Chapter 329

"Son! What a wonderful surprise to hear from you!"

Frederic's stern face instantly softened, his voice dripping with warmth—a stark contrast to his usual cold, authoritative demeanor.

Thaddeus blinked slowly.

In all his years, his father had never spoken to him with such affection. Never once had Frederic called him "son" with such tenderness.

That term of endearment had always been reserved for his older brother. So, in Frederic's heart, was Elspeth truly the only woman he had ever loved? And his eldest son the only child he cherished?

The irony burned, but Thaddeus swallowed his words.

"Dad, how have you been?" Chad's deep, resonant voice carried through the phone.

Chad's voice was unmistakable—rich and steady, the kind that could command a room even through a receiver.

"I'm well, son. And you? How’s your health? Everything going smoothly? Any setbacks?" Frederic had flown to the States last year to visit his eldest but hadn’t been able to make the trip this year.

"I’m fine. Don’t worry."

A pause. Then, concern laced Chad’s next words. "I heard Thaddeus was injured and hospitalized. How is he? Is it serious?"

Thaddeus’s jaw tensed.

He didn’t resent his brother’s concern. But it was unsettling—Chad, who hadn’t stepped foot in Elmsworth in over a decade, somehow knew about his condition.

Frederic explained, "Thaddeus just had major surgery. He was unconscious for days, but he’s awake now."

"Are you at the hospital with him?"

"Yes, your grandfather and I are in his room."

"Could you pass the phone to Thaddeus? I’d like to speak with him."

Frederic obliged, handing the phone over. "Your brother wants to talk to you."

Thaddeus hesitated before accepting. "Chad."

"Thaddeus, I heard about your injury. I’m deeply concerned. If I could, I’d fly back to see you." Chad’s voice was thick with worry.

"Chad, I’m fine. Don’t trouble yourself with the long flight."

Thaddeus forced a small smile, though his brother couldn’t see it. "I’m recovering well. There’s nothing to worry about."

"Your surgery was performed by Miss Evadne, wasn’t it?"

Thaddeus stiffened. "Yes."

"I know. Miss Evadne is my sister-in-law. You two divorced this year, yet she still operated on you despite everything. She’s truly remarkable—forgiving and generous."

Chad’s voice held a note of admiration. "Even if you two can’t be together, given her character, you should maintain a good relationship with her."

Thaddeus’s lips pressed into a thin line.

His brother, living oceans away, seemed to know every detail of his life.

"Chad, it was my fault things ended the way they did with Evadne. I didn’t appreciate what I had. I brought this on myself, and I owe her more than I can ever repay."

His fist clenched, resolve hardening in his eyes. "But I’ve made up my mind—I’ll win her back, no matter what it takes. My wife was Evadne in the past. And in the future, it will only ever be Evadne."

Frederic’s eyes widened.

His son was dead serious about tying his life to the Ashbourne girl forever.

He couldn’t deny Evadne was exceptional—far above most women. But was she worth upending his life for?

"Well said! Absolutely well said!" Hamilton, on the other hand, was thrilled, slapping Thaddeus’s back so hard he nearly coughed.

Silence stretched on the line before Chad chuckled. "Good. That’s the right mindset. I wish you and Miss Evadne a successful reunion."

"Thank you, Chad." Thaddeus’s reply was quiet.

For some reason, the phrase "successful reunion" left an uneasy weight in his chest.

Hamilton took the phone, his tone bright. "Chad! How’s life overseas? I hear the beaches are stunning. When are you inviting me over for a vacation?"

"Grandpa, no matter how beautiful it is abroad, it’s not home."

Chad’s laugh was gentle. "You’re getting older, and the journey is long. I wouldn’t want you exhausting yourself. Maybe soon, when my health improves, we can meet in Elmsworth."

Thaddeus gave no outward reaction, but his chest tightened inexplicably.

"Ha! That would be wonderful! Having you back would make us whole again!"

Hamilton sighed. "But don’t push yourself. I know your condition. Even if you can’t return, I’ll come to you. A private jet makes it easy—just a few hours. No strain at all."

They chatted a while longer before hanging up.

"Dad, did Chad just say he’s planning to come back? Is that true?" Frederic’s eyes lit up with hope.

Hamilton’s expression flickered, but before he could respond, Mr. Murray knocked and entered.

"Mr. Frederic, Miss Evadne, Mr. Jareth and Mari are here."

"Who? Mari too?"

Frederic barely had time to process before Evadne and Jareth walked in—hand in hand with Mari.

