Chapter 166

The night was mercilessly cold, the moon hanging like a frozen disc in the starless sky.

The Maybach rolled to a stop outside Windermere Estate. Thaddeus stepped out alone, his voice clipped as he dismissed the driver. "Go back. I'll walk from here."

"But Mr. Thaddeus," Gordon protested, eyeing the darkening clouds, "there's a storm coming. It's a long way to the villa—"

"I said no."

His tone left no room for argument. Gordon hesitated but finally nodded, watching through the rearview mirror as Thaddeus disappeared into the shadows.

The first raindrops hit just as Thaddeus started toward the mansion.

By the time he reached the grand doors, he was drenched. The icy downpour had seeped into his bones, matching the chill in his chest.

"Good heavens!" Alva gasped, rushing forward. "Where's the car? Where's Gordon?"

Thaddeus didn't answer. Water dripped from his hair, his clothes clinging to his frame. His lips trembled slightly, his eyes glazed with something raw.

"Alva," he rasped. "Bring me a drink."

"You're soaked to the skin! You'll catch your death!" She clucked her tongue. "Let me get you some hot soup—"

"Wine. Now."

Alva paused, studying him. "What happened?"

His throat worked. "I saw Evadne tonight."

"Mrs. Abernathy?" Her face brightened—until his next words.

"She's with someone else."

Alva's brows shot up. "Who?"

"A boyfriend." The words scraped out like broken glass.

For a moment, Alva just stared. Then she sighed. "Well, of course she is. A woman like her? She'd have suitors lined up around the block."

Thaddeus flinched.

"So," Alva said slowly, "you're standing here, half-drowned, because your ex-wife moved on?"

"I don't know." He dragged a hand through his wet hair.

"Listen to me." She gripped his shoulders. "If you're just jealous because she's happy without you, get over it. But if you still want her—fight for her. At least try."

Try?

The idea lodged in his chest like a knife. Every denial made it twist deeper.

Meanwhile, across town, Edith was playing hostess.

She'd returned from Aetheria with one goal: Thaddeus. And now that he was single again, she was ready to strike.

Today's pawn? Glynnis Abernathy.

"Oh, darling!" Edith gushed as Glynnis arrived, arms laden with gifts. "You shouldn't have!"

Glynnis simpered. "Just some little things from my trip. I hope you—and your brother—like them."

Edith's smile sharpened. "Speaking of Jareth..."

Right on cue, Jareth descended the staircase, impeccably dressed.

Glynnis nearly drooled.

"Jareth!" Edith trilled. "Look what Glynnis brought you!"

His expression frosted over at the sight of Glynnis. "What are you doing here?"

"Edith invited me," Glynnis squeaked.

Jareth's gaze cut to his sister. "Choose better friends."

Edith rolled her eyes. "Relax. If you're so worried, introduce me to that Evadne woman. You seem obsessed with her."

Jareth's jaw tightened. He snatched the gift box and strode out—only to toss it to his secretary.

"For me?" she blinked.

"It's a tie clip."

"I don't wear ties."

"Then sell it," Jareth snapped, and slammed the car door.