Chapter 632
Chapter 632
Over at the bustling Ashbourne household, the family gathered around Emerio, showering him with
attention and affection.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, two love–struck couples helped Myra as she prepared a feast. Myra’s
culinary skills were legendary, and even when it came to something as simple as making taco, she
infused them with a rainbow of colors red, pink, green, yellow – each hue bringing a unique vor to the
table.
“Myra, you really spoil my dad rotten,” Evadne teased, her hands deftly shaping plump, little dough
pockets that resembled chubby golden coins, “It’s just taco, and you’ve turned them into a seven–
colored spectacle. Is he trying to summon a god or what? Talk about high–maintenance!”
“Your dad loves it, it’s his favorite,” Myra sald with a sweet smile, “I thought since he’s eating, we might
as well all eat together. Make a little party of it.”
“You, Suri, and Aviana treat Emeric like he’s the crown prince. In other families, it’s the men doting on
the women, but in the Ashbourne n, it’s all topsy–turvy,” Evadne snorted yfully, “Did Mom pamper
him like this too? I can’t imagine she did.”
“Your mother adored taco; it’s her specialty. She always made them for your father, and he could eat
them every day without tiring of them,” Myra recalled fondly.
A twinge of sorrow tightened Evadne’s grip on the dough, a pang of loss souring her throat.
Thaddeus sensed her mood shift and offered her a misshapen lump of dough, his earnest face seeking
approval, “Evadne, how‘ about this masterpiece?”
“It’s a disaster,” she burst outughing at the sight of the doughy blob, “What is that, a hacky sack or a
meteor hammer? You’re eating that one, buddy. My life’s worth something too, you know.”
“Deal. I’ll eat it,” Thaddeus replied, relieved to see her smile.
In the back of his mind, however, he pondered the Ashbourne family dynamics. From the way they
spoke, it was clear that Emeric had deeply loved Evadne’s mother, his first wife. His love seemed
genuine, unlike the muddled affection Frederic imed to have for his own wife. Yet, if Emeric’s love
was as deep as the ocean, why would he remarry? It seemed like a contradiction.
“Jason, my taco looks terrible, way worse than yours,” Nydia pouted, embarrassed by herck of skill.
“They look perfect to me. I’m going to eat every single one you make,” Jason said, his arms cautiously
wrapping around her, his breath warm against her cheek as he whispered sweet nothings.
Their intimacy made Nydia blush as bright as the dawn. Jason, ever the gentleman, had shown his love
and desire that one passionate night, his touch trembling with restrained emotion, proving it was his
first time as well.
Myra continued making taco, seemingly oblivious to the young couple’s tender exchange. Yet, the
small, knowing smile curling on her lips betrayed her delight. She knew that happiness for her daughter
trumped any business alliances, family glory, or societal matches. After all, very few families could
match the Ashbourne’s stature, and even then, it was like opening a mystery box – no guarantee of
finding a treasure or a trinket.
Evadne’s thoughts were interrupted by Cassius, who rushed into the kitchen with news from the
Chambers Group.
“Myra, Nydia, why don’t you step out for a moment?” Myra suggested, sensing the gravity of the
situation.
“No need, Myra. We’re all family here; there’s nothing we can’t discuss,” Evadne said, her demeanor
serious.
Jason listened intently, sidelined from the business world ever since his injury at the hands of Ward and
the brutal assault by the Chambers family that nearly left him disabled. He yearned to be useful again
to President Ashbourne and Ms. Ashbourne.
“Cassius, remember that resort project in Country T that Matthew took from us? It seems their shoddy
nning is starting to show,” Evadne said calmly as she pinched a dumpling closed, “I bet they’re
having trouble with that little vige on the resort’s ess road. Unless the Chambers Group can
tten it and relocate the residents, they’re in for a tough time.”
Jason nodded in agreement, while Nydia/admired her sister’s intelligence, understanding why Jason
had once risked everything for Evadne. Compared to her brilliant sister, Nydia felt ordinary and weak.
Cassius‘ news was just another battle in the ongoing war of business, and as the Ashbourne family
braced for the next move, the kitchen once a ce of love andughter transformed into a strategic
war room.