Boldly. Unapologetically. As if making a public declaration.

Mari hid shyly behind Jareth, her cheeks flushed.

Evadne watched them, irritation prickling under her skin. But what could she say? They were clearly smitten. She couldn’t play the villain.

"Jareth, what is this?"

Frederic stared at their intertwined fingers, shock rippling through him.

"Uncle Frederic." Jareth’s smile was disarmingly charming.

The room froze.

Evadne nearly choked on her coffee. Since when did the Fairhavens address Frederic so familiarly?

Frederic stiffened. "Jareth, what do you mean by this?"

Jareth took a deep breath, lifting their joined hands. "Uncle Frederic, Mari and I are in love. Deeply, irrevocably in love. My feelings for her run as deep as the Grand Canyon."

Thaddeus and Evadne facepalmed in unison. Who taught him these cheesy lines?

"Jareth, please stop. It’s embarrassing." Mari squeezed his hand, her face burning.

"So," Jareth barreled on, nerves making his voice shake, "I’m asking for your blessing to marry her! I know my past isn’t spotless, but I swear I’ll be the best husband—better than Thaddeus is to Evadne! I’ll make her the happiest woman alive. Please, let me marry her!"

He squeezed Mari’s hand so hard it turned red.

Evadne shot Jareth a icy glare for using Thaddeus as a benchmark.

Thaddeus smirked. Better than me? Good luck.

Jareth’s speech was rushed, his face stiff, but his eyes burned with sincerity.

Hamilton sighed. Poor kid’s desperate.

"Jareth, I don’t doubt your intentions." Frederic, a seasoned businessman, was nearly bowled over by the sudden proposal.

"Thaddeus!"

Mari hurried to his bedside, eyes wide. "Jareth said you were hurt. Are you okay? Does it still hurt?"

Thaddeus gently cupped her face. "Not anymore. Your sister-in-law saved me. She took excellent care of me."

Jareth’s jaw twitched at the contact. Even if it was her brother, jealousy flared.

"That’s good."

Mari suddenly grabbed Evadne’s hand. "Evadne, please stay with Thaddeus until he’s better. He’ll recover faster with you here."

Evadne’s heart skipped. She bit her lip.

Thaddeus gazed at her like a lost puppy.

Both siblings—impossible to refuse.

"Your brother got hurt because of me. It’s my responsibility."

Her smile was soft as morning dew. "I’ll take care of him until he’s healed."

"Yay!" Mari clapped.

Thaddeus exhaled in relief.

"Thank you, Evadne." His voice was thick with emotion.

Evadne feigned indifference, but her pulse betrayed her.

With an important meeting, Frederic had to leave.

Now that Evadne’s identity as Dr. Eve was out, she became Thaddeus’s primary physician. His follow-ups fell to her.

After checking on him, she sent him for tests with Jareth and Mr. Larry.

Only Evadne, Hamilton, and Mr. Murray remained.

"Evadne, you’ve been distracted. What’s wrong?" Hamilton seized the moment to ask.

Evadne stiffened. "Nothing, Grandpa."

"You can’t fool me." His worry deepened. "Is something wrong with Thaddeus’s injury?"

"Grandpa..."

"Tell me straight. I can handle anything. But if you keep secrets, I’ll lose sleep over it!"

Evadne hesitated, then turned to Mr. Murray. "Could you give us a moment?"

Once alone, she confessed.

"So, Thaddeus has PTSD?" Hamilton’s heart clenched.

"Yes. It’s all my fault."

Guilt weighed her down. "If I’d been better, this wouldn’t have happened."

"Evadne, don’t blame yourself. Without you, Thaddeus and I might not be here."

Hamilton gripped her hand. "But you must promise me—keep his condition secret. The fewer who know, the better."

"Only Mr. Larry and I know. He’s trustworthy."

She frowned. "But Grandpa, when his episodes hit, sedatives are the only solution. I can’t predict when they’ll strike. Eventually, people will find out."

"We’ll hide it as long as possible. At least until Thaddeus secures his inheritance—the majority of Abernathy Group’s shares and assets."

Hamilton’s eyes blazed. "The company’s future rests in his hands alone. If his illness leaks, not just his inheritance but his CEO position could be at risk!"

Evadne was puzzled. "Traditionally, the eldest son inherits. Shouldn’t Chad be the heir? I assumed you chose Thaddeus because of Chad’s health. But from your tone, that’s not the case. Why must it be Thaddeus?"

Hamilton’s throat worked. He said nothing.