Chapter 247

Evadne's sharp rebuttal struck Cedric like a slap across the face, tearing away his carefully constructed facade. The shameful label of an ungrateful man now hung over him, exposed for all to see.

She smirked inwardly. Trying to cut ties with the Ashbournes? Fine. But I'll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of man you are. Every dirty secret you've buried—I'll drag them into the light.

Cedric's lips pressed into a thin line. Though his face still wore a practiced smile, his eyes betrayed him—cold and calculating as they locked onto Evadne.

This was the woman who had Jason utterly bewitched? Spoiled, arrogant, with a tongue sharper than any blade. Bringing such a troublesome creature into the Dempsey household would be inviting chaos. Peace would become a distant memory.

The air grew thick with tension.

Frederic watched the exchange with mounting dread. Evadne was a walking catastrophe—wherever she appeared, storms followed. Cedric's legal prowess was undeniable, and Frederic had long sought to secure his loyalty. But this unexpected connection to the Ashbournes? It left him deeply unsettled.

"Interesting," Thaddeus mused, his deep voice cutting through the silence. Though his words were directed at Cedric, his piercing gaze remained fixed on Evadne. "So Mr. Cedric shares a history with the Ashbourne family. Tell me—is this how you repay the daughter of your family's benefactor?"

Evadne's brow furrowed.

Was he... defending her? Taking her side against his own family?

When they were married, he'd never once stood up for her. Now he wanted to play the hero?

Absolutely not.

Hamilton's frown deepened at Thaddeus's words.

"By that logic, Ms. Evadne," Cedric countered smoothly, though his smile had grown strained, "should I abandon my legal career simply because the Dempseys owe your family a debt? I'm a professional. In my world, there are only clients and non-clients. Miss Glynnis is my client—I serve her to the best of my ability. That's non-negotiable. Were you to hire me tomorrow, I'd extend you the same courtesy. This isn't about gratitude—it's about principle."

Thaddeus's eyes darkened as he watched Cedric's smug expression. His fists clenched at his sides.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare hire you, Mr. Cedric!" Evadne waved her hands in mock horror. "A lawyer of your caliber is a double-edged sword. Today you fight for me—tomorrow, who's to say you won't turn that blade against me?" She touched her cheek thoughtfully. "After all, if you'd turn your back on your own father's savior, what chance would I stand? No, I'll pass on retaining someone so... unpredictable."

She was every bit as formidable as Acacia in her prime.

Watching Evadne's innocent-yet-devious expression, Thaddeus couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips.

Cedric cleared his throat uncomfortably, anger simmering beneath his polished exterior.

Glynnis had intended to humiliate Evadne on her own turf, using Jim's presence to exact revenge. But after Evadne's verbal onslaught—which even Cedric couldn't counter—she'd retreated behind Elspeth like a frightened turtle.

"Grandfather!" Evadne took Hamilton's frail hand, her eyes brimming with concern. Strangely, she seemed more like his true granddaughter than Glynnis ever had. "Are you feeling unwell? Is that why you called for me?"

"Don't fret, child." Hamilton patted her hand gently. "I'm quite alright. In fact, I've never felt better."

Evadne exhaled in relief. "Good."

"The truth is, I missed you," Hamilton admitted. "I wanted to see you. And... I wanted to discuss this matter between you and Glynnis. What exactly happened? Why has it escalated to this point?" His expression grew solemn. "You're both precious to me. This discord... it weighs heavily on my heart."

But Evadne understood. This wasn't about fairness—it was about protecting his blood.

A wave of sorrow crashed over her. No matter how much she cared for Hamilton, she'd never truly be family. Not like Glynnis—even if the girl was a viper who delighted in stabbing her in the back.

"Father!" Elspeth cried, clutching her weeping daughter. "Look what they did to Glynnis at the police station! They interrogated her day and night—threatened her, screamed at her, denied her sleep! Just look at her—she's barely recognizable!"

Indeed, Glynnis looked haggard—though much of it was theatrics.

Hamilton studied his granddaughter. She'd never been as accomplished as Evadne, nor as diligent in visiting him. But she was his flesh and blood. All he wanted was harmony.

Thaddeus noted the way Evadne's eyes reddened, her usual fiery spirit dimming. His chest tightened.

She was the wronged party here.

It reminded him painfully of their marriage—how she'd always been treated as an outsider. Back then, he'd been too blind to cherish her. In fact, he'd secretly hoped she'd grow weary and ask for a divorce.

History seemed determined to repeat itself.

But Thaddeus had learned his lesson. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

With purposeful strides, he closed the distance between them. Before anyone could react, he slid an arm around Evadne's slender shoulders, pulling her firmly against his side.

As if she'd always belonged there. As if they'd never parted.

Evadne's breath caught, her blood running cold.

"Thaddeus—?"

"Grandfather," he said smoothly, tightening his grip when she tried to pull away. "Instead of interrogating Ms. Evadne, perhaps you should ask your beloved granddaughter what she's been up to."