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,

excused himself to get some fresh air in the backyard. Though he said it didn't bother him, how

were almost always expensive antiques, a testament to his

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

yet feeling

conversation from the garden intruded upon his thoughts. Thaddeus followed the noise and found the house staff gathered around the gazebo

two servants bowed hastily as

on here?" Thaddeus

Chad Abernathy. She's tending to the leg wound of one of the deer we keep in

on the ground. The butler was about to call a

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

clearly professional. The scene caused a

voice was gentle as she patted

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

her

"Ms. Alexia."

your animal without asking," Alexia's eyes curved with empathy.

still distant, "Not at all.

dress wounds for soldiers and civilians alike when I worked

Zenithia. I never imagined that skill would

small creature," Alexia sighed softly,

memories long buried were dredged up, enveloping him like

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

feel so dizzy," Alexia suddenly frowned,

she collapsed towards him, unexpected and swift. Thaddeus' thoughts snapped back just as

"Careful, Ms. Alexia!"

out like a badger, steadying Alexia with impressive reflexes. Thaddeus

her grip on her fingers, a glint of coldness

my brother and all. You