Chapter 803

On the road back to Havenbrook, Gordon took the wheel, while Mr. Murray rode shotgun.

The grandson and his grandfather sat in silence in the backseat, a stark contrast to their usual endless chatter. It was only as they neared their destination that Hamilton broke the quiet with a sigh, his weathered, dry hand resting on his grandson's shoulder.

"Thaddeus, I know Chad was out of line tonight, and that it upset you."

"Grandpa Hamilton, I'm fine," Thaddeus replied with a faint smile, his profile elegant yet as cold as frost in the dim light.

"Don't take it to heart, Thaddeus," Hamilton tried to console him.

"He's my brother. He saved my life when we were younger, and I owe him a lot. This time, I won't mind."

The unsaid part hung in the air; there wouldn't be a next time for such tolerance. He was Evadne's husband, not some pushover!

It was not the theft but the thief's persistence that was worrisome. He couldn't allow any man, under any pretense, to covet Evadne.

"Chad won't be around for long, I suppose; he'll likely head back to M Country in a few days. From now on, try to keep Ilana out of his sight.

Ilana is such an exceptional girl; she shines too brightly, too tempting for any man. Men, no matter how proud they seem, are restless creatures by nature.

Especially the men in the Abernathy family - once they set their sights on someone, they toss all sense of decency out the window. Just like your clueless dad," Hamilton shook his head non-stop.

Somewhere, Frederic was probably sneezing up a storm.

"Love isn't about chains and control; it's about understanding and being there." Thaddeus said firmly, his voice deep, his long lashes concealing a certain emotion, "Evadne just needs to be herself, free and easy. I can protect her, and I'm confident that no one can tear us apart."

"Oh, you naive boy. The world is far more complex than just having good feelings for each other. Look at Marilla and Jareth, were they love birds? Still they have suffered terribly. Jareth nearly lost his life for the chance to be with Marilla!"

"Grandpa Hamilton, you seem to be full of reflections tonight. What's really on your mind?" Thaddeus' brows furrowed in confusion.

Hamilton took a deep breath, his voice low, "Anyway, just keep your distance from Chad. And if he ever comes back to Elmsworth, no matter what he does, don't confront him directly. Avoid head-on conflicts."

Thaddeus' expression turned grave; he uttered calmly, "Grandpa Hamilton, you know I've never been one to shy away or be easily intimidated. It's true Chad saved me, but that doesn't mean I live in his shadow, conceding at every turn without a backbone. If he crosses a line I can't accept in the future, even if dad backs him up, I won't stay silent."

"Those who can endure what others cannot are destined for greatness!" Hamilton's cheeks flushed with evident urgency.

"And if Chad wants my position as CEO?" Thaddeus' gaze was heavy, posing a soul-searching question.

The car grew tenser. Sensing the standoff between the two, Mr. Murray and Gordon sat up straight, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Hamilton's fingers clenched, his remarks serious, "Then avoid a head-on collision with him. As long as I'm here, he won't get the position. You've always been my choice!"

you just stay out of the fray. I don't want to put my favorite grandson through the fire." Hamilton grasped his hand firmly, a warm current flowing into his veins, "Heed my advice. The wise man hides his capabilities and bides his

his grandfather,

earnest advice, feeling increasingly stifled. For some reason, he felt

his readiness to sacrifice everything to protect him, made Chad seem less like a man and more like a bloodthirsty beast

was a close call tonight," Gordon tried to lighten the mood,

"What do you mean?"

"You were almost compromised!"

how?" Thaddeus'

garden, Alexia nearly threw herself at you. Lucky for you, I was quick to intervene and prevented your good reputation from being tarnished!" Gordon lifted his chin, a smug, self-congratulatory expression

At the sight of his smug look, Thaddeus

hadn't been there, I wouldn't

features cool,

you can be as virtuous as you like, but no chaste whoremaster can fend

The man's face darkened.

how you keep distance with other women,

are not many people gossiping around. If you had been seen with Alexia tonight and it got out, especially to Mrs. Abernathy's ears, she might not let you into the bed

was palpable as he kicked the back of

his

say goodbye to this month's

the knee for the almighty dollar in a heartbeat, "Mr. Abernathy, I'm sorry! I was talking out

thin lips curled ever so slightly, but his eyes were like

do some digging on Alexia. Focus on her work history, check if she's really been with Doctors Without

couch, her secret stash of high-priced jewels laid out before

these treasures were her own designs, coveted by many but owned by few, and gems she'd won at auctions, from imperial

These were all for Marilla, saved up for her wedding day

loving gazes locked, brought a rush of emotion to Evadne's

settled. No

gently. "Thaddeus!" Seeing his tall figure, the sadness

you still up

only to find her wide awake, "You've got to be up early for the

can't sleep when you're not

rose to greet him, playing the dutiful wife as she helped him out of his suit jacket and

tonight?"

health issues; doesn't touch a drop. It was all tea

wrapped an arm around her waist and started undoing his shirt buttons with the other, his voice a mix of

You seem down tonight, like

handsome eyelids, her gaze softening,

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