Chapter 554

Arnold burst through the front door with the urgency of a storm, not a moment to waste on pleasantries or supper. He had pressing matters to discuss, and every second counted.

Aaron might have seemed rough around the edges to the untrained eye, but he always paid attention to the little things. Before heading over, he’d stopped to pick up some treats for Evadne and Nydia, enduring a nearly two–hour queue to get their favorite sweets.

What he hadn’t anticipated was that Marilla would be there too.

Had he known, he’d have grabbed an extra portion. It almost seemed unfair now.

“Wow! Is this pastry a new thing from their bakery? It’s so adorable.” Nydia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight. She was a sucker for snacks and didn’t hesitate to gobble one down in a single bite.

Jason chuckled to himself. Nydia, usually so poised and eloquent, revealed her true colors when it came to food. He hadn’t quite hit the spot with her yet.

Evadne couldn’t resist and had one too, her smile radiant and contagious. Thaddeus took mental note of the bakery’s name. He’d have to make it a regular stop to keep her happy.

From now on, he’d have to pick the brains of her brothers for all the things about her. While Emeric might not have been the one to know Evadne best, her brothers were undoubtedly the ones who understood her the most. Having taken on the solemn duty to care for her from the Ashbourne family, Thaddeus vowed to excel in every aspect.

He wanted her to feel, every single day with him, that she had never parted from her kin. He was ready to play every role she needed.

And if the day ever came that she wanted to let loose, he’d even play the fool to keep her smiling.

“Ms. Marilla, you should try one too,” Aaron said, offering a panda pastry to Marilla with a warm, affectionate smile, “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight, got a bit less. I’ll make it up to you next time.“.

Marilla’s heart fluttered with joy at the sight of the pastry, her hands eagerly reaching out.

But out of nowhere, Jareth’s larger hand swept in and snatched the treat, wolfing it down in one gulp.

Marilla was flabbergasted.

Aaron’s sharp eyes narrowed, and his outstretched hand slowly clenched into a fist.

“Dear, supper is about to be served, if you fill up on snacks, you won’t have room for the feast Evadne and Thaddeus prepared.” Jareth managed to say between coughs, his face turning a shade of crimson.

He was choking on his pride and the stolen pastry, but he had to maintain his decorum as the heir to the Fairhaven group in front of his rival. His pride and his wife Marilla had to be protected at all costs.

“No need to snatch,” Aaron said, a laugh barely concealed, “And do you

Damn! Aaron was insinuating he was a monkey.

in some water?”

was seething and wanted to retort, but his throat was blocked by the sticky mass, threatening to erupt with each

Nydia, oblivious to the tension, went about their business, but Evadne saw everything. Jareth’s wariness towards

evening meal went on unaffected by the earlier drama, with the hosts‘ cooking skills leaving everyone in high spirits.

giving the men the

on the table, “If I were you, I wouldn’t be able to swallow a single bite. Elspeth’s case officially goes to trial next Friday.”

Elspeth, long out of sight, cast

“Not a day goes by that I don’t remember how my mother died. And not a day goes by that I forget the need for vengeance for her and all the innocent lives

Under the table,

one.

light in the dark, Thaddeus intertwined his fingers

1/3

07-17

the grapevine about Elepeth’s life in the detention center. She’s settled in nicely using her status as a tycoon’s wife to get special treatment, and

Frederic hasn’t completely given up on Elspeth. He’s still protecting

have her special meals and her makeup,” Evadne interjected sharply,

“The moment my mother ceased to breathe, he ceased to be my father.”

Evadne gasped, her breath caught in her chest.

because it was my mother’s last wish. She wanted me to never be bullied again, to earn Frederic’s respect, to stand out, and to make my grandfather proud. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with surpassing Chad,

pounding his aching heart, “But in the end, I became a clown, living under the same roof as the killer Elspeth for years, slaving away for that cold–hearted man

right to stand in front of his mother’s grave as long as Elspeth drew breath. “Thaddeus, what are you getting at? You’re not seriously considering ditching the Abernathy Group to be a trophy husband for the Ashbourne family, are you?”

as he gave him a once–over, “Evadne hasn’t seen a day of happiness since she married you. Are you really going to make her

be okay with living on bread and water, but she’s not about to

Evadne was speechless.

were the kings of hassle. No DNA test was needed, and

pure Emeric through.

me how hard you fought to get to the top. If you’re really ticked off, you should be wrestling control of the entire Abernathy Group from Frederic instead of looking like you’re about to give up. Man, take a leaf out

what it’s like to come from a broken home,

that’s the way to talk? Avery’s favorite pastime

immediately clammed up, a flicker of fear

they don’t understand you, but

hand, “If I were in your shoes, I’d do everything in my power to fulfill my mother’s last wishes too. But I also get what your mother really wanted for you to be able to protect yourself, to be strong. The path you’ve chosen isn’t wrong, and even though you hate Frederic, remember that Hamilton adored you and

voice trembled slightly as he struggled to hold

you.” Evadne smiled sweetly at

witness, fingering Elspeth for hiring a hitman on top of drug possession and trafficking, her sentence

I know it’s still not enough. We want capital punishment for Elspeth. After all, it’s not

life she’s taken.”

“That’s tough.”

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

Comments ()

0/255