Chapter 404


    Chapter 404


    Avery turned his back to them, making a slight gesture with his slender, pale fingers.


    Elsie bit her lip and handed the envelope to Harvey, who in turn passed it to Avery.


    In the past, besides Miss Ashbourne, she was the only woman who had the privilege to get close to


    Avery. She could sit on hisp and flirt with him like a lover, share harmless jokes with him, and Avery


    never got angry with her.


    Everyone who followed Avery naturally assumed that he liked her, and pampered her.


    Only Elsie knew the truth. She was nothing and wasn’t even worthy of tying Evadne’s shoes.


    Avery merely saw her as a cheap substitute. When he was happy, he teased her, satisfying his desires.


    When he was upset, he cruelly mistreated her. With a mere flick of his finger, he could make her life a


    living hell.


    Therefore, she no longer took the initiative to get close to him. Even making eye contact with him filled


    her with dread.


    Harvey handed the envelope to Avery with both hands.


    Avery put down his ss, took the envelope, and leisurely opened it.


    Suddenly, Avery shot up from the couch, his body radiating an oppressive chill that was as startling as


    a sudden storm. Harvey and Elsie instinctively stepped back, shivering with fear.


    The next moment, a loud noise echoed.


    Avery roared with rage, his eyes bloodshot, and he kicked the coffee table over!


    The expensive red wine and antique crystal sses shattered into pieces on the floor, creating a scene


    of chaos.


    “Damn, bastard!”


    Avery flung the photo in his hand into the air, his bloodshot eyes filled with rage, like an angered beast.


    Harvey and Elsie picked up the photo, both in shock!


    Even fully prepared, they instantly recognized it.


    The stunning couple in the photo, locked in a passionate kiss, were Thaddeus and Evadne!


    “How is this possible? Why?”


    Avery clutched his chest, trembling. He felt as if a powerful bomb had been nted in his heart,


    shattering his world.


    “Why? Evadne hated him so much, even in front of me. Why are they together, why?”


    “Mr. Chambers, please calm down!”


    Harvey tried his best to console him, “Perhaps this is a misunderstanding. Maybe our people saw it


    wrong, they didn’t.”


    “I know Evadne well.”


    Avery touched his forehead, which was burning with anger, and copsed onto the couch, “If she


    dislikes someone, she won’t even spare them a nce! Even if they didn’t kiss, but Thaddeus held her,


    and they were shopping together.”


    Saying this, Avery took deep breaths, gritted his teeth, but couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.


    Harvey and Elsie were stunned.


    They had been with Avery for many years, but this was the first time they had seen him cry over a


    woman, and so heartbrokenly at that.


    How much must he love Evadne, to be in this state?


    But why would Evadne rather be with someone who had cruelly abandoned her and hurt her deeply,


    than give Mr. Chambers a second nce? Harvey repeatedly signaled Elsie with his eyes.


    But Elsie just hung her head, her eyelids drooping, not daring to take a step closer to Avery.


    [+]


    In the past, as a substitute, as a ything, she could curry favor with Avery.


    However, she was very self–aware now.


    Her value as a substitute for Avery was gone because his feelings for Evadne were too deep. No one


    could rece her, even as a temporaryfort. Avery asked Harvey to bring the syringe. At this


    moment, only an injection could calm his anger.


    Otherwise, he might go there and shoot Thaddeus in front of Evadne!


    “Mr. Chambers, if I may.”


    Harvey put away the syringe, wiping his sweat, “You should try to avoid using this in the future.


    Although it can bring temporary pleasure and effectively numb pain, it is still a banned drug. It has not


    entered clinical trials in our country and potential side effects are unknown.”


    “I know, just this once, and no more.”


    Avery closed his eyes, took a deep breath, “How can a drug dealer be controlled by drugs?”


    The one who became his demon was not a drug but Evadne.


    “Send these photos to Emeric anonymously.”


    Avery revealed a cold, wicked smile, bloodthirsty and manic, “Emeric loves his daughter dearly. He


    certainly won’t stand by and watch his precious daughter make the same mistake, to fall into the fire pit


    again.”


    “Yes, Mr. Chambers.”


    Just as Harvey was about to leave, Avery stopped him, “What’s the date today?”


    “March 6th, Mr. Chambers.”


    Avery’s eyes narrowed slightly, shimmering with an inscrutable light in the dark night.


    “March 6th.”


    Just then, his phone rang.


    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    That evening, Evadne was particrly understanding. After having dinner with Thaddeus, she returned


    to her room to rest and did not disturb him.


