His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Chapter 802

"The moment I laid eyes on that hairpin, my heart leapt with joy, certain it would be perfect for Ms. Ashbourne."

Chad's smile was genuine, "Thaddeus, a small token of affection. I hope you won't find it too trivial."

With a sharp snap, Thaddeus closed the ornate box firmly, pushing it back to the center of the table. His eyes were like fathomless pools, "Such a gift is too precious. On behalf of Evadne, I thank you for your kind thoughts, Chad."

Chad's expression remained unfazed, his smile still easy as he met Thaddeus' gaze.

"What is this about, Thaddeus?"

At the scene, Frederic's displeasure was immediate, his reprimand sharp, "Your brother has gone to great lengths to return home and has thoughtfully prepared generous gifts for the whole family, even considering your girlfriend.

Are your standards so high that you can't even appreciate your brother's offering? Even if you're not satisfied, let's be honest, how has he treated you over the years? Even if you dislike the gift, it's no reason to refuse it. It's utterly disheartening!"

"Dad, please, don't be upset."

With a gentle cough, Chad spoke soothingly, "It's no big deal. We're fortunate to be together as a family; let's not sour the mood over such a trifle."

"Thaddeus, accept your brother's gesture," Hamilton cast a meaningful look at his younger grandson.

He was on Thaddeus' side, unable to see what lay within the box from where he stood. All he wanted was to smooth things over, especially since Thaddeus and his father were just beginning to mend their strained relationship.

Thaddeus' well-defined hands clenched into fists under the table, his stormy eyes churning with complex emotions, "Chad, had it been anything else, I would have gladly accepted. But a hairpin - it's not something I can take."

Chad's eyebrows rose imperceptibly.

"In ancient times, a man gifting a hairpin to a woman was a symbol of betrothal, a promise of lifelong commitment." Thaddeus said, his voice a low, cold thrum, "Evadne is your sister-in-law. Such a gift from you, I find inappropriate."

At those words, realization dawned on Hamilton. No wonder Thaddeus had looked so troubled. Had it been him, he'd have flown into a rage!

Frederic's frown deepened, "Thaddeus, aren't you being overly sensitive? Your brother, a worldly man, what does he know of women's jewelry? You're being too critical."

"It was my oversight." Chad's smile was tinged with chagrin, "Having lived abroad for so long, I've almost forgotten these customs. Don't take it to heart, Thaddeus."

darkened,

the backyard. Though

were almost always expensive antiques, a

affinity for the old ways, how could he not know the meaning behind gifting a hairpin to

his Windsor knot, desperate for a breath of air, yet feeling suffocated. Was he truly thoughtless? Or was he subtly

sound of conversation from the garden intruded upon his thoughts. Thaddeus followed the noise and found the house staff gathered around the gazebo by the pond, all fixated

two servants bowed hastily as he

on here?"

tending to the leg wound of one of the deer we keep in the

writhing in pain on the ground. The butler was about to call a vet, but Alexia - she's amazing! She bandaged

was calm as she knelt, her pristine white trousers dusted

motions were skilled, clearly professional. The scene caused a flicker in Thaddeus'

better." Alexia's voice was gentle as she patted the deer's rump,

tested its injured leg, and bounded off gazebo

her smile

"Ms. Alexia."

got hurt. I hope I haven't breached the Abernathy family protocol by attending to your animal without asking," Alexia's

distant, "Not at all. Your aid to the animal is commendable. I

wounds for soldiers

Zenithia. I never imagined that

sighed softly,

emotion. Suddenly, memories long buried were

he struck at full split, his arm sliced, his leg shot; he was on a razor's edge. In the nick of time, Paloma staunchly

I feel so dizzy," Alexia

him, unexpected and swift. Thaddeus' thoughts snapped

"Careful, Ms. Alexia!"

badger, steadying Alexia with impressive reflexes. Thaddeus immediately stepped

on her fingers,

and