Chapter 348

At that instant, Thaddeus felt utterly ridiculous..

He had thought that although Edith had strayed, deep down she still preserved some innocence from her childhood. After all, she was his best friend’s only sister.

But it turned out, he had vastly overestimated Edith’s character.

She shared only blood ties with Jareth, nothing more!

She was already spoiled, perhaps had been a bad apple from the start. He had only seen her through rose–tinted glasses because she was Jareth’s sister.

Well, if that was the case, he no longer needed to consider his good friend, to hold back.

“What nonsense are you speaking! Something about getting hit by a car. If something were to happen to you, how could your mother go on?” Mrs. Fairhaven pulled out a handkerchief, tears welling in her eyes.

“Edith is my only granddaughter, the apple of my eye! We’ve raised her with all the luxuries the Fairhaven fortune could provide. She’s never known hardship! She would even curse herself just to prove her innocence to you, which shows every word she says is the truth!”

Barry stroked Edith’s hair, staring angrily at Thaddeus. “Edith may be a bit spoiled, but she’s never lied! Is the grandson of the Hamilton such a coward, willing to act but not willing to take responsibility?”

Thaddeus‘ eyes narrowed, his fists clenched, suppressing his boiling anger.

“Mr. Barry, your words are quite offensive!

Before so many people, Frederic could not tolerate someone insulting his son so brazenly, dragging even him into the mud, “Stick to the matter at hand! If you have a complaint, just say it!

Our families are among the most reputable in Elmsworth. Your coming here tonight has already been messy enough. Do you really want to start a feud with the Abernathy Group?”

Edith’s eyes gleamed with a sinister light.

She had brought her grandfather here with a grand display, intending to use his power to force Thaddeus to marry her!

She didn’t want to sever ties with the Abernathys, that would be a waste!

“Mr. Frederic, I have two reasonable requests!”

Barry’s face fell, “First, I want your son to apologize to Edith now! After all, it was because of Thad that my granddaughter was hounded by the press that night, nearly ruining her reputation!

Originally, I wanted the Abernathy Group to hold a press conference, but you’re right, we’re both public figures, making a big deal out of this would be embarrassing for the Abernathys. So, a private apology, your son admitting his mistake to my granddaughter, and I won’t pursue the matter further!”

The Abernathy family’s staff, who had been watching, could hardly stand it! Each showed a look of indignation.

Their young master was such a noble figure, yet he was being bullied by this old man!

They wanted to set the dogs on this old fool!

“Mr. Barry! What did Mr. Thaddeus do wrong? Why should he apologize to Ms. Edith? Aren’t you bullying us a bit too much?”

Everyone turned around in unison, only to see Alva storming out, standing up for Thaddeus.

Elspeth hid behind Frederic, first taken aback; then revealing a sly smile.

She had long been annoyed by Alva, who had grown bold with Thaddeus‘ support, not even giving her, the mistress of the house, proper respect.

Now that she was sticking her n*eck out for this bastard, well, she would get her comeuppance!

“Alva, go back.” Thaddeus was surprised, urging her in a low voice.

“Mr. Thaddeus, I can’t bear to see you bullied!” Alva had tears in her eyes.

She had been watching from upstairs for a long time, enduring. When she heard Barry demanding an apology from her young master to Edith, she couldn’t stand it anymore!

“Mr. Frederic, Elspeth, are your maids now bold enough to spout off? Isn’t this disrespectful?” Mrs. Fairhaven sneered at Alva.

“Mrs. Fairhaven, you might not know about our household situation. Alva here, although a maid, holds a high position in our house.”

Elspeth started making sarcastic remarks about Alva again, “Even if you’re guests, let alone us, the hosts, she wouldn’t give anyone any regard.”

Why Alva’s position is high, Elspeth, you know very well.”

Thaddeus walked over to Alva, shielding her behind him. His gaze was icy, like a blade aimed at Elspeth, causing her to shudder, “After my mother passed away, Alva has been by my side, taking care of me as if I were her own son. She is a dear family member to me. In my heart, her position is as important as my mother’s.”

“Mr. Thaddeus.” Alva was moved to tears.

“And besides, as I’ve said before, in the Abernathy family, Alva only takes care of me. She’s not your maid. Isn’t it normal for her not to care about you, Elspeth?”

Everyone laughed quietly.

After all, in the Abernathy family, Alva was more popular than Elspeth and her daughter!

Elspeth was grinding her teeth in anger, but she couldn’t retort without making a scene.

“Besides the apology, there’s a second request.”

Barry, uninterested in the women’s squabbles, continued coldly. “Mr. Frederic, now that such a thing has happened, there’s only one way to resolve it properly. That’s for our families to join through marriage, for your son, Mr. Thaddeus, to take Edith as his wife!”

Everyone gasped.

“Marry Edith?”

Thaddeus laughed, his dark eyes icy. “Mr. Barry, do you think I am so cheap, that any woman will do, that any woman is worthy of being my wife? I may not lust after women, but that doesn’t mean I don’t choose carefully.”

