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!"

your brother covets the position, let me handle it; 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

dropped off his grandfather, his car headed

earnest advice, feeling increasingly stifled. For some

sacrifice everything to protect him, made Chad seem less

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!"

from being tarnished? At the sight of his smug look, Thaddeus simply

wouldn't

his eyes, his features cool, "Do

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

The man's face darkened.

women, you couldn't control them throwing

house where there are not many people gossiping around. If you had been seen with Alexia tonight and

anger was palpable as he kicked the back of

choked, his

say goodbye to this month's

in a heartbeat, "Mr. Abernathy, I'm sorry! I was talking

ever so slightly, but his eyes were

Alexia. Focus on her

Evadne's thoughts lingered on Thaddeus, sleep far from her embrace. She sat on the living room couch, her secret stash of high-priced jewels laid out before

but owned by few, and gems she'd won at auctions, from imperial jade bracelets to top-quality cut rubies - each

smile, Evadne placed her treasures back into their boxes. These were all for Marilla, saved up for her wedding

Jareth, their loving gazes locked, brought a rush of emotion to Evadne's eyes, and a

all should be settled. No one would

nudged open gently. "Thaddeus!" Seeing

you still

surprised, having tiptoed in to avoid waking her, only to find her wide awake, "You've got

when

wife as she helped him out of his suit jacket and loosened his tie. She

tonight?"

got health issues; doesn't touch a drop.

and started undoing his shirt buttons with the other, his voice a mix

seem down tonight, like

his handsome eyelids, her gaze softening, "Your brother giving

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255