Chapter 422
In less than half a month’s time, Thaddeus had gone from being critically injured to regaining
consciousness.
Most people would not have made it past the emergency room, and even if they did barely survive, it
was probable that they would be in a coma for one and two months, or even more. According to
Chasel’s analysis, Thaddeus‘ inherent physical strength and his previous long time military training
played a significant role in his survival and recovery.
The next morning, Evadne accompanied Thaddeus for a comprehensive medical check–up.
Throughout the process, Thaddeus was as docile as a child who was led by his mother to a doctor’s
appointment, following Evadne’s instructions without any complaints.
“Have you ever seen Evadne like this before? Full of maternal warmth, I feel like I should bow down to
her in salute,” Elvis said, his eyes filled with envy as he watched Evadne tuck Thaddeus who was
sitting in a wheelchair into a blanket.
“Unfortunately, once she finds a man, her brothers become as significant as forgotten dolls in the attic.”
Elvis continued, “Evadne won’t even spare a glance for us now”
“Well, can’t blame her. Who wouldn’t feel for a man like Thaddeus? Jareth retorted, taking his chance
to mock Elvis, “Perhaps if you mutilate yourself, Evadne might shift her attention back to you”
Tim Evadne’s brother. I grew up with Evadne! I have been there for her since childhood, made toys for
her, tied her shoelaces, cleaned up after her meals, and took the blame for her mischief!” Elvis
exclaimed, growing more frustrated. “And Thaddeus just came along and stole her away from us. Why
should we compete for her attention with him?”
“Because Evadne loves him. Jareth replied nonchalantly while yawning, “You better accept this fact,
Elvis. No one can break them apart now after what they’ve gone through”
“Elvis, you’re not a petulant kid. Stop being like one, Cassius and Chasel approached them, their
silhouettes illuminated by the soft morning sunlight.
“Mr. Fairhaven is right. You will have to admit Thaddeus is your future brother–in–law. Unless Evadne
decides never to marry, you won’t have another brother–in–law in this lifetime‘
They were of same gender, yet they seemed a match for each other in Elvis and Jareth’s eyes. One
was wild and alluring, the other refined and reticent; One looked charming and steadfast, the other
attractive and gentle.
It was a shame that Chasel was a man. If he were a woman, they surely were a perfect match.
“You just wait and see!” Elvis was fuming. In the future. Thaddeus must many into the Ashboume
family.”
“Well? Sounds absolutely great Jareth spoke on his friend’s behalf, “The Ashbourne family have nine
kids and Chairman Emeric has three wives. Even so, he’s able to support your daily life without
difficulty. Adding Thad wouldn’t hurt.”
Chasel dissolved into laughter, “You seem to be more eager than your friend himself when it comes to
getting married.”
Hearing that, Cassius gazed at this charming company next to him. As if they had mutual affinity,
Chasel looked over their gazes met unexpectedly
Cassius pretended to be unruffled, though his heart fluttered unwittingly, his dry throat exposed his
nervousness anyway.
“So sweet, huh? Wait until Thaddeus marries into our family, Пl order him to cook for us, wash dishes
and do the formalities every day he wakes up. Not only that, their kids would be surnamed Ashbourne
instead!” Elvis exclaimed in frustration.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“That’s just a slight to Thad. Only let him cook? You should make him wash your feet and give you
massage,” Jareth couldn’t help feeling thrilled, as if he had already pictured Thaddeus future life in the
Ashbourne family.
Meanwhile, Evadne finished Thaddeus‘ check–up, and rolled him over to the group.
“What are you guys laughing about? You’re not gossiping about us, are you?” Evadne asked
suspiciously, gazing at Jareth and Elvis. Luckily, Arnold wasn’t there; otherwise, it’d be a boisterous
scene.
“Oh, how dare I mock the beloved Thaddeus? Elvis replied enviously.
“Enough, Elvis,” Cassius warned.
Evadne sighed helplessly, “Elvis, I can almady imagine what my future sister–in–law will have to face. If
she even looks at another man, will you be sulking all day?”
“Sulk all day? I will make her bedriddery for three days!”
The rest was rendered speechless.
Watching the bickering siblings, Thaddeus couldn’t help but smile. If it happened before, he’d also get
jealous; but now, he wouldn’t. He knew that this was their way of expressing their affection for Evadne
and that he needed to adjust, understand, and integrate into this dynamic
People often lost themselves in love; he thought he was on his way there.”
e all here”
“You are
The group turned around to see Darey and his wife approached them, hand in hand, looking like
newlyweds.
