Chapter 401


    Chapter 401


    Hard against the bookcase, Chasel found himself stumbling back, books cascading down around him


    in a papery rain. One thick tome struck him square on the head, buzzing his ears with a painful


    resonance.


    “Damn it. Cassius! What the hell?”


    “I warned you, didn’t I?”


    A flicker of concern crossed Cassius‘ features as he observed Chasel’s pain, but it disappeared just as


    quickly. “Chasel, it’s true my sister needs your help, but that doesn’t mean you can do as you please


    with me. What happened that night, it ends here. If you behave, we’ll still be family. If you continue like


    this, I can’t predict how I’ll react.”


    Cassius had never been known for his patience.


    Among all the Ashbourne siblings, he was the one with the most vtile temper. Ten years ago, if a


    man had dared to touch him like this, he would not have hesitated to break their fingers.


    “Cassius. So, you’re not owning up to what you did that night, right?” Chasel’s voice trembled, his


    hands clenched tightly.


    “We kissed, we held each other, and then what? Did we do anything else?”


    Cassius slowly swiveled his chair, removing his sses and revealing his cold, reserved expression.


    “That’s all there is to it. Chasel, you know full well what happened that night. If you hadn’t initiated it,


    nothing would have happened.”


    “But you could have rejected me like you did just now, Cassius, but you didn’t!”


    Chasel red at him furiously, his eyes burning like those of an angry fox. “So you do like me, you


    have feelings for me! Otherwise, with your personality, even if I stripped naked and threw myself at you,


    you wouldn’t ept me!”


    “Chasel, I’ve done some digging. I know about your history. The number of men you’ve been with is


    quite extensive.”


    “Cassius.” Chasel froze, feeling as if he was standing naked before him.


    “I want to ask you, when you slept with those men, did you truly love them?”


    Chasel felt a sharp twinge in his heart.


    Love?


    He had never truly loved anyone.


    Those one–night stands were nothing more than distractions to fill his lonely nights. He was simply


    searching forpanionship.


    “I’m sure you have your answer. Coincidentally, my feelings for you are exactly the same.”


    Cassius‘ cold gaze bore into him. “We’re both adults, Chasel. Don’t be so childish.”


    Overwhelmed by a wave of pain, Chasel was about to retort when the sound of a knock interrupted


    them. It was followed by Suri’s voice.


    “Cassius, Chasel, are you in there? May Ie in?”


    Cassius took a deep breath,posed himself, and walked over to the door to let Suri in.


    “Suri,” he greeted her with a warm smile.


    “Cassius, were you two chatting? I heard some noises just now. Is everything okay?” Suri asked,


    peering cautiously into the room..


    “Everything’s fine, Suri. Did you need me, or did youe for Chasel?” Cassius asked, his expression


    unchanging.


    “Actually, I came to see you.”


    Suri hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice. “Next week, Emeric and I will be attending the


    Elmsworth horse race. It’s an important event and could lead to a major business partnership.”


    She quickly added, “It’s not that I want to go, I suggested that Emeric take Myra or Aviana. However,


    the Abernathy Group will also be attending, and Elspeth will inevitably be there. Myra certainly won’t


    go, but Aviana might be interested. But if we all go, the media might misinterpret.”


    “Suri, I understand. You don’t need to exin. You’ve always been there for my father during these


    kinds of events because of your calm demeanor and thoughtful nature. My father feels at ease with you


    by his side.” Cassius replied, understandingly.


    “Emeric also mentioned that not only the Abernathy Group but the Fairhaven and Chambers Groups


    will be there too.”


    Cassius‘ eyes darkened. “I see. I’ll make sure Evadne stays away.”


    Suri sighed, clearly troubled. “I thought of that too and told Emeric, but your father insists that Evadne


    must attend, no matter what. He said there’s important business to discuss.”


    “Important business?” Cassius frowned.


    “I tried to get more information, but Emeric wouldn’t say.”


    Suri looked worried. “Cassius, you have to be there. No matter what happens, we must protect Evadne.


    We can’t let anyone bully her!”


    “Of course. Suri, thank you for letting me know.”


    After Cassius left, Suri entered the room.


    “Chasel, what happened just now? Did you have a fight with Cassius?”


    Chasel was picking up the scattered books from the floor, his back towards Suri. His voice was muffled


    as he responded.


    “No, it’s nothing.”


    “Don’t lie to me. I heard themotion from outside, although I couldn’t make out what you were


    arguing about.”


    Suri scolded him with an upset expression. “Cassius is such a patient man. I have never seen him lose


    his temper in all these years. And yet you managed to provoke him in just a few days. It’s your fault!”


    Chasel was triggered by her words, “What did I do wrong? It’s Cassius who wronged me!”


    “Chasel, watch your words! You’ve been growing wild without supervision for years. You’re bing


    more and more arrogant!”


