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,

in the backyard. Though he said it didn't bother him,

gifts were almost always expensive antiques, a testament to his classic and

an affinity for the old ways, how could he not know

his Windsor knot, desperate for a breath of air, yet feeling suffocated.

followed the noise and found the house staff gathered around the gazebo by

Thaddeus Abernathy," two servants bowed hastily

here?" Thaddeus inquired

Chad Abernathy. She's tending to the leg wound of one of the

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

her pristine white trousers dusted with dirt, yet she didn't care less, her attention solely on bandaging the

professional. The scene caused a flicker in Thaddeus'

gentle as she

stood, tested its injured leg, and bounded off gazebo with a bleat, brushing past

Abernathy," Alexia rose, her smile blooming as she

"Ms. Alexia."

Abernathy family protocol by attending to your animal without asking," Alexia's eyes curved with empathy. Her voice was soft, the upward lilt at the end as if laced with a

all. Your aid to the animal is commendable. I should be

used to dress wounds for soldiers

Borders in Zenithia. I never imagined

sighed softly, shaking her

memories long buried were dredged up, enveloping him

on the battlefields of Zenithia, infiltrating a terror cell, 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

what's happening? I feel so dizzy," Alexia suddenly frowned,

him, unexpected and swift. Thaddeus'

"Careful, Ms. Alexia!"

steadying Alexia with impressive reflexes. Thaddeus immediately stepped back, maintaining a safe distance

tightened her grip on her fingers, a

and all. You should head back