“Finally, we’re all safe and sound. It’s nice to see everyone together.” Debby looked at Thaddeus, who
looked well under her sister’s care, and let out a relieved smile. “How are you feeling, Mr. Abernathy?”
“Much better. I’m planning to leave the hospital tomorrow and go home with Evadne,” Thaddeus replied
politely.
“Tomorrow? Are you out of your mind?” Evadne interjected, giving Thaddeus‘ shoulder a gentle
squeeze, “Even though the doctor said you’re recovering well and your blood count is improving, you’re
not ready to be discharged yet. You need to stay for at least another
Thaddeus tenderly placed his palm atop her hand, lightly caressing it, “Eden’s hiding out in Elmsworth,
I need to go back, root him out. If we delay, more problems may arise. And then there’s Ward. We need
to interrogate him and get him to give up Elspeth. There are so many important things waiting to be
done. My health is the least of my worries.”
Their actions weren’t overly intimate, but anyone watching would feel as though their souls were
intertwined.
“You can’t just push yourself like this, Thaddeus. Your health is vital! Don’t you understand how much I
would feel womled?”
A bitter taste of guilt rose in Thaddeus‘ throat. He tightly held her small hand, unwilling to let go.
He knew what she wanted to say. Even if she didn’t say it, he knew.
“Thaddeus, revenge is a dish best served cold. You should focus on getting better first” Darcy advised
solemnly.
Thaddeus responded with a grateful smile, “I appreciate your concem. And thank you for the blood
transfusion. I owe you a great debt. ril return it with all I can.”
“Let’s drop the formalities. From now on, just call me Darcy, and well call it even,” His demeanor was
far more laid–back and jovial among family, a stark contrast to his political persona.
Debby lightly nudged him, and before he could react, Thaddeus responded with a clear and bright,
“Alright, Darcy.”
Evadne blushed, her lips pressed together in embarrassment.
Elvis rolled his eyes at Thaddeus, “Climbing up the social ladder at every chance, aren’t you?”
“You can go back.” Cassius moved his lips, But Thaddeus, it’s crucial that the Abernathy Group doesn’t
find out about your current situation. So, I’ve arranged for you to stay at our Ashbourne Group’s
hospital. The environment is comfortable and discrete. Evadne, don’t worry too much. It’s only a five–
hour journey from Country T to Elmsworth. The private jet is equipped with emergency medical
facilities. Everything will be fine”
“On top of that, you’ve got me, a renowned doctor, with you. What’s there to fear, Evodne? Chasel
boasted, lifting his chin.
Jareth retorted, “Are you more renowned than Evodne?”
“What do you mean?” Chasel frowned.
“Evadne is Dc Eve. You didn’t know that till now?”
Chasel was struck dumbfounded. He turned towards the rest of the group, all of whom were unfazed.
So, everyone knew except him? All this time, he had been showing off in front of an expert?
Feeling humiliated, Chasel tumed away, leaning against the wall with his back towards everyone.
Jareth scratch his head in confusion, “What’s wrong with him?”
Elvis crossed his arms, “No idea. Maybe because of my sister’s amazing skill stuns him.”
private jet back to Elmsworth
The next day. Evadne and Thaddeus, along with the others, boarded the Ashbourne family’s priva
Debby and her husband couldn’t join them, as they had to return to Helgen immediately. Their political
duties were piling up, and their secretary was swamped with calls, for they had spent too much time on
personal affairs. For the presidential couple, time was indeed a luxury they couldn’t afford.
They traveled light; due to her concem, Evadne asked Elvis to keep them company just in case.
On the plane, Chasel, unused to waking up early, was catching up on sleep. The others were
engrossed in serious discussions.
“Thaddeus, Cassius mentioned that you figured out who Eden is working for Who’s pulling the strings
to take you out?” Evadne finally asked the question that had been on her mind.
Cassius and Jareth, too, were waiting for his answer in grave expression.
“Evadno, if I tell you, will you believe me? I worry that you might not be ready to accept the answer
Thaddeus furrowed his brows tight, locking eyes with Evadne
“Avery? Evadne guessed.
Cassius and Jareth were taken aback. Thaddeus was stunned, “Evadne, how did you know?”
