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."

eyes darkened,

fresh air in the

almost always expensive antiques, a

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

of air, yet feeling suffocated. Was he truly thoughtless? Or was he subtly testing

the noise and found the house staff gathered around

servants bowed hastily

going on here?" Thaddeus

who came with Mr. Chad Abernathy. She's tending to the leg wound of one of the deer we keep

the ground. The butler was about to call a vet, but Alexia - she's amazing! She bandaged up the deer's wound

indifferent gaze landed on Alexia. Her beautiful face was calm as she knelt, her pristine white trousers dusted with dirt, yet she didn't care less,

scene caused a flicker in Thaddeus' deep-set

all better." Alexia's voice was gentle as she patted the

its injured leg, and bounded off

Alexia rose, her smile blooming as she

"Ms. Alexia."

breached the Abernathy family protocol by attending to your animal without asking," Alexia's eyes curved with empathy. Her voice was soft, the

towards her still distant, "Not at all. Your aid to the

to dress wounds for soldiers and civilians alike when I worked

Zenithia. I never imagined

sighed softly, shaking

eyes, turbulent, churned with emotion. Suddenly, memories long buried were dredged up, enveloping him

struck at full split, his arm sliced, his leg shot; he was on a razor's

feel so dizzy," Alexia suddenly frowned,

Thaddeus' thoughts snapped back just as his brow furrowed,

"Careful, Ms. Alexia!"

a badger, steadying Alexia with impressive reflexes. Thaddeus immediately stepped back,

tightened her grip on her fingers, a

wringer, looking after my brother and all. You should head back and get some