His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

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.”

Evadne said with a sigh, 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 bring it out. Would you two like some?”

Aaron’s heads bobbed eagerly, “Yes, yes, yes!

hand, “Be grateful there’s food at all; you’re asking

longer and discreetly reminded them, “Ahem., Arnold and Aaron, Mrs. Abernathy had a serious fall from her horse. As her brothers, you should at least show some concern,

his mouth, the other gnawing the food crazily, they said in unison, “She looks fine

was left speechless. Who’s being heartless here?

with laughter. His strong arm supported her waist

was a rarity

“Elspeth tested positive for drug use in her urine test this afternoon. This is drug abuse, not just misuse of prescription meds. But she’s denying everything, claiming she thought she was receiving regular beauty treatments from her doctor, Victor, and had

Evadne was stunned.

Evadne had trusted him completely in

as if he

Victor. Elspeth must be desperate, trying to

his gaze, “But as a police officer, I must act impartially and follow the law. I

silence heavy with remorse.

the siblings. While soothing Evadne’s hand in his own, he

felt a renewed respect for the man. But Evadne was unsettled. She knew Aaron was right; she just felt guilty about Victor. She

tense atmosphere was rare when the siblings gathered.

to upset his sister. In a low voice, he said, “I’ve got to head back to the precinct. There’s unfinished business. Arnold, why don’t you keep our sis company? It’s not every day we

suddenly sprang up and flung herself at him, her arms wrapping tightly around his waist, “Aaron, don’t go! I didn’t

his arms and returned the embrace, his eyes glistening

to any full sibling, yet he always felt a step removed. Rare

back, too shy to voice the depth of his care for her.

his voice barely above a whisper as

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 happens, I support your decisions.”

Mrs. Abernathy and Aaron, and couldn’t help but peek

picnic, as if someone had dropped the

deep breath, trying to compose himself, but envy still flushed his cheeks a

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

pressed into a thin line of restrained irritation, “Even though you are Evadne’s brothers, she has a partner now. And with all due respect, you’re not getting any younger. You should understand the

choked on his muffin, glaring at Thaddeus, “If Elvis heard you say that, he’d make sure your bright future

brow, “He couldn’t stand his