Chapter 174

Jason's jaw nearly hit the floor.

His lady boss remained utterly unfazed, even stifling a yawn.

"Why reveal my identity now? Look what you've done—you've terrified Jason."

"Alea, you vanished after returning to Elmsworth! The entire studio's been waiting for your comeback!" Liva's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Apologies, darling. Family matters kept me tied up. You'll have to hold down the fort at Aetheria Studio for now."

Evadne sighed, guilt flickering across her face. "But don't worry about the studio collapsing. Every piece I've designed is worth a fortune, and our funds are more than secure. Still, tell the team not to put their lives on hold for me. If anyone wants to leave, they have my blessing—no hard feelings. That includes you, Liva. If you want out, just say the word. No need to suffer for my sake."

Liva wiped her eyes. "Alea, you've done so much for me. I'd never abandon you."

"Liva, I'm endlessly grateful for your loyalty. But I refuse to be a burden. If you choose to stay, it's an honor—but your life is yours to live."

Evadne's eyes softened with warmth, a quiet chuckle escaping her. "I'd be lost without all of you."

Jason, overhearing, felt his throat tighten.

He'd been such a fool.

He thought he knew her—thought she was extraordinary. But she wasn't just extraordinary. She was divine.

Damn, he was so out of his league.

"Alea, if the Abernathy Group comes knocking again, I'll shut them down hard. Tell them you're partnering with K Group—that'll crush their spirits."

Evadne smirked. "Don't reject them outright. How can we shatter their hopes if we don't let them hope first?"

Liva's eyes widened, then she nodded in understanding. "Got it."

"Wouldn't it be boring if we won before the game even started? Before Thaddeus even makes his move?"

Evadne's sly grin returned. "I've been planning this for ages. Shouldn't Mr. Thaddeus get a chance to prove himself? Imagine his face when he exhausts himself to win, only to find his opponent already at the finish line. That's far more devastating than a simple loss."

After the call ended, Jason was still reeling.

Even knowing his boss was brilliant, discovering she was Alea left him speechless. He clasped his hands in reverence.

This was the closest he'd ever been to a goddess.

"Hey, snap out of it!" Evadne snapped her fingers, snapping him back to reality.

"Jason, do you think I'm being unfair?" She spun lazily in her chair.

"After how brutally Thaddeus treated you? He's getting off easy." Jason's jaw clenched.

"Ah, with your approval, I can relax."

Evadne leaned back, eyes closing as she turned toward the sunlight.

"The worst part of those three years wasn't his indifference, his coldness, or his neglect. It was watching him pour his heart into Acacia while we were married."

"I watched him book flights abroad. Watched him commission a master jeweler in France for her birthday—despite hating inconvenience. You'd think he'd show basic respect, even without love."

Her voice was detached, like she was narrating someone else's tragedy.

Jason's throat burned. He knelt beside her. "Thaddeus deserves hell for choosing trash over you."

Evadne laughed, waving a hand. "The old me would've raged. Now? I'm amused. If Acacia's trash, Thaddeus is the dumpster. She degraded from recyclable to waste—but he was always garbage. I won't waste feelings on a dumpster. But I will enjoy watching him scramble for me. Watching him fail after giving his all."

Thaddeus had always been heartless.

Funny—so was she now.

Thaddeus flew to Aetheria on a private jet, desperate to meet Alea.

Mid-flight, memories surfaced—of flying to France for Acacia's necklace, begging a royal jeweler. He'd never groveled before.

Now, that necklace was locked away, a symbol of shame.

Staring at the clouds, he swore he saw Evadne's face—radiant, mocking. His chest ached. He reached out, but the window was ice-cold.

"You know how much Evadne adored that necklace? She cried when she heard you gave it to Acacia."

"If it were Evadne, she'd have treasured even your discarded tie. She'd never disrespect you like that."

Agony lanced through him. The woman he thought would cherish his love had trampled it.

And yet—this wreckage was exactly what Evadne wanted.

His lips twisted into a bitter smile.

What kind of madness made her stay with him for three years?

Why had she been so devoted?

Gordon approached with coffee. "Sir, Liva agreed to meet."

Thaddeus's dead eyes flickered to life.

"But she's cold. This won't be easy."

"As long as she meets me, there's hope."

After three days of waiting, Thaddeus faced Liva in a café opposite Alea Studio.

She didn't even sit. "Let's be clear, Mr. Frederic. Alea designs for First Ladies, royalty, and philanthropists. Ada Ang? Unworthy."

Gordon muttered, "It's jewelry, not a Nobel Prize."

Thaddeus remained calm. "I established a charity fund in my mother's name. I support nursing homes, students, orphans. Name your price—all profits from Ada's wedding will go to charity."

Liva scoffed. "So Alea lacks vision?"

"That's not—"

"Many exploit charity for Alea's designs. Is the Abernathy Fund just moving money between pockets?"

Thaddeus's fists clenched.

Gordon snapped, "We're sincere! You're being unreasonable!"

Thaddeus silenced him. "Our funds are transparent. You can audit them."

Liva stood. "I'll relay your intentions to Alea. But others want her too."

She left without touching her coffee.

Gordon groaned. "Is menopause hitting early here?"

"Enough. We need a backup plan." Thaddeus adjusted his tie. "Alea's playing hardball. Evadne won't get better terms."

"What next?"

"Focus on Ada, but don't lose sight of Alea." Thaddeus's eyes darkened. "Watch Evadne. If she makes a move, I want to know immediately."