Being loved by Jason was truly a blessing for her.
“Evadne’s got a sharp mind,” Thaddeus said with a tender look in his eyes as he carefully shaped
another one and ced it on the cutting board. “And I’ve done some digging. That vige has been
around for two hundred years and is considered a historical heritage site”
“There would be a public outcry if it were razed to build some fancy resort. The government wouldn’t
dare do it so tantly.”
Cassius nodded, “That’s why some folks are getting desperate, trying to force their hand behind the
scenes.”
The couple gasped, “Matthew’s trying to bulldoze the ce? When did this happen?”
“Last night. He timed it for the wee hours when many of the vigers were still asleep. Houses came
crashing down, causing serious injuries.”
Cassius‘ expression turned icy, “The incident happened abroad, and the Chambers Group managed to
suppress the news almost immediately. Local media, even if they catch wind of it, are too intimidated
by the Chambers‘ influence to report it.”
Thaddeus, his voice grave, asked, “Cassius, are there any fatalities?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Then this thing can be kept under wraps.”
Thaddeus‘ eyes were steely, “It’s only considered a major disaster if there are deaths. Only then would
the Chambers Group not be able to cover it up.”
“The Chambers Group thinks they can get away with murder just because it’s overseas?”
Evadne mmed her hand on the table, ttening the meatball, “Who says no media will dare to
report? Don’t forget, we’ve got World Wonders Weekly under the K Group’s control. Just watch,
tomorrow, 3 PM sharp!”
Myra listened quietly, shaking her head, “The Chambers kids are way too reckless. It’s been so long, I
thought they would’ve toned it down by now.”
Jason was also outraged, “A leopard can’t change its spots.”
Evadne raised an eyebrow, “Like father, like son. Can you really expect anything good from that
family?”
Thaddeus pondered for a moment and then gripped her hand tightly, his boyfriend game strong, “I’ll
send someone to Country T right away to keep an eye on things. If you expose this, and Matthew feels
cornered, he’s bound to do something to quell the storm.”
The dinner atmosphere was great.
Emeric perked up at the sight of the meatballs and even invited Thad to join him for the meal.
At the table, it was all proper above the board but quite cheeky below it.
At night, Cassius returned to his study to go through a mountain of paperwork. His father’s illness had
already shaken up the K Group, and Bevis was taking advantage of the situation, causing headaches.
Fortunately, Cassius had the skills to stabilize things, and the consortium was back on track.
After a long session, he took off his sses, massaged his temples, and closed his eyes for a brief
respite.
“Phew, what a day… I wonder when that girl will let me retire.”
There was a knock at the door.
Cassius got up and opened it.
“President Ashbourne.”
Chasel leaned casually against the doorframe, his fox–like eyes twinkling, “Care for a private, after–
hours massage?”
Cassius looked him over with a weary gaze, “Since when did you pick up a side gig?”
“A jack of all trades,” Chasel said with a smile that seemed to hold endless affection, “Whatever you
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need, I’m here for you.”
Cassius felt a sudden tightness in his throat, and a blush tinged the corners of his eyes.
By day, Chasel was in hisb coat, fulfilling his duties.
By night, he became an irresistible temptation.
Cassius‘ heart raced, and he turned away to avoid looking at him.
But then, the door closed, and suddenly Chasel was embracing him from behind, their bodies pressing
close.
“Cassius, I’ve missed you.”
Chasel’s voice was husky and soft as his chin brushed against Cassius‘ broad back, “Even though your
room is just down the hall, being separated by just one wall feels like an insurmountable distance. I
can’t stop thinking about you.”
“Cassius.”
“Cassius.”
The unexpected confession made Cassius‘ breath hitch, and as he lost himself in his thoughts, his
warm, moist hand covered Chasel’s on his waist.
The tumultuous emotions within him were fighting to be set free, threatening to boil over.
He wasn’t sure how much longer he could contain them.
Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after, possibly tonight.
Knock, knock, knock-
Another set of knocks came, followed by Suri’s calm voice from outside.
“Cassius, is Chasel with you?”