Chapter 556


    Chapter 556


    “Mrs. Abernathy’s got a thing for you?!” Gordon’s eyes bulged, like his inner gossip–monger was


    aze with curiosity.


    Thaddeus’s brows furrowed, as he poured himself another ss of the rich and aromatic wine. But as


    he took a sip, the expected sweetness was reced by a bitterness that seemed to sh at his throat.


    “It’s a shame we can’t get a do–over in life, I can’t be the man who fell for Evadne first. That’ll be my


    lifelong regret.”


    But there was one regret that outshone the rest


    He was the reason Evadne lost the child she wanted more than anything, and lost the chance to be a


    mother.


    Thad took abored breath, as if the air he sucked into his lungs turned into icy des, “I’ll do


    everything in my power to make her happy, but I just don’t know if I can do it well enough.”


    Happiness is such an abstract thing; it only counts if the person himself or herself feels content, after


    all.


    “Mr. Abernathy, you truly are the most deeply devoted man I’ve ever met. You and Mrs. Abernathy are


    the kindest souls,” Gordon said, while picturing Beverly’s eyes that were always on the verge of tears,


    and stirred a pang of sympathy each time he saw her. “More than her happiness, I hope you two can


    heal each other’s souls. And I hope you can taste happiness too.”


    After all, Thaddeus, before falling in love with Mrs. Abernathy, was a man with nothing but wealth.


    Weary in body and soul, he was barren in spirit.


    It was Mrs. Abernathy who made his desert–like heart bloom with the most brilliant roses.


    Thad thought of Evadne made him couldn’t help but smile, “Don’t worry about me, I’m already very


    happy. Being by Evadne’s side and making her happy are my greatest joy.”


    He cleared his throat, “Enough about me, let’s talk about you. Have you really fallen for Ms. Higgins?”


    “Uh, I think, I might be smitten.”


    Gordon’s chest tightened, as heughed bitterly, “Today’s Ms. Higgins‘ birthday, so I brought her gifts


    and flowers.”


    Thad raised an eyebrow.


    His assistant Gordon had harbored a crush since college, but his goddess married and had kids with


    his senior, but here he was, yet to tie the knot himself.


    This was his first real attempt at wooing a girl, and what an ill–matched pursuit it was.


    “She took the flowers, but not the gift nor my affections,” Gordon’s hands trembled as he gripped his


    ss, his heart aching, “Mr. Abernathy, am I just lousy? When I first visited Ms. Higgins, I looked down


    on where she lived; I was prejudiced, thinking that any girl working there must be vain. How could I


    think like that? What do I have, and what am I to be proud of.”


    He choked up with emotion, struggling to speak, “She’s right not to ept me. I was too lousy.”


    Thad was taken aback!


    He understood Gordon’s feelings, but never had he realized they had grown so fervent that he would


    actually confess to Beverly!


    In terms of the courage to love someone, he himself once paled inparison to Gordon.


    And now, here he was, presumptuously trying to influence his assistant’s heart.


    Who was he to judge?


    “You’re not lousy, Gordon. To me, you’ve always been an excellent assistant. I wouldn’t be where I am


    without you.”


    Gordon’s heart skipped, his eyes shining with gratitude, “Mr. Abernathy, no, it’s just my job!”


    “I’m saying you’re a good man. Don’t sell yourself short.”


    Thad’s gaze was deep and paternal, “If you truly care for Ms. Higgins, go for it. But not now. You have


    to wait until she’s of age. For now, support her quietly, but don’t disrupt her studies. I believe a part of


    her refusal is due to this reason. Students should focus on their education.”


    “I understand. I just got carried away tonight. It won’t happen again,” Gordon stood up, bowing


    apologetically.


    “People have emotions; you’ve done nothing wrong. Just make sure when you find the right person, it’s


    at the right time.”


    Thad stood up, heading towards the cer door, but suddenly he paused and turned, “The gift you gave


    Ms. Higgins wasn’t some tacky luxury item, was it? Lacking creativity, sincerity, and meaning. No


    wonder she didn’t ept it.”


    Gordon felt a twinge of embarrassment; what a direct hit!


    On the way home, Mari was a bit sulky, quieter than usual.


    In bed, Jareth could hardly contain himself; the desire in his eyes was fiery as his muscr hand


    slipped under her white nightgown…


    Breaths entwined, fingers interlocked, and sweat mingled.


    He was insatiable that night.


    Hevished affection on her lips, waist, chest, until she was tender all over.


    Finally, sitting up and pulling her close, they both soared into ecstasy, and he felt like she was a zing


    little sun, scorching him with her heat.


    Mari snuggled into Jareth’s arms, not even caring that they were still connected, with her eyelids


    fighting to stay open.


    “Darling, you’re so good. What reward do you want from hubby, hmm?” Jareth whispered, his voice


    thick with desire.


    Mari, half–asleep, murmured, “I want that pastry.”


    His eyes narrowed instantly, and his heartbeat skipped, “What?”


    “That pastry, so cute, I want a bite.” She was still regretful for not getting her treat earlier, and her


    stomach was growling with longing.


    “Mari.”


    Jareth’s eyes were zing as he pinned her down once more, his voice a mix of usation and desire.


