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

Suri

now? Did you

his back towards Suri. His voice

“No, it’s nothing.”

the commotion from outside, although I couldn’t make out what you

patient man. I have never seen him lose his temper in all these years. And yet you managed to provoke him in just

did I do wrong? It’s Cassius who

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

to live a long and peaceful life in the Ashbourne family, you naturally have to get along with them. But I

too harsh, Chasel regretted it.

darkened, a bitter taste lingering

fell into an

find words to ease the tension when Suri spoke quietly. “Chasel, I’m sorry. I know I’ve brought disgrace upon you, upon the Bright family. I’m the stain that will never be washed

I didn’t mean

not worthy of being your elder, much less to guide you. I’m happy that you could come home this time. In the future, take good. care of

left, her

“Aunt Suri!”

more guilty. He wanted to chase after her, but

empty bookshelf where

had been there, he would never

reached in and

strong sense of curiosity

Jareth and Gordon left, Thaddeus hadn’t

much he knocked on the door, she wouldn’t come out to see him. She claimed she was feeling unwell

had been fine in the morning.

stood at her door, trying to

he hadn’t done anything

was getting frantic, the

this moment, Evadne’s

a peach–colored nightgown and accidentally bumped into Thaddeus,

peaceful afternoon, why aren’t you taking a nap?” Evadne rubbed her

with both hands, staring deep into her eyes, his palms sweating. “I was

“Good, you don’t have a fever.

“No.”

eyelashes and brushed his burning

she brushed past

as if she felt

to the front door and

“Alva!”

“Mrs. Abernathy!”

her bag on the ground and embraced

missed you so much!” Alva, in her fifties, cried like

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

also followed and was surprised to

Alva hatt been called over

afraid I can’t take care of him properly, so I asked you to come and

Abernathy!” Alva was on the verge

expected that she would see Thaddeus and Evadne

She was content!

felt a

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

come over from Windermere Estate overnight for one reason she didn’t want to

1

just kick him out. So, she asked someone they

his side, and a suffocating feeling rose in

night, they had

it feel like

torture.

Late 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 her, she wouldn’t

do the dishes, but

you talking about? You’ve never done such a rough job since you were little! Please, let

I

the listener had a

had always been following Thaddeus, she knew almost

kitchen while Evadne went back to

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