Chapter 511

Jareth’s eyes snapped, his entire b*dy tensing like a cat ready to pounce.

“Bro Jareth” was a term of endearment from his wife. Why on earth was Aaron using it?

How long had he been away for this scoundrel to invade his home?

‘Aaron, you’re still here?”

During the standoff, Evadne and Thaddeus heard the commotion and walked over.

The quick–witted Evadne, sensing a confrontation brewing, eyed the two men suspiciously.

“Oh, I’m having some trouble with this lock. Thankfully, Mr. Fairhaven arrived just in time to help me out. I’m off now.”

Aaron turned and flashed a brilliant smile at his sister–in–law as if nothing had happened. “Evadne,” he said, “Once I’m less busy, I’ll take you out for a real treat. You shouldn’t spend all your time indoors with just Thaddeus–it’ll be monotonous.”

Thaddeus stood speechless.

Even though he understood it was in jest and Aaron was family, Thaddeus couldn’t help feeling a tinge of jealousy.

After Aaron left, Jareth remained on edge, a sense of foreboding clouding his thoughts.

He had a hunch that during his absence, Aaron had met Marilla, and they’d likely had quite a bit of interaction!

“Jareth, you seem troubled. Is something wrong?” Thaddeus asked with concern.

“It’s nothing.” Jareth exhaled deeply and tried to compose himself.

“Sorry, I asked Aaron to drop by with some documents without telling you about it first.”

Evadne, ever perceptive, immediately sensed Jareth’s concern and took the initiative to apologize, “You and Thaddeus are like brothers, but after all, this

your and Marilla’s home. I’m just a guest, and it was thoughtless of me to let someone else in. It won’t happen again.”

is

Taken aback, Thaddeus wrapped his arm around Evadne’s waist and eagerly explained on behalf of his buddy, “Don’t overthink it. Jareth isn’t petty.” Jareth’s eyes widened as he waved his hands dismissively, “Please don’t say that! It would be my pleasure to have you stay. Thad and I are both thrilled, and Marilla is even happier since you came. Her mood’s improved so much, she talks more. Frankly, I’d love for you two to stay until Christmas! I won’t have a single complaint!”

Evadne leaned into her husband’s embrace, their eyes meeting in silent understanding, “I really do feel bad for imposing this long. Although I’d hate to leave Marilla, it’s not very convenient for you lovebirds to have us around.”

Hearing this, Mr. Fairhaven felt a little embarrassed.

Once a renowned playboy, Jareth had been utterly transformed by Marilla. To him, love and fidelity were now sacred. Evadne’s words made him blush like a boy experiencing his first crush.

“Besides, my father came over tonight.”

“Chairman Ashbourne was here?” Jareth exclaimed, utterly surprised.

What on earth had he missed while he was away?

“He brought some people over, but he didn’t force me to leave. He even stayed for the dinner Thaddeus prepared.”

“No way. Thaddeus cooked?!”

Jareth was so shocked that his jaw nearly hit the floor, but he didn’t miss the chance to tease his best friend, “It’s daring of Chairman Ashbourne to trust any dish set before him. There’s always the risk of food poisoning, after all.”

Thaddeus’s handsome face creased with annoyance as he bit back, “Did you have your dinner in a dumpster? Your mouth stinks.”

“My father’s attitude towards Thaddeus wasn’t exactly warm, but he wasn’t as hostile as before. And now that he knows we’re living together, there’s nothing left to hide. So, we’ll pack up in the next few days and move back to my villa.” Evadne’s eyes curved sweetly, eager for some alone time with her

man.

Or, we could leave tonight,” Thaddeus understood her, whispering softly in her ear.

“Aren’t you tired after a long day? I’m exhausted; let’s talk about it tomorrow.” Evadne yawned.

Thaddeus’s hand gently caressed her waist as he whispered, “Tonight, I’ll take care of everything. You just relax.”

Although Thaddeus had whispered, Jareth heard him loud and clear!

Good grief. When did his buddy get so bold?

Jareth swallowed hard, his own desire ignited, already planning how to lavish affection on his sweet wife that evening.

“Pervert!Evadne bit her l*p, elbowing him in the ribs.

The three of them settled back into the living room.

Marilla had dozed off in front of the TV while Lily, who had been tending to her, came downstairs to prepare coffee.

She looked at Jareth, hesitating to speak, knowing it wasn’t the time for reports.

“I had to make a trip back to the family estate.”

Jareth sipped his coffee, his voice low and filled with remorse, Thad, Evadne, I owe you an apology. Despite everything, Edith was ultimately released by my grandfather”

The mention of that name sent a chill through Thaddeus’s gaze.

‘She was out of line, but it wasn’t enough to warrant a conviction. She’ll be out in a couple of weeks max; I figured as much.”

Evadne’s mood was surprisingly calm, “But even if she’s released, Edith’s reputation in the country is as good as dead–socially dead. With her reputation tarnished, all her past dreams of fame and limelights are shattered. Despite the backing of the Fairhaven Group, she’s been blacklisted by the authorities. She can no longer appear publicly, on TV, or even in live streams, let alone pursue a career as a pianist. The Elmsworth women, one Elspeth, and now Edith. They’ve both made quite a name for themselves”

“But it’s not enough, nowhere near enough.”

Thaddeus’s dark eyes seethed with rage, as if they could consume everything in their path. And he was squeezing Evadne’s hand a bit too tightly, The harm she’s done to Evadne deserves a far worse fate. This punishment is too lenient! Jareth, though she is your sister, I must be blunt. Even if the law lets her off the hook, I won’t. I’ll never let her off easy.”