“Debby and Darcy had a long talk with me while you were unconscious. They too suspect that Avery is
colluding with Eden. After all, he had frequent interactions with Country T during his time in Helgen.”
Evadne then shared with them what Debby and Darcy had been through over the years.
“Damn it! I knew it was that wolf in sheep’s clothing! The more innocent he looks, the more deceitful he
is!” Jareth gritted his teeth in fury.
“I don’t understand. If it’s really him, I know why he want to hurt you, but why would he want to hurt
Cassius? They’ve never had any issues,” Evadne clenched her fists in resentment, a chill running down
her spine.
“It seems we don’t have any issues, but that’s just what you see on the surface. He and I are never in
peace.” Eyes icy cold, Cassius moved his lips, “In private, it’s not the first time we’ve crossed swords. It
just didn’t lead to physical conflict.”
Evadne was astonished. She had no idea when Cassius did all of those.
I
I’ve discovered early the dirty pool Avery used. Even though he did it out of winning you over, I found
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmhis acts vile. So at that time strongly objected you two being together and warned him more than once
that he wasn’t allowed to get any closer to you.” Thaddeus‘ heart sank. The interactions between them
made Thaddeus leam about Avery more than Evadne did. While Evadne took Avery as her friend, he
didn’t. He knew Avery was the one who haggled with every penny and sought revenge for petty
grudge, in other words, he was just narrow–minded.
If you wronged him, he’d go after your entire family.
“If love needs ploys to obtain, then this affection would lose its original purity and sanctity.” Cassius
looked at Evadne with a fatherly concern, “Every time I think that you’re contacting this kind of man, I
find it difficult to sleep. He bears no bottom line when dealing with people, and who knows one day he
might exert these means on you. Evadne, you’re my darling sister, the apple of my eye. I can’t gamble
with your happiness. I simply can’t afford to lose, Cassius confessed, his words heavy with emotion.
Evadne’s eyes moistened at his heartfelt declaration, “Cassius.”
Cassius gently tousled her hair before turning to Thaddeus, “Mr. Abernathy, since you had suspicions
about Avery back on Star Island, why didn’t you share them with me then? We might have been able to
act sooner, to catch him off guard.”
Thaddeus sighed deeply, his thin lips pulled into a bitter smile, “As much as I despise Avery, I only had
suspicions, not proof, I couldn’t accuse him without solid evidence.”
Cassius felt a surge of respect for the man before him. This was why he felt that no matter what Avery
did for Evadne, it would never match up to Thaddeus.
Avery might have a dazzling facade, but he was rotten to the core.
1. re. But Th
Thaddeus, despite his flaws, had a soul that was pure.
“Besides, Avery is a dear friend to Evadne,” Thaddeus left his sentence hanging, his point made.
Evadne felt a sharp pang in her heart, her throat dry, “So you didn’t say anything because you were
afraid I’d be upset?”
“Yes.”
Thaddeus gave her a sheepish grin, “I guess that makes me a bit of a coward, doesn’t it? I had planned
to look into Avery as soon as we left Star Island, but I nearly didn’t make it back myself. I should have
thought things through better.”
His humility was striking. In front of her, this once high and mighty man was lowering himself to the
ground, fearing that any wrong move might upset her and ruin the budding affection between them.
“Silly. Thaddeus, you’re really silly” Evadne’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, almost unable to utter
a word for distress.
She recalled the countless arguments they had over Avery, so heated that they nearly came to blows.
Looking back, it all seemed so.
absurd.
Thankfully, Thaddeus‘ love for her remained steadfast. Otherwise, any other man would have been
driven away long ago.
The plane made its smooth journey towards Emsworth. Inside the cabin, everything was calm. Jareth,
exhausted, was already asleep.
Evadne and Thaddeus leaned against each other, their heads resting together. He gently squeezed her
hand, the warmth from her skin seeping into his heart.
Suddenly, Thaddeus stiffened. He noticed something abnormal about the little finger on her left hand,
“Evadne, what happened to your finger? Did you hurt?”
Evadne’s breath hitched, her body trembling slightly in his arms.
“Evadne, what’s wrong?” Thaddeus asked, his heart pounding with worry.
Should she tell him? Should she tell him that she was the girl who fought alongside him on the
battlefield of Zenithia, who dragged his injured body back to camp, and in the process, lost the use of
one of her fingers?