Chapter 318

Evadne sat up involuntarily, her heart pounding in her chest as she fixed her gaze on the stage.

Debby, the closest to her, noticed the change in her demeanor and saw the deepening color in her sister’s eyes.

The crowd’s attention was once again drawn away from Avery and onto the stage.

“Hey! This is a gift from my grandson, my grandson!” Hamilton excitedly patted Cassius on one side and Jeff on the other.

He knew his grandson would step up. Hamilton thought, “He couldn’t let that cunning Chambers boy steal the show, could he?” “Hey, Jeff, your youngest seems to have a thing for llana, doesn’t he?” Hamilton asked, his white eyebrows raised in mischief.

Ilana?”

“I mean Evadne. That’s her nickname, I’m used to calling her that.” Hamilton corrected himself.

Jeff pursed his l*ps, his expression unreadable. “Our youngest has always been a free spirit, I don’t really know what he’s thinking” “You don’t know?”

Hamilton chuckled, “On Myra’s birthday, your boy pulls out an antique worth over 3 million. If that’s not trying to impress Emeric, then what is? Seems like he’s really got his heart set on Evadne.”

“The affairs of the younger generation are too complicated” Jeff’s smile was a bit stiff.

“Even so, I do have to chime in.”

Hamilton leaned back comfortably, a triumphant look on his face. “Evadne’ll definitely end up with my grandson. So, Jeff, my advice to you is to tell your boy there are plenty of fish in the sea. With Avery’s talents and looks, he can surely replace someone more suitable. No need to waste precious time on someone he can’t have.”

-Jeff was taken aback and could only manage a sheepish smile.

Even Cassius, sitting beside him, couldn’t hide his surprise, his l*ps curling in a small smirk.

Mr. Hamilton, always playing his cards close to his chest. It showed just how charismatic and daring he was in his youth.

Beneath the shadows, a handsome face was shrouded in an icy frost.

He expected Thaddeus to give a gift, but he didn’t expect him to make such a grand gesture. It completely caught him off guard!

At that moment, the host brought another tray covered in red cloth and placed it on the display table.

At the same time, steady footsteps echoed from behind Avery.

With a cold gaze, he turned to see Thaddeus, dignified and composed, making his appearance.

“Mrs. Myra, this is my birthday gift to you.”

Thaddeus stood next to Avery, his handsome features like something out of a painting, his eyes twinkling with a gentle smile. “1 wish you a happy birthday and all the best.”

His courteous demeanor was that of a true gentleman.

Hamilton couldn’t hide his grin, his grandson was clearly superior to that bespectacled boy!

Evadne glanced at Thaddeus, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.

What she was really curious about, however, was what this filthy man had chosen as a gift for Myra.

Avery had already set a high bar with his unique and expensive antique. What could Thaddeus possibly present to outshine him?

“Thank you for your wishes, Mr. Thaddeus. I’m honored that you and Mr. Hamilton could join my birthday celebration.” Myra replied graciously, her demeanor warm and welcoming.

Emeric locked at Thaddeus with a smirk. On the surface, he didn’t show much, but inside, he was anything but pleased

After all, this rascal was the one who had deeply hurt his precious Evadne!

And yet, Thaddeus had the audacity to show his face at the Ashbourne family event.

He had to give it to him, his nerve was impressive.

“The gift I’ve prepared is not particularly valuable, but it’s the thought that counts. My gift represents my sincerity, and I hope you’ll like it, Mrs. Myra.” Thaddeus spoke with humble grace.

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Evadne rested her chin on her hand, her gaze fixed on Thaddeus, a smirk on her face.

The usually aloof and arrogant Thaddeus was showing a surprisingly approachable side.

She had to admit that he was quite the actor.

“Since it’s a token of Mr. Thaddeus’s sincerity, let’s take a look.” Emeric said nonchalantly, as though he was doing Thaddeus a favor.

Myra chuckled inwardly, his dislike for Thaddeus was etched into his DNA.

Avery observed Emeric’s expression and couldn’t help but chuckle,

No matter how much Thaddeus tried to curry favor, it was all in vain. He had deeply hurt Evadne, and in doing so, he had crossed the entire Ashbourne family.

His actions were like a gaping hole in the sky, impossible to mend.

Myra and Emeric lifted the red cloth together.

Inside the transparent glass box was a golden phoenix crown adorned with pearls!

Myra’s eyes widened and her heart pounded as she fought back tears.

“Myrie? Myrie? Are you okay?” Emeric noticed her distress and gently squeezed her hand, whispering soothingly.

Myra quickly regained her composure, her eyes brimming with tears as she smiled warmly.

“Emeric, the gift Mr. Thaddeus gave me, I really like it. I really do.”

Her sweet voice echoed throughout the banquet hall, and everyone heard her heartfelt appreciation.

The entire Ashbourne family was taken aback, including Evadne!

She couldn’t understand why this phoenix crown, which seemed more like a well–crafted prop than a precious artifact, had touched Myra’s heart so deeply.

“Myrie, I don’t quite understand.” Emeric was somewhat confused.

Myra didn’t rush to explain. Instead, her eyes sparkled as she tried to suppress her excited emotions. She turned to Thaddeus and asked, “Mr. Thaddeus, may I ask here you found this crown?”

Thaddeus solemnly replied, “It’s quite a tale. I found it through several channels, eventually locating it at the home of a retired prop master. He had been keeping this golden crown all this time. I wanted to buy it at a high price, but he refused to sell. When I expressed my intention to give it to you as a birthday gift, he was moved and gave it to me without a word. That’s how I was fortunate enough to acquire it.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Myra’s eyes welled up with tears. She softly asked, “Is it from the ‘Love In A Fallen City“?”