Evadne’s heart fluttered softly as she leaned into the man’s embrace, feeling an indescribable sense of security.

“Alas, Thad, I reckon you won’t get your chance to strike. I’ve sent her packing.”

Jareth sighed with a tumultuous blend of frustration and relief, his brows knitting into a tight frown, “Granddad and my mom are still in her corner, and I had it out with them over it. The result was banishing her. I’ll keep a watchful eye on her, making sure she doesn’t set foot back here. Evadne, this is all I can do for now. I wish I could give her what she deserves.”

‘Jareth, you don’t need to explain, I get it,” Evadne said with a soft, reassuring smile, “You’ve done plenty, and I appreciate it. That’s enough; we don’t need more. You’re at a crucial point in your career. If you are too harsh on Edith, your troublemaker uncle might use it against you, and even Granddad could begin to doubt you. Don’t underestimate these grudges; they can become sharp stumbling blocks on your path to securing the reins of the Fairhaven Group.

Besides, more than getting even with that wretched girl, I’d rather see you and Marilla live happily ever after. I want her to marry into the Fairhaven family with pride. Despite all the hurdles, you’ve got the strength to stand up against them and protect her.”

What she meant was for him to secure his hold on the Fairhaven Group’s power.

Only then would his and Marilla’s future be bright.

“Evadne, Thad, rest assured, Marilla’s in good hands with me.”

Jareth looked at her with deep gratitude, genuinely happy that his brother had such an understanding and righteous partner by his side.

But he wasn’t envious.

His Marilla was the most perfect woman in his heart.

When Harvey (ushed in with news, Avery was practicing his marksmanship at the shooting range.

Dressed in an immaculate white shirt with crisply ironed black trousers and a leather arm garter restraining his muscular arms, he was the epitome of cool precision. His gold–rimmed glasses hid a steely gaze as he took aim and fired three shots in quick succession at a target a hundred meters away.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Harvey clutched his ears, admiring his boss.

That’s astounding! The irresistible masculine charm, the S**ual tension!

He couldn’t fathom what Evadne was thinking, overlooking a catch like Avery!

As the target moved closer, Harvey saw that it bore Thaddeus‘ photo, and Avery had shot the man’s head in the picture with remarkable accuracy!

“Bravo, Mr. Chambers! Your shooting is divine, never a miss!” Harvey applauded, laying on the flattery thick.

“Pity,” Avery said, setting down his gun,

“Pity?”

“It’s just a picture, not the real deal.”

Without looking at Harvey, Avery took out a crisp white handkerchief from his trouser pocket and meticulously wiped down his gun, “What’s up?”

“Mr. Chambers, we’ve got word from Chairman Ashbourne’s men. The chairman went to see Ms. Evadne and Thaddeus tonight but didn’t take Ms. Evadne away.” Harvey finished his report, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Sure enough, Avery’s eyes darkened, “Didn’t take Evadne? Is she still staying at Jareth’s with Thaddeus?

“Yes.” Harvey’s voice trembled.

Avery’s eyes were cold and fierce as he reloaded and fired several shots into the ground!

The bullets exploded near Harvey’s feet, scaring the daylights out of him, but he dared not make a sound.

Only when the magazine was empty did Avery take a deep breath, his eyes reddened.

“Get the car ready!”

By the time Emeric returned to Silverlake Harbor, it was nearly midnight.

He had left in poor spirits, but now, it seemed he had come to terms with the situation. Thinking of his daughter, seeing his daughter looking healthier and under the protection of that young man, eased his mind.

Even a hint of regret seeped through his thoughts.

If he hadn’t taken such a harsh approach with his daughter initially, Evadne wouldn’t have jumped out the window on that stormy night in a desperate attempt to escape.

The more he thought about it, the more he shuddered at the thought. If anything had happened to her, he wouldn’t have been able to face living, much less meet his wife in the afterlife. In the end, what mattered more than anything was Evadne’s safety!

As for that Abernathy boy.

“Mr. Emeric!”

Hearing his name, Emeric and Dylan both turned around.

They saw Avery approaching, holding a delicate white box of pastries, his eyes alight with eagerness.

“Mr. Avery? What brings you here?” Emeric eyed him with surprise.

Avery’s heart sank, but he maintained a graceful smile, “I’ve been here, waiting for you to bring Evadne back. I was worried she might not have had dinner during the trip, so I brought her some pastries from the esteemed Elmsworth Patisserie. She mentioned once that it was her favorite, so

“I didn’t bring Evadne back. She’s still with Thaddeus,” Emeric said curtly, cutting him off, “I accept your kind gesture on her behalf. It’s late, and for someone of your standing to wait like this is unseemly. You should head back.”

Seeing Chairman Ashbourne’s dismissive attitude, Avery hastily stepped forward, “Mr. Emeric! Are you really willing to stand by and watch Evadne make the same mistakes?

Thaddeus once left Evadne to live like a widow, draining her of her vitality and tears, even ruining her health! How can you tolerate your daughter being with such a despicable man?”

Emeric’s eyes narrowed into a sharp gaze, his l*ps twitching into something not quite a smile. “Thaddeus.has been pursuing my daughter persistently. Having slapped him a hundred times, risking his life several times, and still he had the audacity to cling to my daughter. No doubt, that takes a certain shamelessness. But I’ll give credit where it’s due. From what I’ve seen, the lad is aboveboard. He doesn’t stab people in the back or resort to d*rty tricks. If we’re talking about having a moral compass, Thaddeus can hold his own. At the very least, he’s not a lost cause.”

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