His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

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.

“It’s fine. I’m not that delicate,” Evadne stood tall with a defiant tilt of her chin.

could it possibly heal that quickly? You know,

as he called her out, “Last night you were in so much pain you couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning. Why don’t you tell your dad the

much,” Evadne bit her lip, nudging

as if it had been bombarded by candy–coated shells. Even Mr. Lyle, standing behind him, couldn’t help but let

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

over, and Emeric got down to

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 front of the two men she

silently beside her, his arm around her waist tightening ever so slightly.

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

him,

my daughter may have married you, but you’re not a couple anymore. And given your backgrounds, it’s not proper for you to live together like this. If you truly see a future

breath, tenderness mingled with hesitation as he gently pushed

Mr. Ashbourne for

tinged with hurt, eyes brimming with the vulnerability

best for you,” Thaddeus’s voice caught in his throat, seeing her pitiful expression made

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

you in a few days.”

least stand outside the gates of Silverlake

he just couldn’t shake off the worry about Evadne being alone in

family and one of the Fairhaven family pooches had taken a nasty nip at her. Who knew what those folks might do next? The thought kept him tossing and turning at night.

the ride away from town. The night was deep and dew heavy as Thaddeus, tall and handsome, stood for a long

of sight did he bow his head, his fists clenched in restraint, a mist of tears

plight, murmured a consolation, “Mr. Abernathy, ease your mind. Mrs. Abernathy just went home; she’s not gone for good. Absence makes the

just feel like I

Royce, shrouded by night, made its

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

“I know you’re looking out

a pause, Emeric heard soft sobs, and felt the damp warmth on his shirt.

you crying?”

miss Thaddeus. I miss him so

and cried like this. But Emeric felt a pang of

hadn’t felt such a stir in his heart since Debby had married

very flesh had been carved away by the young man.

I really can’t hold onto you anymore.”

up in a quilt and chatting on the phone with

the man listened patiently, occasionally

never a shortage of topics. Later, Evadne’s

morning, she rubbed her bleary eyes and

like you had

?!

gasped, flipping over to grab her still–lit phone, “Thaddeus?! Why are you still on the line?!”

hoarse, clearly weary, “Last night, you went quiet. I figured

“So, you?”

Opportunities to hear you grinding your

covers, “You’re making that up. I don’t do that! A beauty doesn’t grind teeth

alright, my mistake,” he soothed, but couldn’t

sleep. You’ve been up all night; must be exhausted,” Evadne