    “If you want to live a long and peaceful life in the Ashbourne family, you naturally have to get along with


    them. But I could leave at any time. I don’t need to suck up to them!”


    Realizing that his words might have been too harsh, Chasel regretted it. But it was toote.


    Suri’s expression darkened, a bitter taste lingering in her heart.


    The room fell into an awkward silence.


    Chasel bit his lip bashfully, trying to find words to ease the tension when Suri spoke quietly. “Chasel,


    I’m sorry. I know I’ve brought disgrace upon you, upon the Bright family. I’m the stain that will never be


    washed away.”


    “No, Aunt Suri, I didn’t mean that, I…”


    “I understand, Chasel. I’m not worthy of being your elder, much less to guide you. I’m happy that you


    coulde home this time. In the future, take good. care of yourself.”


    With that, Suri left, her head hung low.


    “Aunt Suri!”


    Chasel felt even more guilty. He wanted to chase after her, but at this moment, he noticed something.


    A fallen book, and in the empty bookshelf where it had been, there was a hiddenpartment.


    If a book had been there, he would never have noticed.


    Chasel reached in and knocked. It was empty!


    A strong sense of curiosity flooded his mind.


    After Jareth and Gordon left, Thaddeus hadn’t seen Evadnee out of her room..


    When it was time for dinner, no matter how much he knocked on the door, she wouldn’te out to


    see him. She imed she was feeling unwell and had no appetite.


    Thaddeus didn’t know what was wrong with her. She had been fine in the morning. Why had her


    condition suddenly changed?


    He stood at her door, trying to recall if he’d done anything wrong.


    No, he hadn’t done anything at all.


    As Thaddeus was getting frantic, the doorbell rang.


    At this moment, Evadne’s bedroom door also opened.


    She stepped out in a peach–colored nightgown and identally bumped into Thaddeus, her forehead


    hitting his firm chest.


    “Ouch. Why are you standing at the door like it’s your job, Thaddeus? It’s a peaceful afternoon, why


    aren’t you taking a nap?” Evadne rubbed her forehead, her tone a bit cold.


    Thaddeus held her with both hands, staring deep into her eyes, his palms sweating. “I was worried


    about you, so I stayed at the door.


    Then, he raised his hand to feel her forehead. “Good, you don’t have a fever. Is there something else


    that’s bothering you?”


    “No.”


    Evadne lowered her eyshes and brushed his burning hand away. “Go answer the door first.”


    With that, she brushed past him.


    Thaddeus could tell her mood was off, as if she felt some resentment towards him.


    Evadne hurried to the front door and opened it.


    “Alva!”


    “Mrs. Abernathy!”


    Alva, carrying a simple luggage, threw her bag on the ground and embraced Evadne excitedly.


    “Oh, Mrs. Abernathy. I’ve missed you so much!” Alva, in her fifties, cried like a child.


    “I’ve missed you too, Alva. Seeing you so energetic puts my mind at ease.” Evadne felt a little teary as


    she gently patted Alva.


    Thaddeus had also followed and was surprised to see Alva.


    He knew without asking that Alva hatt been called over by Evadne.


    “Alva, Mr. Thaddeus hasn’t been feeling well recently, and I’ve been quite busy. I’m afraid I can’t take


    care of him properly, so I asked you toe and help.” Evadne exined softly.


    “Of course, Mrs. Abernathy!” Alva was on the verge of tears again.


    She never expected that she would see Thaddeus and Evadne together again before her death..


    She was content!


    Hearing this, Thaddeus felt a pang in his heart.


    Evadne was a person who didn’t need others‘ care and didn’t like to trouble others. He knew her all too


    well.


    But she had asked Alva toe over from Windermere Estate overnight for one reason she didn’t


    want to be alone with Thaddeus.


    1


    She didn’t want to, but she couldn’t just kick him out. So, she asked someone they both knew well to


    come over to avoid the awkwardness of being under the same roof.


    With these thoughts, Thaddeus‘ hand tightened by his side, and a suffocating feeling rose in his chest.


    Last night, they had been intimate and affectionate.


    Why did it feel like nothing had happenedst night?


    This feeling was torture. He could hardly breathe!


    As soon as Alva arrived, she started working. Late into the night, she was washing Evadne’s clothes,


    tidying up the living room, and cooking for them. No matter how much they tried to stop her, she


    wouldn’t rest.


    After dinner, Evadne wanted to stay and do the dishes, but Thaddeus insisted on doing it himself.


    “My lord, what are you talking about? You’ve never done such a rough job since you were little! Please,


    let me do it!” Alva hurried to stop him.


    “It’s fine, I used to do this when I was young.” Thaddeus put on gloves and casually mentioned.


    The speaker was unintentional, but the listener had a different reaction.


    Evadne looked surprised. Although she had always been following Thaddeus, she knew almost nothing


    about his childhood..


