’s head spun, and without realizing it,

morning, she rubbed her

like you had a good sleep.”

?!

to grab her still–lit phone, “Thaddeus?! Why are

voice was slightly hoarse, clearly weary, “Last night, you

“So, you?”

hang up. Opportunities to hear you grinding your teeth

that up. I don’t do that! A beauty

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