Thaddeus nodded, “Indeed”

Covering her mouth, Myra struggled to hold back her sobs.

Evadne was taken aback and quickly searched for “Love In A Fallen City” on her phone.

It turned out that it was a popular series over two decades ago that became a sensation when it aired on television!

The lead actress, who played the queen, was none other than Myra.

Myra had shot to fame because of this show. During the station’s anniversary celebration, the network even created a separate stage for Myra to perform as the queen, earning her countless flowers and applause.

The iconic image that Myra portrayed in the show the stunning queen was adorned with this very crown!

“No wonder!” Evadne exclaimed, her gaze towards Thaddeus softening.

Despite her dislike for Thaddeus, she had to admit that his gift was sincere and thoughtful.

She could tell that he put a lot of time and effort into acquiring this crown, which held significant meaning for Myru

Emeric, who had been listening quietly, was deeply moved. His look at Thaddeus was no longer hostile. “Thaddeus, well done. Your gift is very considerate, and it’s clear you put a lot of effort into it.”

“Chairman Emeric, you flatter me,” Thaddeus replied, his heart pounding with joy.

Tonight, he would probably have a sleepless night filled with excitement!

Avery watched as Thaddeus gained favor, even earning praise from Chairman Emeric. Anger rolled over him like a tidal wave!

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!ie prided himself on being cunning and manipulative, but he was defeated by Thaddeus over a mere gift!

“Additionally, I have another gift. It’s a token of my grandfather and my appreciation.”

Thaddeus smiled, his eyes clear and bright. “My grandfather and I will represent the Abernathy Group and donate thirty million dollars to the Myra Foundation for charity.”

Everyone gasped.

Thirty million!

Impressive, the Abernathy Group certainly knew how to make a grand gesture!

Emeric’s hawk–like eyes lit up and he gave a slight nod.

As for Avery, he was completely overshadowed!

Jeff, seeing an opportunity, raised his hand nonchalantly and laughed, “I’ll also donate! Just a bit less than Emeric, how about forty million?”

Everyone cheered, “That’s very generous!

Since the Abernathy Group had made a move, the Chambers Group, which shared equal status, could not sit idly by!

“Thanks!” Emeric waved at him, laughing.

“Dad is donating forty million to the Ashbourne family’s fund? That’s a huge loss!” Byron grumbled.

“In Dad’s view, if forty million can redeem the face lost by Avery, then it’s money well spent.” Matthew looked at Avery’s pale face and chuckled.

After delivering their gifts, Thaddeus and Avery returned to their seats.

“Mr. Thaddeus, I didn’t expect you to be so cunning. My hat’s off to you,” Avery said, adjusting his gold–rimmed glasses with a cold glint in his eyes. “This time, I’ll let you have it, but only this time.”

“Watch your words, Mr. Avery.”

Thaddeus lifted his chin, his handsome face aloof. “You didn’t let me win, you lost to me.”

“Thaddeus.” Avery gritted his teen, his eyes reddening, he hated the word “lose.”

“But do you know why you lost to me, even though you also put in a lot of effort?”

Thaddeus’s eyes were calm, and his l*ps curled into a beautiful yet sarcastic smile. “Even if I’m cunning and manipulative, it’s only to win Evadne’s heart. But your intentions aren’t as pure.”

Then Thaddeus strode away.

Avery’s breath hitched, a fierce look in his eyes.

The banquet continued amidst a lively and joyful atmosphere.

After winning the first round, Thaddeus was pleased and decided to sneak out for a smoke as a reward to himself.

He hadn’t gone far from the banquet hall when a delicate call came from behind, tugging at his heartstrings.

“Thaddeus!”

Thaddeus swallowed and quickly turned around.

Evadne, in her sharp stilettos, advanced towards him with the grace of a gentle breeze.

Her bright, sparkling eyes were filled with life, her lustrous hair swayed slightly with her movements, and her l*ps were as enticing as a midnight rose.

Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming desire.

He wanted to open his arms, pull her into an embrace, hold her, k*ss her.

In the blink of an eye, Evadne was already in front of him.

Their gazes interlocked for a moment, and the air between them heated up as they listened to each other’s slightly ragged breaths.

No sweet nothings were exchanged, but the atmosphere was inexplicably charged.

“I didn’t expect you to prepare such a surprising gift for Myra tonight

Evadne coughed lightly, her eyes twinkling. “I can see that among all the birthday gifts, she loved your crown the most. You have

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overshadowed my gift.”

“Huh?”

Thaddeus blanched, hastily explaining. I’m sorry, I just thought that Myra would really like this gift. I didn’t think too much. Evadne, I’m sorry, I did not mean to steal your thunder. You are a precious family member to Myra, and I’m sure she loves your gift the most.”

“Hey, can you stop apologizing to me for no reason? How many times do I have to tell you that I hate it when you say sorry to me? It makes me feel like I’m always bullying you!”

Evadne frowned impatiently, pursing her enticing l*ps, “I wanted to say thank you for your gift.”

Thaddeus’s eyes widened in surprise.

He could handle her yelling at him, hitting him, losing her temper with him.

But her sudden gratitude? That left him flabbergasted.

“It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen Myra genuinely this happy”

Evadne sighed, her l*ps curving into a contented smile, “For this, no matter what, I have to thank you.”

“In your heart, family is always the most important. That’s nice.” Thaddeus gazed at her with a tender smile, his eyes filled with deep affection.

Evadne’s heart fluttered, and a wave of emotions flooded her chest.

She thought, “You used to be the most important to me, too.”

“By the way, Evadne, come with me.”

With that, Thaddeus involuntarily took her hand, “I have a gift for you too.”

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