Chapter 553

Jack’s victory in the Byron case was a triumph indeed.

Though both Evadne and Thaddeus came from wealthy dynasties and possessed extraordinary talents, life was no fairy tale. With the deep–rooted Chambers Corporation throwing obstacles in their path, it took considerable effort and time to topple the domineering Bertha and cunning Byron.

But the outcome was worth celebrating, and all that hard work had paid off.

They were in high spirits tonight, giving their housekeeper Alva the evening off to whip up a celebratory dinner themselves. “Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy, you’re too kind, giving me days off left and right and paying me so generously. I’m feeling a bit guilty like I’m making money in my sleep.”

.

Alva chuckled from the kitchen doorway, admiring Thaddeus‘ impressive knife skills as he prepped vegetables beside Evadne, “Gosh, Mr. Abernathy, you’re so good at cooking. You used to be all thumbs around the house, and now look at you, slicing and dicing like a pro.”

“All thanks to Evadne’s fine training.” Thaddeus replied, his attention divided between the vegetables and Evadne. His eyes sparkled with adoration.

“Hey, Thad, how many times do I have to tell you to focus when you’re chopping?” Evadne teased, her focus never wavering from the sizzling pan, “You want to give your fingers a taste of the chopping board?”

Thaddeus pressed his lips together, pulling his gaze away from Evadne’s stern yet striking profile to concentrate on his cutting board.

Alva held back a giggle.

Thaddeus was truly tamed only by Evadne.

“Alva, we were thinking of keeping you for dinner, but since you’ve got plans with your girlfriends, we wouldn’t want to keep you from a fun night out,” Evadne said, turning to smile brightly at Alva, “Have a blast.”

“Will do, Mrs. Abernathy!”

With a bounce in her step, Alva left for her evening plans.

“Have you seen Gordon today?” Evadne mused as she plated the dishes, a puzzled expression crossing her face, “Wasn’t he supposed to join us for dinner to celebrate?”

“He’s been out not just today but almost every evening this past week,” Thaddeus said, helping her with the dishes. A smile tugged at his lips, “Ever since Ms. Higgins cleared your name at the precinct, Gordon hasn’t stopped talking about it. I appreciate her help, of course, but if I have to listen to him one more time, I think I’ll go mad.”

“I see,” Evadne chuckled, deciding not to delve further.

“I’ll call him to come back.”

Just as Thaddeus reached for his phone, Evadne stopped him, “No need. I know where he’s been sneaking off to. Let him be.”

Thaddeus asked, “Where’s he been going?”

Evadne fed him, her smile knowing, “Silly, you really don’t understand him at all. Gordon has found himself a springtime romance.” Under the moonlit willow tree, Gordon stood alone outside the Higgins family building, his left hand holding a bouquet of flowers, his right a tastefully wrapped gift. He gazed up at the small, bright window, his heart heavy with hesitation and the delicate lilacs in his grasp.

Inside, Beverly and her mother had just finished a cozy homemade dinner, complete with a cute birthday cake. It was Beverly’s birthday and, with Byron finally brought to justice, she couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

As they prepared to cut the cake, there was a knock at the door. Beverly opened it to find their neighbor, Beatrice.

How are you feeling?” Beverly greeted her

of concern and seriousness, “I saw

Beverly’s

couple to see you last time. It’s him. Always up to no good, that one,” Grandma Beatrice

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07.47

Beverly’s heart lurched, and she darted out the door without

by his own timidity, was about to leave when a

see Beverly, her hair tied up with a pencil and dressed in a bunny–themed apron,

gloom lifting from his face as he awkwardly handed her the flowers

“Happy Birthday!”

but she only accepted the flowers, recognizing the gift as

you’re doing this because I helped, well, because of Ms. Evadne. What I did was nothing,

with emotion, Beverly’s voice wavered, and tears began

brimming with tears as he pulled her into his embrace. His once empty heart was suddenly filled to the brim with her presence.

powerful intensity, thumped against each other, nearly shattering

called out to him with flushed cheeks, melting his heart into a tender mess.

do with Mr. Abernathy

before, making him hold her tighter with a resolve not to let go, “Everything I’ve done was for you. Ms. Higgins, I missed

food and wine, and all the

with activity, as vibrant as

wrapped her arm around Marilla, chatting with Jason, the sweet couple in the living room.

also invited Cassius and Dr. Bright, but when she called, Cassius said he was busy and

whisper, “Cassius, my back aches, give it

“Lie down.”

conjuring images that needed

too busy

Or

just avoiding being the third wheel?

felt too awkward to join in, leaving him to mingle

and seeing Thaddeus with rolled–up sleeves and an apron tied around his waist, Jareth couldn’t help but burst into laughter, “Thaddeus,

jealous?” Thaddeus replied coolly, wiping his hands on the apron with

a Michelin–star chef at home. Why would I bother with this?” Jareth replied with

truth, Jareth was very fond of Marilla.

sky falls, your diamond–hard mouth will hold it up,” Thaddeus retorted, unbothered by the mockery.

exciting,” Jareth nudged him, his eyes narrowing mischievously, “Just wear the apron, nothing else.

voice husky with embarrassment, he growled, “Get

the living room, it

is for you.”

full of admiration, “You and Evadne, both of you are my idols.

it.” They exclaimed

clarified, “Marilla, I’m so happy you look up to me.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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