Chapter 422

In just under two weeks, Thaddeus had gone from the brink of death to fully conscious.

Most wouldn't have survived the emergency room. Even if they had, recovery would have taken months. According to Chasel, Thaddeus' military training and natural resilience played a crucial role in his rapid healing.

The next morning, Evadne accompanied Thaddeus for a thorough medical checkup.

He obeyed every instruction without protest, like a child being led by his mother.

"Have you ever seen Evadne like this?" Elvis muttered, watching her tuck a blanket around Thaddeus in the wheelchair. "So nurturing. I almost want to salute her."

"Face it," Jareth smirked. "Now that she's found her man, we're as relevant as old toys in the attic."

Elvis scowled. "I practically raised her! I made her toys, tied her shoes, took the blame for her messes! And this guy just waltzes in and steals her?"

"Because she loves him," Jareth yawned. "Get used to it. After everything they've been through, nothing's tearing them apart."

Cassius and Chasel approached, bathed in morning light.

"Elvis, you're not a child," Cassius chided. "Accept that Thaddeus is family now."

Chasel nodded. "Unless Evadne never marries, he's your only brother-in-law."

Elvis huffed. "Fine! But when he marries into the Ashbourne family, I'm making him cook, clean, and take my surname!"

Jareth grinned. "Don't stop there. Make him massage your feet too."

Evadne wheeled Thaddeus over, eyeing them suspiciously. "What are you plotting?"

"Nothing," Elvis grumbled. "Just discussing your beloved's future chores."

Cassius sighed. "Elvis, enough."

Evadne shook her head. "If your future wife even glances at another man, will you sulk for days?"

"Days? I'll make her bedridden for a week!"

The others groaned.

Thaddeus chuckled. Once, he might have been jealous. Now, he understood—this was their way of loving Evadne. He’d adapt.

Darey and Debby arrived, hand in hand like newlyweds.

"Glad to see everyone safe," Debby smiled, relieved at Thaddeus' recovery. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Thaddeus replied. "I plan to leave tomorrow."

"Absolutely not!" Evadne squeezed his shoulder. "You need at least another week."

Thaddeus covered her hand gently. "Eden's hiding in Elmsworth. Ward needs interrogating. Every second counts."

His urgency was palpable. Their connection, though subtle, was undeniable.

"You can't rush this," Darcy said firmly. "Revenge can wait. Heal first."

Thaddeus nodded gratefully. "Thank you for the blood transfusion. I owe you."

"Call me Darcy. We're family now."

Thaddeus smiled. "Alright, Darcy."

Evadne blushed. Elvis rolled his eyes. "Smooth, Abernathy."

Cassius intervened. "We've arranged for you to stay at Ashbourne Medical. It's discreet, fully equipped. The jet has emergency facilities. You'll be safe."

Chasel puffed his chest. "And you've got me, a world-class doctor."

Jareth smirked. "More renowned than Evadne?"

Chasel froze. "Wait—Evadne is Dr. Eve?"

The others nodded. Chasel turned away, mortified.

The next day, they boarded the Ashbourne private jet.

Debby and Darcy couldn’t join—political duties called. Elvis stayed behind as backup.

In the air, Chasel dozed. The others strategized.

"Thaddeus," Evadne finally asked, "who's backing Eden?"

He hesitated. "Will you believe me?"

"Avery?"

Thaddeus stiffened. "How did you know?"

"Debby and Darcy suspect him too. He's had shady ties to Country T."

Jareth cursed. "That snake!"

Cassius' gaze darkened. "Avery and I have clashed before. Privately."

Evadne was stunned.

"I warned him to stay away from you," Thaddeus admitted. "He’s vindictive. No boundaries."

Cassius nodded. "I couldn’t risk your happiness with someone like that."

Evadne’s eyes welled. "Cassius..."

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner?" Cassius asked Thaddeus.

"Without proof, it was just suspicion. And..." Thaddeus glanced at Evadne. "He was your friend."

Her heart ached. All their past fights over Avery—now so foolish.

"You idiot," she whispered.

He smiled sheepishly. "I’ll do better."

As the jet soared, they leaned together, hands entwined.

Then Thaddeus noticed—her left pinky was stiff.

"Evadne," he frowned, "what happened?"

She tensed.

Should she tell him?

That she was the girl from Zenithia?

The one who dragged him to safety—and lost her finger in the process?