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, "I

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

always expensive antiques, a

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

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

of conversation from the garden intruded upon his thoughts. Thaddeus followed the noise

two servants bowed

here?" Thaddeus

who came with Mr. Chad Abernathy. She's tending to the leg wound

"The poor creature hurt its leg somehow, writhing in pain on the ground. The butler was about to call

white trousers dusted with dirt, yet she didn't care less, her attention

professional. The scene caused a

was gentle as she

its injured leg, and bounded off

Alexia rose, her

"Ms. Alexia."

hope I haven't breached the Abernathy family protocol by attending to your animal without asking," Alexia's eyes curved with empathy. Her voice was soft,

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

soldiers and civilians

I never imagined that skill would be

small creature," Alexia sighed

churned with emotion. Suddenly, memories long buried were dredged up,

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,

I feel so dizzy," Alexia suddenly frowned, her slender

Thaddeus'

"Careful, Ms. Alexia!"

impressive reflexes. Thaddeus immediately stepped

her grip on her fingers, a glint of

wringer, looking after my brother and all.