Chapter 314

Camille's face drained of color in an instant, as if struck by lightning. Her mind went completely blank.

She was flustered.

Lost.

Panicked.

So, the man she had just been badmouthing to Evadne was her master's own brother?

Mortification burned through her like wildfire.

Thaddeus sat there, glancing between them, biting his lower lip to suppress a laugh.

But he understood Camille's predicament all too well.

With Evadne's countless siblings, it was no surprise to bump into one unexpectedly. He, too, had suffered from not knowing the Ashbourne family dynamics and had endured the torment of her brothers.

Arnold watched as Camille's delicate face flushed from pale to crimson, like a ripening cherry.

He was still irritated about the "sponsorship" comment, but seeing her so adorably flustered, his anger melted away. "Master."

Camille looked at Evadne with pleading eyes, her voice trembling. "You won't disown me over this, will you?"

Evadne tapped her chin, pretending to consider it.

"Master!" Camille's lips quivered, tears welling up.

Evadne stepped closer, paused, then broke into a radiant smile.

"Silly girl, why would I disown you over something so trivial? If I did, who would be left to carry on my legacy?"

Relief washed over Camille, but embarrassment lingered.

"Besides," Evadne added, casting a pointed glance at Arnold, "I know you're a good person. If you scolded my brother, he must have deserved it."

Arnold raised a brow, swallowing his indignation.

Who would've thought the woman who crashed into his car and had the audacity to flirt with him was so close to his little sister?

Fate had a cruel sense of humor.

Just then, the room erupted with laughter as a lively group arrived—Suri, Aviana, Cassius, Nydia, and Aaron, who had been dragged from work. Jareth and Mari followed close behind.

They swarmed Evadne with hugs and chatter, the air buzzing with joy.

The scene was like something out of a fairy tale—handsome men, stunning women, an unforgettable spectacle.

Amid the warmth and laughter, Thaddeus sat alone, his melancholic gaze fixed on Evadne, surrounded by love.

Envy and longing flickered in his eyes before they grew damp.

This was the life Evadne was meant to have—cherished, adored, protected.

The only pain she had ever known was because of him.

Swallowing his bitterness, he made a silent vow.

Even if she never chose him, he would spend his life shielding her from harm.

"Mari! You're here too!" Evadne pinched Mari's soft cheeks, her heart swelling with happiness.

Mari clutched her teddy bear, murmuring shyly, "I missed you, Evadne. And Thaddeus. I wanted to see you both."

Thaddeus's lips twitched in amusement.

His sweet sister still believed Evadne was her sister-in-law.

Evadne stiffened at the title but softened when she saw the teddy bear she had gifted Mari.

"I missed you too," she said, stroking Mari's hair.

Then her gaze turned icy as she rounded on Jareth. "Did you bring her here? From Elspeth's party?"

Jareth smirked. "I did."

"You dare smile?" Evadne jabbed a finger into his shoulder. "You only think about yourself! What happens when Mari goes back? Frederic and Elspeth will make her life hell!"

"Go back?" Jareth's eyes darkened. "To a mother who doesn’t care and a sister who’s a monster? Why should she?"

He pulled Mari closer. "She's been living with me."

Evadne's eyes widened. "What?"

"I transferred one of my mountain villas to her name. It's her home now. If she ever wants to escape that house, she can stay there."

Evadne nearly choked on her fury.

Thaddeus stood abruptly, his voice sharp. "When did this happen?"

Jareth raised his hands defensively. "We haven’t done anything!"

Countless women had thrown themselves at him, but with Mari, he hadn’t so much as unbuttoned her sleeve.

She was pure. He was not.

Just being near her was enough.

"Like I'd believe that," Evadne scoffed. "You not touching women is like believing in moon dogs!"

Jareth grimaced.

At this moment, he felt like an unwanted son-in-law.

"Thaddeus! Evadne!" Mari stepped between them, her cheeks flushed. "Don’t scold him. I want to be with him!"

Both froze.

Jareth's heart pounded as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her head.

"Mari," Evadne said gently, "after the banquet, come to Grandpa’s with me, okay?"

Mari bit her lip, silent.

Evadne sighed. "You really want to stay with him?"

Mari met her gaze, her eyes clear and resolute.

No words were needed.

"Fine," Evadne relented.

Thaddeus touched her arm. "If she’s happy, let her be."

Evadne turned to him, their eyes locking.

"I know," she murmured.

His lips curved. "But remember—I care about her too."

His words, simple yet profound, sent a flutter through her chest.

She looked away quickly.

That was Thaddeus—every word deliberate, every promise unbreakable.

As Emeric and Myra arrived, the group settled at the table.

Despite the hostile glares, Thaddeus sat stubbornly beside Evadne, unbothered.

Aaron glared at him. "This table is for Ashbournes and friends. What are you doing here?"

Thaddeus smirked, gaze fixed on Evadne. "I’m exactly where I belong. Wherever she sits, I sit."

Evadne nearly choked on her water.

Aaron cursed under his breath.

Aviana leaned back, fingers drumming the table. "In our family, we don’t let dogs at the table."

Thaddeus's jaw clenched.

He loved Evadne, but he wouldn’t tolerate disrespect.

"Enough," Evadne cut in. "Grandpa’s here tonight. Let’s just enjoy dinner."

Just then, Jason hurried over, whispering, "Mr. Avery has arrived."

Thaddeus's expression darkened.

Evadne frowned. "Guide him to the Chambers’ table."

Jason hesitated. "Mrs. Chambers is with him."

Evadne stood immediately. "She’s here?"

Without another word, she followed Jason out.

Thaddeus watched her go, his grip tightening around his glass until his knuckles turned white.

The warmth beside him vanished, leaving only bitterness in its wake.