    Thaddeus sat alone in his room, continuously making phone calls, coordinating with Jareth and his


    subordinates about the arrangements for going to Country T the next day.


    “Did Cassius also send people?”


    “No news yet, but I think if I know, Cassius must know, he won’t be without any moves.”


    Thaddeus nodded, “Hmm, I need to catch Ward first.”


    “It doesn’t matter who catches him, Thad. Don’t be sopetitive.” Jareth sighed. Thaddeus, from


    childhood to adulthood, couldn’t stand the feeling of losing.


    Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fought with Evadne so fiercely in the past. He probably regretted his past


    actioris now, almost lost his wife!


    “Evadne has everything. I have nothing to give her.”


    Thaddeus stared down, his vibe emanating a heartbreaking humility. “What she wants right now is


    revenge. So no matter what, I must personally help her achieve this, at any


    cost.”


    “Alright then, Thad. Rest assured, when we get to Country T, my people will do everything in their


    power to ensure your safety!” Jareth dered solemnly.


    “No need to worry about me. I’ve been in the army. Just take care of yourself.”


    Thaddeus paused, speaking softly, “If anything happens to you, I worry Mari would be devastated. In


    her life, she has never been loved so fervently, never had anything truly belong to her. You know how


    important you are to her, don’t you?”


    Jareth took a deep breath, excitedly shouting, “Thad! Can I take that to mean you admit I’m your


    brother–inw?”


    Thaddeus pulled the phone away from his ear, his brows furrowed, “Are you a gori or a donkey?


    What are you yelling for in the middle of the night?”


    “I’m your brother–inw!” Jareth called out, his voice dripping with syrup.


    Thaddeus cringed, “Speak like a human, please.”


    “Anyway, as soon as I get back safe, I’m going to propose to your family. You must help me with all


    your might!” Jareth’s voice trembled with excitement. “You’re the eldest son of the Fairhaven family.


    Your lineage is more than worthy. Frederic has no reason to refuse this marriage. Elspeth also.”


    Thaddeus let out a cold chuckle, “Don’t worry about her. A person about to be stripped of their political


    rights for life has no say in their child’s marriage.”


    “Hmm, you’re right.”


    “By the way, get me a gun.”


    Jareth gasped, Thaddeus asking for a gun as casually as if he were asking for a pair of utensils.


    “Country T has another name-wlessnd. If Ward is running there, it means he’s familiar with the


    ce and may have aplices waiting for him. So, we must not take this lightly, as it may be fraught


    with danger.”


    With that, both men fell silent, their expressions somber.


    Then, another call came in. It was Frederic.


    Thaddeus‘ expression darkened as he hung up on Jareth and answered Frederic’s call.


    “Thaddeus, tomorrow afternoon the chairman of Aether Dynamics will have a remote phone meeting


    with us. It’s about the strategic cooperation between our two conglomerates and the future


    development of the Abernathy Group in the country. You and I must attend.” Frederic ordered coldly.


    Without hesitation, Thaddeus responded, “I have important matters to attend to tomorrow. I cannot


    make it.”


    “What did you say? What could be more important than this? Even if you have a funeral or a wedding,


    you must postpone it!” Frederic mmed his hand down on the table in


    anger.


    “I simply cannot attend tomorrow.” Thaddeus repeated, his face emotionless.


    In his eyes, nothing was more important than matters concerning Evadne.


    Frederic roared in fury, “You’re the president of the Abernathy Group, how can you be so irresponsible?


    What use are you to me?”


    “Indeed, what use am I?”


    Thaddeus chuckled, his aura through the phone was oppressive, “Actually, it doesn’t seem to have


    much use, apart from fast–tracking your goal of bing the richest man in Elmsworth by ten years.”


    “You!” Frederic was left speechless in anger.


    Indeed, if it hadn’t been for Hamilton’s foresight in choosing Thaddeus as president, he wouldn’t know


    how many more years he’d have to fight with the Chambers Group to determine who’s superior.


    “Do you have anything else? If not, I have other things to attend to, I’ll hang up now.”


    “Thaddeus, your neglect of duty is appalling. One day, you’ll have to take responsibility for your


    choices!”


    With that threat, Frederic hung up.


    Thaddeus looked at the darkened screen, a fearless smile ying on his lips.


    He cared about the Abernathy Group. It was hisbor of love, built through sleepless nights and


    relentless hard work. He had sacrificed all his time, living like a mechanical clock.


    But still, he chose Evadne without hesitation.


    Nothing was more important than his wife.


    The next day, they both got up early to get ready.


    Dressed in formal attire for a funeral, they both stepped out.


    Standing shoulder to shoulder at the vi entrance, they nced at each other.


