Chapter 564

On the way back from the airport.

Evadne stared blankly out the car window at the scattered neon lights, her words as sparse as the traffic they navigated through. Thaddeus knew she was on the brink of her own emotional abyss, so he let her dwell in her silence. Yet his large hand never ceased its firm, reassuring grip on her icy fingers.

His gaze remained fixed on Evadne’s pallid yet strikingly beautiful profile, his heart held in a state of suspended concern. The suffocating atmosphere lingered as they arrived home.

Barely had they crossed the threshold when a message from Aaron buzzed in.

“Evadne, we’re pretty certain about the identities now. It’s Eden and his goons.”

Evadne closed her eyes, biting her lower lip so hard a droplet of crimson betrayed her pain.

Thaddeus‘ eyes darkened with suppressed rage at the sight of her inner turmoil, feeling nearly breathless with the weight of his own helplessness.

“The forensics team combed through the blast site, found a couple of passports and enough personal effects to tie it back to them. They’re from Country T, and with the CCTV footage, it’s a closed case”

As Evadne remained silent, Aaron quickly tried to console her, “Look, don’t beat yourself up, Evadne. That Eden and his cronies were all bad news back in Country T, each with a hefty rap sheet. I heard that the guy used his military clout to commit all sorts of atrocities forcing innocents into prostitution, taking bribes, the works. Always slipped through the cracks. Him biting the dust is just karma. We’re still searching for the chopper’s black box, but we can’t rule out foul play. The silver lining – no additional casualties. So, chin up, Evadne. Let us handle the rest.”

Evadne’s voice was rough with emotion, “I know, Aaron.”

“You’re pissed ‘cause we missed Avery’s trail again, feeling defeated. Even with Eden gone, the real puppeteer’s still at large, taunting us. I get the frustration, I’m a cop too, remember?”

Aaron’s voice softened, his usually brash demeanor giving way to patience for his dear sister, “But there’s no such thing as an unbeatable general, Evadne. Defeat is part of the game. If you let this setback define you, let it drag you down, then you’re truly letting them win. All your hard work would be for nothing. To win the war, you need unwavering resolve. We haven’t hit rock bottom, Evadne. Catching Avery is just a matter of time. I’ve been on the force long enough to know there’s no case that can’t be cracked. Remember we make our own destiny!”

We make our own destiny.

The Ashbournes never believed in fate, never accepted defeat.

“Thanks for the pep talk, Aaron. Don’t worry. I’m not that’fragile.”

After hanging up, the dam holding back Evadne’s emotions finally broke. She collapsed into Thaddeus‘ arms, sobbing

uncontrollably, her inner fortress crumbling in the presence of the man she loved most.

Thaddeus held her tightly, his hand gently stroking her trembling back, his voice a soothing rumble in her ear.

keep it bottled up inside,

clutched at his

a regretful smile, wishing he could take

meant. I’ll be fine

tear–streaked face nuzzled against his chest, and his strong muscles

playing out a scene

subsiding as her hands brushed over the damp

wouldn’t push her further. He simply wanted her to rest and regain her strength in his embrace.

You must be starving. Let me make you something,” Thaddeus

don’t want to

:

1/3

Chapter 564

“Then I’ll ask

late. I’ll do

it together then.”

the thought, “Okay,

culinary skills joining the effort, Thaddeus was relegated to sous–chef as she whipped up

Truly massive.

planned to channel her fury into

after eating all that?” Thaddeus eyed the mountain of food, suddenly feeling full

Evadne viciously stirred the mixed spaghetti with a large fork, “Don’t worry. After I eat, I’ll kayak on the lake for an hour. That should do it.”

swallowed hard, admiring her

shoved a heaping amount into

“Eat!”

laboriously, nearly choking

herself, her delicate mouth expanding comically as she chewed with a vengeance. Had she not been so beautiful, the sight would have been a’s terrifying as a monster’s

her appetite

to polish off the entire

disciplined habits for her, abandoning years of self–control

I feel so much better now,” Evadne sighed, sinking into the couch with her eyes half–closed, unable to muster the energy

living room, savoring the rare, comfortable moments of

lifted her hand to

her hand and pressing

I said to Avery when I stormed onto his plane?” she finally blurted out after holding

jealous over that, you’d be insulting me!” Evadne poked him firmly in the

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