Chapter 401

Hard against the bookcase, Chasel found himself stumbling back, books cascading down around him in a papery rain. One thick tome struck him square on the head, buzzing his ears with a painful resonance.

“Damn it. Cassius! What the hell?”

“I warned you, didn’t I?”

A flicker of concern crossed Cassius‘ features as he observed Chasel’s pain, but it disappeared just as quickly. “Chasel, it’s true my sister needs your help, but that doesn’t mean you can do as you please with me. What happened that night, it ends here. If you behave, we’ll still be family. If you continue like this, I can’t predict how I’ll react.”

Cassius had never been known for his patience.

Among all the Ashbourne siblings, he was the one with the most volatile temper. Ten years ago, if a man had dared to touch him like this, he would not have hesitated to break their fingers.

“Cassius. So, you’re not owning up to what you did that night, right?” Chasel’s voice trembled, his hands clenched tightly.

“We kissed, we held each other, and then what? Did we do anything else?”

Cassius slowly swiveled his chair, removing his glasses and revealing his cold, reserved expression. “That’s all there is to it. Chasel, you know full well what happened that night. If you hadn’t initiated it, nothing would have happened.”

“But you could have rejected me like you did just now, Cassius, but you didn’t!”

Chasel glared at him furiously, his eyes burning like those of an angry fox. “So you do like me, you have feelings for me! Otherwise, with your personality, even if I stripped naked and threw myself at you, you wouldn’t accept me!”

“Chasel, I’ve done some digging. I know about your history. The number of men you’ve been with is quite extensive.”

“Cassius.” Chasel froze, feeling as if he was standing naked before him.

“I want to ask you, when you slept with those men, did you truly love them?”

Chasel felt a sharp twinge in his heart.

Love?

He had never truly loved anyone.

Those one–night stands were nothing more than distractions to fill his lonely nights. He was simply searching for companionship.

“I’m sure you have your answer. Coincidentally, my feelings for you are exactly the same.”

Cassius‘ cold gaze bore into him. “We’re both adults, Chasel. Don’t be so childish.”

Overwhelmed by a wave of pain, Chasel was about to retort when the sound of a knock interrupted them. It was followed by Suri’s voice.

“Cassius, Chasel, are you in there? May I come in?”

Cassius took a deep breath, composed himself, and walked over to the door to let Suri in.

“Suri,” he greeted her with a warm smile.

“Cassius, were you two chatting? I heard some noises just now. Is everything okay?” Suri asked, peering cautiously into the room..

“Everything’s fine, Suri. Did you need me, or did you come for Chasel?” Cassius asked, his expression unchanging.

“Actually, I came to see you.”

Suri hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice. “Next week, Emeric and I will be attending the Elmsworth horse race. It’s an important event and could lead to a major business partnership.”

She quickly added, “It’s not that I want to go, I suggested that Emeric take Myra or Aviana. However, the Abernathy Group will also be attending, and Elspeth will inevitably be there. Myra certainly won’t go, but Aviana might be interested. But if we all go, the media might misinterpret.”

“Suri, I understand. You don’t need to explain. You’ve always been there for my father during these kinds of events because of your calm demeanor and thoughtful nature. My father feels at ease with you by his side.” Cassius replied, understandingly.

“Emeric also mentioned that not only the Abernathy Group but the Fairhaven and Chambers Groups will be there too.”

Cassius‘ eyes darkened. “I see. I’ll make sure Evadne stays away.”

Suri sighed, clearly troubled. “I thought of that too and told Emeric, but your father insists that Evadne must attend, no matter what. He said there’s important business to discuss.”

“Important business?” Cassius frowned.

“I tried to get more information, but Emeric wouldn’t say.”

Suri looked worried. “Cassius, you have to be there. No matter what happens, we must protect Evadne. We can’t let anyone bully her!”

course. Suri, thank you for letting

Suri

now? Did you have

books from the floor, his back towards Suri.

“No, it’s nothing.”

the commotion from outside,

a patient man. I have never seen him lose his temper in all

her words, “What did

You’ve been growing wild without supervision for years. You’re becoming more

life in the Ashbourne family, you naturally have to get along with them.

harsh,

expression darkened, a bitter taste lingering in

room fell into

I’m sorry. I know I’ve brought disgrace upon you, upon the Bright family. I’m the stain that will never be

Aunt Suri, I didn’t

of being your elder, much less to guide you. I’m happy

that, Suri left, her

“Aunt Suri!”

guilty. He wanted to chase

and in the empty bookshelf where it had been, there was

had been there,

reached in and knocked. It

sense of

hadn’t seen Evadne come out

she wouldn’t come out to see him. She claimed she was feeling unwell

was wrong with her. She had been fine in

to recall if

done anything

getting

moment, Evadne’s bedroom door

stepped out in a peach–colored nightgown and accidentally bumped into Thaddeus, her

you standing at the door like it’s your job, Thaddeus? It’s a peaceful afternoon, why aren’t you taking a nap?” Evadne rubbed

staring deep into her eyes, his palms sweating. “I was worried about you, so I stayed at

to feel her forehead. “Good, you don’t have a fever. Is there

“No.”

and brushed his burning hand away. “Go answer the door

she

tell her mood was off, as if she

hurried to the front door and opened

“Alva!”

“Mrs. Abernathy!”

bag

so much!” Alva, in her fifties,

too, Alva. Seeing you so energetic puts my mind at ease.” Evadne felt a little

and was surprised to see

that Alva hatt been

Thaddeus hasn’t been feeling well recently, and I’ve been quite busy. I’m afraid I can’t take care of him properly, so I

course, Mrs. Abernathy!” Alva was on the verge

she would see Thaddeus and Evadne together again

She was content!

felt a pang in his

who didn’t need others‘ care and didn’t like to

Alva to come over from Windermere Estate overnight for one reason she didn’t want to be alone with

1

out. So, she asked someone they both knew

tightened by his side, and

night, they had been intimate and

it feel like nothing had

was torture. He could hardly

into the night, she was washing Evadne’s clothes, tidying up the living room, and cooking for them. No matter how much they tried to stop

and do the dishes,

are you talking about? You’ve never done such a rough job since you were little! Please, let me do it!” Alva hurried to

fine, I used to do this when I was young.” Thaddeus put on gloves and casually

speaker was unintentional, but the listener

been following Thaddeus, she knew almost nothing about

the kitchen while Evadne went back to her

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