    “What’s it gonna be, huh? You craving a cake, or is it the guy who gave you that cake you’re thinking


    about?”


    The way he said “huh” was more oppressive than before, his possessiveness sending shivers down


    her spine.


    “Jareth, what’s wrong with you?”


    “Answer me,” he demanded in a hoarse voice, with a sense of resentment thick in his throat.


    Mari felt there was a little rabbit thumping inside her chest, and felt her drowsiness evaporating. “Um,


    I just want the pastry.


    That’s all I want. Jareth.”


    Hearing this, Jareth’s heart momentarily settled, but he wasn’t about to let her off that easily. His


    demanding kiss nearly robbed her of every breath in her lungs.


    “Baby, from now on, you can’t ept anything from other men. You can only have what I give you. You


    can only look at me, and only want me.” Jareth’s voice trailed off, his eyes revealing an inexplicable


    hurt.


    Oh, how he loved her.


    If it wasn’t for the depth of his love, he wouldn’t have turned into this jealous man, letting his emotions


    sway with the wind.


    It wasn’t until Mari tearfully pleaded for mercy in the deep of the night that the moonlit drama came to


    an end.


    Taking advantage of his wife’s slumber, Jareth stepped out for a near–half–hour cold shower, not


    bothering to dry off before wrapping himself in a robe and dialing Lily’s number.


    Soon enough, Lily, dressed neatly, arrived at the bedroom door.


    “Sir, what can I do for you?”


    “First thing tomorrow, I want you to buy out that pastry shop Mari loves!” Jareth clenched his fists, his


    voice venomous with resolve.


    Lily hesitated, with a conflicting expression on her face. “Sir, that shop is a family heirloom, nearly a


    century old. I doubt they’ll agree to sell.”


    “Then get the Fairhaven group to invest! The bottom line is, if my wife craves it, they need to deliver it


    to me on demand! If they refuse, I’ll make sure that damn shop vanishes from Elmsworth!”


    With a bang, the door closed behind him.


    Lily stood dumbstruck for a moment before a resigned chuckle escaped her lips.


    Jealousy, it seems, can only be quenched with power.


    Meanwhile, Byron faced a litany of serious charges, and was now officially prosecuted by the


    authorities.


    And the Chambers family’s stance was clear: just as they had forsaken Bertha, they nowpletely


    abandoned Byron.


    After all, if they kept clinging to this dead weight, the ship of Chambers Group might truly sink.


    A week into his detention, Byron didn’t receive the dawn of salvation but rather the thorn in his side-


    Avery.


    “Hey, you mangy pup.”


    d in drab prison garb, unshaven and disheveled, Byron sniffed. “Here to mock me too, huh? Well,


    you might as well bring Matthew next time, and make a group outing of it. I sure as hell don’t have the


    time for you!“.


    “No time, and yet you’re seeing me, aren’t you?”


    Avery’s lips curled into a nonchnt smile. “If you had truly given up hope, you wouldn’t havee out


    to see me. Your presence means you’re still looking for some good news. After all, you know as well as


    I do that I have no reason to visit or care about how you’re fairing. Right?”


    “So, you’re here to get me out?”


    “If Dad and Matthew can’t manage it, I’m powerless too.”


    “Then why the hell are you here?! Got nothing better to do?!”


    Avery took his time, casually asking, “How was your chat with Matthewst time he visited?”


    Byron clenched his teeth in silence.


    “I suppose it wasn’t a pleasant conversation.”


    Avery feigned concern for his well–being. “We both know what Matthew is like. Nobody who crosses


    him ever ends up well. Now that you’ve burned bridges with him, I imagine that you will be without his


    aid for any trouble you find in your long stay behind bars.”


    “Like I need his help? Pah!” Byron blustered, though inwardly he was unnerved.


    During his time in detention, he’d heard the rumors: sex offenders were the lowest in prison, frequent


    targets of bullying.


    Fearless? Hardly possible!


    “Still, having someone look out for you might make your time inside a bit more bearable.”


    “Avery, you never show up without a reason, so cut the crap and spit it out!” Byron barked.


    “Over the years, I’ve built some connections in the Elmsworth justice system while working in Helgen.


    Just one word from me, and you could be living it up in prison, trouble–free.” Avery’s smugness was


    evident as he lounged in his chair.


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    “Bullshit! You think I’m gonna fall for your sweet talk?!” Byron, still stung by a recent encounter with his


    elder brother, trusted no one.


    Harvey, understanding Avery’s nce, ced a stock transfer agreement before Byron, politely


    suggesting, “Byron, if you would please review this.”


    Byron, with his anger peaking, spat out with a sneer, “What’s this, another joke? Thest one’s already


    scrap!”


    “Sign this, and you’ll sail smoothly through your jail time. Any issues, and Mr. Chambers will sort them


    out for you.” Harvey continued the pitch.


    “Damn you, I don’t need your input, beat it!”


    Harvey’s face turned stormy, but for the sake of his master’s ns, he swallowed his rage.


    “And you can leave too! Dream on if you think you’re swindling my shares!”


    As Byron stood to leave, Avery suddenly let out a chillingugh. “Byron, what if I told you I could help


    bring down Matthew? Would you support me then?”