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Thaddeus and Alva stayed in the kitchen while Evadne went back to her room alone./


    Clearly, she didn’t want to interact with him more than necessary.


    Thaddeus felt a lump in his throat, and his energy drained away.


    Love made him anxious and fearful, yet also full of desire.


    Sir, let me do it. You look unwell.” Alva took the te from him, her face full of concern.


    “Alva, could you go upstairster and talk to Evadne?”


    “What’s wrong? You just made up, and you’re having a disagreement again?” Alva saw Thaddeus‘


    worried and helpless look and felt sorry for him.


    “Alva, I feel like I don’t understand Evadne at all. I can’t seem to get close to her heart.”


    Thaddeus sighed heavily, feeling miserable. “I hope you can go and talk to Evadne. Back in the days


    when we lived in Windermere, she was closest to you. Maybe if you talk to her, she will open up and


    tell you some things she doesn’t want to tell me.”


    After taking a bath and finishing her skincare routine, Evadne flopped onto the bed and let out a deep


    sigh..


    In the past, she would never worry about a man like this. She might have already gone out to wine and


    dine with her friends.


    But after overhearing Thaddeus and Jareth’s conversation in the morning, it brought back painful


    memories, and she didn’t feel like doing anything.


    She even didn’t want to see Thaddeus‘ face for a while.


    She knew that the loss of their child wasn’t entirely Thaddeus‘ fault, but she couldn’t get over it.


    Not mentioning it, not thinking about it, didn’t mean she had forgotten.


    When there was a knock at the door, Evadne thought it was Thaddeusing to bother her again. She


    closed her eyes and covered her head with the nket, nning to ignore it.


    “Mrs. Abernathy, it’s me, Alva. Are you asleep? I’ve warmed up a cup of hot chocte for you. Would


    you like some if you’re still awake?”


    It was Alva, her voice a familiar and warmfort.


    Evadne sat up abruptly, swinging her feet off the bed to answer the door.


    Alva was indeed there, a cup of hot chocte in her hands and a smile on her face. Evadne nced


    around subconsciously.


    “Mr. Thaddeus isn’t here, it’s just me.” her thoughts easily.


    Feeling embarrassed, Evadne pursed her lips and invited Alva in.


    The two women chatted like mother and daughter. Alva cared genuinely about Evadne’s well–being,


    and every word warmed Evadne’s heart.


    Seeing that Evadne had finished her hot chocte, Alva sat down on the couch, pulling Evadne down


    beside her.


    “Mrs. Abernathy, Mr. Thaddeus has told me a lot.”


    Evadne felt a jolt of surprise, “Including Elspeth framing Cynthia?”


    Alva’s pupils shrank, her hand tightening around Evadne’s, her palm suddenly cold and mmy, “Was


    it really Elspeth?”


    Evadne realized that Thaddeus had glossed over the most important part.


    She felt a pang of guilt for bbing without thinking, betraying Thaddeus‘ good intentions.


    With a heavy sigh, Alva’s eyes welled up with tears, “I’ve suspected her for a long time. Who else


    could’ve harmed the mistress at that time? Acacia and Glynnis were just children, they couldn’t


    possiblymit murder.”


    Evadne’s gaze darkened.


    Who said children couldn’tmit evil acts?


    The young Acacia and Glynnis might not have had the cunning to set up a trap like Elspeth, but they


    spread harmful rumors about Thaddeus‘ mother, causing her to fall into a pit of despair.


    Some children were just demons who hadn’t grown up yet.


    “But, Mrs. Abernathy, it was just a suspicion. I had no evidence.”


    Alva confessed, tears streaming down her face, filled with remorse and guilt, “If I had used Elspeth


    of being involved Thaddeus‘ mother’s death, my position would’ve beenpromised. Mr. Thaddeus


    was still a child. What would’ve happened to him if I had left the Abernathy household? His situation


    would’ve been even worse!”


    “Alva, there’s something I need to ask you.”


    Evadne finally brought up the question that had been guing her heart, “What exactly happened to


    Thaddeus when he was young? Can you tell me?”


    Alva held nothing back.


    She knew that Mrs. Abernathy still had doubts about Thaddeus, which was why she was so hot and


    cold towards him.


    Only by understanding Thaddeuspletely, without any reservation, could she truly empathize and


    sympathize with him. This would help their rtionship, which had finally seen some progress.


    Thus, Alva recounted the story of Thaddeus‘ childhood, living in the slums with his sick mother, the


    humiliation they suffered, and how Thaddeus was brought back by Frederic, only to be scorned and


    neglected by the Abernathy family.


    And finally, when she mentioned how a teenage Thaddeus, devastated by his mother’s death, had


    attempted suicide by slitting his wrists in the bathroom, Evadne’s heart clenched, her breath hitching in


    her throat.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over and tracing a path of sorrow down her cheeks in the silence.