His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Evadne let out a low whistle. "Wow... If you're this stunning at eighty percent, what would happen at a hundred? You'd be up there rubbing shoulders with Venus herself!"

Everyone burst out laughing, the mood finally lightening.

Elsie's smile was radiant. "Honestly, it's fine if I never look exactly the way I used to. I'm just grateful for a fresh start." The striking beauty that once defined her features had softened into something more delicate and serene, with a brightness and energy she'd rarely shown before.

Elvis' voice was gentle. "I love you, no matter what. You don't have to go through all this." He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, soft and lingering. "But whatever you want, I'll support you. Always."

Tears shimmered in Elsie's eyes as she rose on tiptoe, returning his kiss.

Winter's chill lingered outside, but after so many years of waiting in the cold, the girl finally found her own springtime.

With Jason's steady hand, Evadne climbed into the car. The engine had barely roared to life when her phone rang.

She answered right away, her voice brightening. "Alva!"

Ever since she'd returned home, the tangled situation with Thaddeus had kept her from reaching out to Alva, worried she might cause her friend unnecessary

anxiety.

you still at the hospital?" Alva's

discharged today. Don't worry-I'm

pause on the other end. "Mrs. Abernathy... did you... did you see Mr.

Evadne felt her nerves tighten. "I did. While I was in the hospital, he was recovering in the

Alva hesitated. "...Oh."

something you want to

Abernathy, would you mind coming by the Elmsworth house? There's something I need to talk

...

pulled up

feet and wary of returning to

stay in the

to come out instead, so

hurried from the