Everyone was shocked at his words!

Mr. Thaddeus didn’t utter a single harsh word against Edith, yet every word he spoke was like a dagger to her heart!

Edith’s l*ps trembled, her face white as a sheet from sheer anger!

“Thaddeus, mind your words!” Frederic was naturally dissatisfied with the bullying from the Fairhaven family, but he didn’t want a feud between the two families. “Thaddeus! You’re crossing a line!”

Barry, gripping his eagle–headed cane, slammed it on the ground in anger. “My granddaughter is too good for you, and you dare to insult her.”

“In this life, there is only one woman who will be my wife. It was her before, and it will be her in the future!”

No sooner had Thaddeus finished speaking than the butler hurried in. “Mr. Frederic, Mr. Thaddeus, Miss Evadne has arrived!”

The crisp sound of high heels echoed through the hall, a sound that was both brisk and stern.

Thaddeus took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the slender and stunning figure that approached them. He watched her as if he wanted to set the beautiful image in his eyes ablaze.

Edith watched as Thaddeus was completely attracted by Evadne. She was jealous to the point of warping her features, but she was helpless!

Thaddeus‘ heart and eyes were full of Evadne, and no other woman could replace a place there.

If it weren’t for the help she received, if she hadn’t been willing to give it all, she might never have had the chance to share a room with Thaddeus in her life!

“Ah! Mrs. Abernathy!” Alva cried out in surprise.

“Mrs. Abernathy! It really is Mrs. Abernathy!”

The servants didn’t dare speak loudly, but they all cast surprised and expectant glances at Evadne!

By now, everyone knew that Mr. Thaddeus had someone else in his heart, the former Mrs. Abernathy!

What was Mrs. Abernathy doing, showing up at this moment?

Did she hear about the Fairhaven family’s attempt to force Mr. Thaddeus into marriage and came to save him?

Evadne wore a black, form–fitting dress, topped with a stylish black velvet blazer. Her raven hair flowed down to her waist, her l*ps a dazzling red. She was bold and beautiful, attractive yet dignified.

Two seemingly contradictory qualities were perfectly harmonized in this woman, even sparking awe.

Just one confident look from her was enough to completely overpower Edith, leaving her unable to raise her head.

Mrs. Fairhaven, seeing Evadne’s sudden appearance, hurriedly clutched her chest.

Her heart wasn’t very good to begin with, and thinking about Miss Ashbourne’s dazzling accomplishments, she felt that even if their family joined forces, they wouldn’t stand a chance against this young woman. Could her heart not be distressed?

“Grandpa. She is the Evadne I told you about,” Edith whispered anxiously into Barry’s ear. “She has bullied me before. Grandpa, you have to help me get back at her!”

Barry stared at Evadne’s beautiful and expensive face with a complex expression.

Although this was his first time meeting Evadne, her father Emeric was an old acquaintance of his!

They weren’t exactly friends, but Chairman Emeric had a reputation as a man of integrity, a true gentleman. He could afford to have a falling out with Frederic, but when it came to Emeric’s daughter, he found it hard to be harsh.

“Good evening. Mr. Frederic. I apologize for the intrusion. Oh, Mr. Barry, you’re here too.”

Evadne’s beautiful eyes were filled with smiles as she bowed slightly to Barry. “Evadne Ashbourne, at your service, Mr. Barry.”

She was polite and well–mannered, a true lady, as one would expect from a daughter raised by Emeric.

“Grandpa! Grandpa, why aren’t you saying anything! She not only bullied me. She’s also my love rival and stole Thaddeus from me!

Barry pursed his l*ps, realizing he couldn’t help his granddaughter settle this score!

As a man of power and influence who had survived countless battles, how could he stoop to bickering with a young girl? That would be beneath his dignity!

Thaddeus looked at Evadne with a fiery gaze, captivated by her stunning beauty.

His reasoning told him that this woman had deeply hurt him in the past, and he should be angry.

But his heart and b*dy were burning, his hormones telling him that he desired her.

“Miss Evadne, what brings you here at this late hour?” Frederic asked with a half–smile, his attitude towards his former daughter–in–law still distant.

Ves, Miss Evadne, as you said, it’s quite late for a visit.”

Elspeth watched with a schadenfreude expression, teasingly saying, “Didn’t you notice? We’re entertaining important guests. We’re discussing important matters and don’t need outsiders listening in. If there’s good news, we’ll let you know.”

Her words were provocative and suggestive.

Thaddeus‘ handsome face instantly turned cold. Just as he was about to speak, Evadne laughed lightly and said. “Elspeth, you misunderstood, I have no interest in the conversation between your two families. I’m here to see you.”

Everyone was taken aback, exchanging puzzled looks.

Elspeth was stunned, her brows furrowed. “To see me? Why?”

“Do you want to talk privately, or shall I speak openly here?” Evadne’s beautiful eyes sparkled with a cold light.

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