Chapter 564

On the way back from the airport.

Evadne stared blankly out the car window at the scattered neon lights, her words as sparse as the traffic they navigated through. Thaddeus knew she was on the brink of her own emotional abyss, so he let her dwell in her silence. Yet his large hand never ceased its firm, reassuring grip on her icy fingers.

His gaze remained fixed on Evadne’s pallid yet strikingly beautiful profile, his heart held in a state of suspended concern. The suffocating atmosphere lingered as they arrived home.

Barely had they crossed the threshold when a message from Aaron buzzed in.

“Evadne, we’re pretty certain about the identities now. It’s Eden and his goons.”

Evadne closed her eyes, biting her lower lip so hard a droplet of crimson betrayed her pain.

Thaddeus‘ eyes darkened with suppressed rage at the sight of her inner turmoil, feeling nearly breathless with the weight of his own helplessness.

“The forensics team combed through the blast site, found a couple of passports and enough personal effects to tie it back to them. They’re from Country T, and with the CCTV footage, it’s a closed case”

As Evadne remained silent, Aaron quickly tried to console her, “Look, don’t beat yourself up, Evadne. That Eden and his cronies were all bad news back in Country T, each with a hefty rap sheet. I heard that the guy used his military clout to commit all sorts of atrocities forcing innocents into prostitution, taking bribes, the works. Always slipped through the cracks. Him biting the dust is just karma. We’re still searching for the chopper’s black box, but we can’t rule out foul play. The silver lining – no additional casualties. So, chin up, Evadne. Let us handle the rest.”

Evadne’s voice was rough with emotion, “I know, Aaron.”

“You’re pissed ‘cause we missed Avery’s trail again, feeling defeated. Even with Eden gone, the real puppeteer’s still at large, taunting us. I get the frustration, I’m a cop too, remember?”

Aaron’s voice softened, his usually brash demeanor giving way to patience for his dear sister, “But there’s no such thing as an unbeatable general, Evadne. Defeat is part of the game. If you let this setback define you, let it drag you down, then you’re truly letting them win. All your hard work would be for nothing. To win the war, you need unwavering resolve. We haven’t hit rock bottom, Evadne. Catching Avery is just a matter of time. I’ve been on the force long enough to know there’s no case that can’t be cracked. Remember we make our own destiny!”

We make our own destiny.

The Ashbournes never believed in fate, never accepted defeat.

“Thanks for the pep talk, Aaron. Don’t worry. I’m not that’fragile.”

After hanging up, the dam holding back Evadne’s emotions finally broke. She collapsed into Thaddeus‘ arms, sobbing uncontrollably, her inner fortress crumbling in the presence of the man she loved most.

her tightly, his hand gently stroking her trembling back, his voice a

all out. Don’t keep it bottled up

Evadne’s fingers clutched at his shirt, but she couldn’t help berating herself.

fool,” Thaddeus said with a regretful smile, wishing he could take back his words as her crying

know what you meant. I’ll be fine after a cry.”

his chest, and his strong muscles teased her through the soaked fabric,

embarrassed, her sobs subsiding as her hands brushed over the damp spots she created.

Thaddeus‘ heart race, but tonight, he wouldn’t push her further.

starving. Let me make you something,” Thaddeus said, concern lacing his words as he

eaten either. I’ll cook. You take forever, and I don’t want to eat at midnight,”

helplessly, “Then I’ll ask Alva to prepare something.”

too late. I’ll

do it together then.”

heart warmed at the thought, “Okay,

to sous–chef

Truly massive.

she planned to channel her

all that?” Thaddeus eyed

with a large fork, “Don’t worry. After I eat, I’ll kayak on the lake for an hour. That should do

admiring

Evadne shoved a heaping amount

“Eat!”

nearly choking on the

equally large portion for herself, her delicate mouth expanding comically as she chewed with a vengeance. Had she not been so beautiful, the

her

they managed to polish off the entire

indulgences, broke his disciplined habits for her, abandoning years of self–control without a second

Evadne sighed, sinking into the couch with her eyes half–closed, unable to muster the

in the serene living room, savoring

her hand to

low voice, capturing her hand and pressing it against his chest.

out after holding it in for so long. Thaddeus‘

jealous over that, you’d be insulting me!” Evadne poked him firmly in the

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