Chapter 49

The Ashbourne siblings returned to Skyrim from Elmsworth under the cover of night.

The distance between the two cities wasn't vast - barely a two-hour drive along the highway.

Elmsworth pulsed as the nation's economic powerhouse, overflowing with resources and opportunities that made every elite family salivate.

Skyrim told a different story. For over a century, the Ashbournes had ruled supreme here.

Their empire fueled a third of Skyrim's economy, earning them the moniker "Skyrim's Uncrowned Monarchs." Without the Ashbournes, Skyrim would have remained just another provincial town, its growth stunted.

The siblings arrived at Starry Villa.

"Miss Evadne! When did you return?" The excited greeting came from elderly caretaker Mr. Louis, who'd grown up alongside Emeric Ashbourne.

Mr. Louis lived simply, content with his bachelor life at Starry Villa despite Emeric's Elmsworth real estate ventures.

"Mr. Louis! How's your health? Still getting joint pain when it rains? Are you taking the medicine I sent?" Evadne linked arms with him, smiling warmly.

"All good, all good! But having you back is even better!" Mr. Louis wiped joyful tears.

"I need your help," Evadne confessed. "I broke a friend's gift and need to replace it before they notice."

"What is it?"

Instead of answering, Evadne carefully extracted a shattered diamond bracelet from her jewelry pouch.

"Such exquisite craftsmanship! What a tragedy!" Mr. Louis winced at the damage.

"I know it's difficult, but I must try. May I use your tools? Some diamonds are missing - I recall you have a collection here. I need matching stones." Evadne's determination shone through.

Mr. Louis gaped in stunned silence.

Cas sius coughed awkwardly while Arnold's fingers hovered over his emergency dial.

Only Evadne could drop such bombshells so casually.

"Absolutely not! This requires master craftsmanship!" Mr. Louis protested, his protective tone mirroring Emeric's.

Evadne's eyes glittered mischievously at the thought of punishing Elvis for ignoring her warnings. "Put it under Elvis's account. If he complains, tell him I forced you - and charge him double. The spoiled brat won't miss the money."

Mr. Louis clutched his chest dramatically.

Cas sius and Arnold rushed to support him.

The Ashbournes owned four legendary Skyrim gardens: The Moon, The Cloud, The Mist, and The Star.

The Star's natural beauty had first captivated master sculptor Patrick. Emeric's extravagant purchase nearly destroyed their friendship - until gifting it for Patrick's sixtieth birthday revealed his surprise plan all along.

Now, with Patrick gone, Mr. Louis inherited Starry Villa.

As Evadne followed Mr. Louis to the storeroom, Cas sius and Arnold relaxed.

"Evadne's devotion to the Abernathys makes me jealous," Arnold grumbled.

"Mr. Hamilton Abernathy has always cherished her. Evadne repays kindness with loyalty. I fully support this," Cas sius murmured.

"You'd support her even if she chose Thaddeus!"

"Some bonds defy reason. The more opposition they face, the more fiercely Evadne loves," Cas sius sighed.

"It's unjust! Thaddeus never deserved her! Yet enduring his cruelty made her stronger - now no man can deceive her so easily." Arnold's fists clenched.

Cas sius's phone vibrated on the table.

Thaddeus's name flashed onscreen.

"Mr. Thaddeus." Cas sius answered icily.

Arnold leaned forward, ears pricked.

"President Ashbourne, I need to speak with Evadne." Thaddeus's deep voice carried uncharacteristic urgency.

"She's unavailable."

"When will she be available?"

"For you? Never."

Cas sius's words cut like honed steel - a rare show of his protective fury.

Arnold pumped his fist silently. Exactly right!

On the other end, Thaddeus fought to control his temper.

"First, Evadne changed her number - respect that boundary. Second, I know everything about the charity auction incident."

Thaddeus froze, thorny vines of dread tightening around his chest.

Arnold shivered at his brother's uncharacteristic coldness.

Cas sius continued: "I tolerate many things, but never anyone harming Evadne. This is your first and last warning: control your fiancée and family. If they harass Evadne again, consequences will follow."

The call ended abruptly.

At Windermere Estate, Thaddeus stared at his darkened screen, an invisible hand squeezing his heart.

With Cas sius's refusal, panic surged - Evadne might truly vanish from his life forever.

His trembling hands retrieved a long-forgotten cigarette pack. Only two remained.

Several failed attempts later, the flame finally caught, illuminating his troubled expression.

For his supposedly unloved ex-wife, he'd broken five years of abstinence.

Deep in Starry Villa's workshop, sweat beaded on Evadne's forehead as she worked tirelessly.

Nothing matched!

None of these diamonds could replace her grandfather's bracelet!

Her eyes burned with determination as she refused to stop until finding the perfect match - she couldn't face her grandfather otherwise.

Suddenly, thunderous rotor blades shook the villa's foundations.

Evadne remained focused, oblivious to the commotion.

The door burst open, a gale-force wind whipping through the room.

Outside, a helicopter's cabin door slid open, revealing long legs encased in black trousers. The man's coat billowed dramatically as he stepped into the night.

"Evadne! I'm back!"