    Thaddeus looked deeply into Evadne’s eyes, and she returned his gaze steadfastly.


    Today, Evadne was still wearing the suit she had designed herself. But this time, her lips were not


    painted with her signature striking red, and instead of an expensive brooch


    on her chest, there was a simple, solemn white flower.


    She was beautiful andposed, her quiet demeanor revealing a hint of sadness.


    Thaddeus pursed his lips, he had always wanted to tell her.


    The first time he saw her at the auction after their divorce, dressed in a suit with her signature red lips,


    his heart pounded fiercely.


    “Good morning, Mr. Thaddeus,” Evadne greeted softly.


    “Good morning, Evadne,” Thaddeus replied gently.


    “Let’s go.”


    Evadne’s words made Thaddeus‘ eyes moist, and his blood boil.


    Jason was still in the hospital recovering, so Gordon came to pick them up.


    As they sat in the back seat, Thaddeus took a deep breath and gently held Evadne’s cool hand.


    She didn’t pull away, letting him hold her hand and intertwine their fingers, feeling his warmth.


    “Jareth originally insisted oning, but I didn’t let him,” Thaddeus said in a low voice.


    “Hmm, I understand your intentions. Jareth is living with Mari every day now, and he’s afraid that if


    Mari senses something, she’ll be upset.


    Evadne sighed softly, “After all, Erica took care of Mari for so long, they’ve be friends beyond


    the master–servant rtionship.”


    Her voice fell, carrying a hint of a sob.


    “Evadne, don’t cry.”


    Thaddeus felt as if his heart was being torn apart, aching with an indescribable pain. He reached out


    with his strong arms, his warm handforting the trembling shoulders of the young woman. Drawing


    her into his embrace, he murmured, “Erica, watching us from heaven, wouldn’t want us to be so


    heartbroken. What she’d want to see is the beautiful, tough, and strong Miss Ashbourne, not us


    showing our vulnerability to those brutal killers.”


    Evadne rested her forehead against his chest, drawing strength from him. She nodded in silent


    agreement.


    In honor of Erica, the Ashbourne family organized a grand funeral, with the best of everything, showing


    utmost respect for the departed.


    The wreaths at the entrance bore names that would not just impress Elmsworth, but the entire country.


    Names of the Ashbourne Group, the Abernathy Group, the Fairhaven Group. Each one a heavyweight


    in their own right.


    Although Avery couldn’t make it, his wreath was there, ced prominently.


    “That Chambers kid, always scheming,” Arnoldmented with a sneer, as he stood at the entrance,


    eyeing the wreath sent by the Chambers Group. “For anyone who doesn’t know, they’d think someone


    from the Chambers family passed away. That wreath is so big and ostentatious. We need to move it to


    the back. It’s blocking the ones


    we sent!”


    Cassius ced a calming hand on his shoulder, shaking his head, “Let it be, even if there are hidden


    motives, it’s still a token of respect. We don’t want to appear petty, as if we can’t stand others.”


    Today, Cassius, Arnold, Aaron, and Elvis were all present. Even Jason, in a wheelchair, was there,


    pushed by Nydia.


    Nydia, having learned about Jason’s injury, had rushed to the hospital and cried her heart out for him.


    She took a leave from school to stay by his side, taking care of him. She fed him, cleaned him, helped


    him to the restroom. She was practically Mrs. Dempsey now.


    With Nydia’s care, Jason was recovering well, although he still needed crutches or a wheelchair to


    move around..


    “Jason, why are you here?”


    Cassius hurried over, “You need rest. If Evadne sees you moving around, she’ll be angry.”


    Jason’s eyes filled with sadness, “Ms. Erica saved Miss Ashbourne’s life, and she means a lot to me as


    well. How could I not attend her funeral? I would crawl here if I had


    to.”


    At this point, Arnold joined them, teasing Nydia, “Nydia, why aren’t you keeping your man in check?”


    Her man?


    Both Jason and Nydia blushed at Arnold’s words.


    Especially Nydia, she was so embarrassed that her face turned as red as a ripe peach, stuttering, “I, I


    can’t control him.”


    “Oh, that won’t do,” Elvis joined in the teasing, shaking his head, “The daughters of the Ashbourne


    family, whether it’s managing events or men, have to be in control. Isn’t that right, Mr. Dempsey?”


    Jason cleared his throat awkwardly and replied respectfully, “You’re absolutely right.”


    Just then, someone announced from the entrance.


    “Miss Ashbourne has arrived!”


    “Mr. Thaddeus, the CEO of the Abernathy Group, has arrived!”