His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Chapter 459

At the racetrack, Elspeth single–handedly blew the lid off the entire Abernathy Group!

As the patriarch of the Abernathy family, Hamilton issued an ultimatum to Frederic – Let Elspeth rot in

jail, fend for herself. If Frederic meddled again, he would disown him as his son, for good!

But Frederic had his own plans. Right now, if he truly abandoned Elspeth, the media’s blaze would

undoubtedly singe him too. They’d label him heartless and ruthless, a cold–blooded capitalist who

treated his wives like chess pieces.

From his business marriage to the daughter of the Austin family, to the whispered tales of Cynthia

Winter’s depression and her tragic leap from despair, and now Elspeth, implicated in drug use and

clapped in irons, he couldn’t bear the thought of the world’s sneers, the insinuations that any woman

who ended up with Frederic was cursed!

For the sake of his own reputation, he couldn’t let Elspeth become a criminal. What Frederic hadn’t

anticipated, however, was Thaddeus bypassing him, the Chairman, and calling a high–level corporate

meeting!

And at that meeting, he officially stripped Elspeth of her executive duties! By the time Frederic arrived,

the meeting was over. The executives were just rising to leave when they saw the Chairman and

bowed in silence.

“Thad, you owe me an explanation. Who gave you permission to call this meeting without my

consent?!” Frederic’s anger was palpable as he confronted him before everyone.

“It was just a regular corporate meeting, no different from any other.”

Thaddeus leaned back, his well–defined fingers idly twirling a pen, his gaze dark and unfathomable,

“As the CEO, am I not supposed to preside over daily meetings? Why so hot under the collar?”

“You shouldn’t overstep your bounds, dismissing Elspeth without notifying me! A decision this big, you

must inform me. It’s the rule!” Frederic was livid, his face reddening with each word.

“There was no time.”

Thaddeus spoke with icy clarity, “The nation is waiting for the Abernathy Group to decide on Elspeth.

And you, for three whole days, have been silent. The racetrack incident is still brewing; the Abernathy

Group’s image can’t take another hit. As CEO, I had to make a decision on behalf of the company.

Unless you still, after all this, are fantasizing about saving Elspeth. Otherwise, you should have no

reason to object.”

Frederic glared, “Thaddeus!”

“Elspeth, a repeat offender, embezzler, and now a suspected drug user, does she still have the face,

the qualifications to serve as an executive of the Abernathy Group? Does she think the Abernathy

Group is her treasure trove, or a money tree?” Thaddeus sneered coldly.

“The police haven’t even announced the final results of Elspeth’s drug case! There’s a lot that doesn’t

add up; it’s very possible Elspeth was framed!”

At this, the executives exchanged complex glances.

“Then tell me, what kind of trap makes Elspeth, with no one forcing her, pick up a syringe and inject

herself with drugs?”

“That’s exactly the anomaly! It’s all too perfect; Elspeth isn’t that careless!”

The moment Frederic blurted out his defense, he regretted it. Did he just imply that Elspeth had never

been caught before because she was cautious? Was that even a proper excuse?!

As expected, the expressions around him grew even more complex, some even disdainful.

Thaddeus lost his patience, his handsome features darkening, “I’ve already released an official

statement and document. The entire company knows Elspeth has been fired. What’s said is said, and it

can’t be taken back.”

With that, the man stood with poise, straightened his Windsor knot, and moved to leave.

“Thaddeus, don’t forget your place! Don’t forget who’s the Chairman here, who calls the shots!”

In a fit of rage, Frederic pointed directly at his face, “You think being CEO makes you untouchable?

Don’t forget, you’re not my only son! I put you in that seat, and I can just as easily give it to Chad! If

Chad agrees to come back to Elmsworth, do you really think I won’t kick you out of the Abernathy

Group on the spot?!”

Everyone held their breath, wishing they could silence even the beating of their hearts.

The father–son relationship within the Abernathy Group had always been strained, and though their

quarrels were no secret, this public showdown was unprecedented.

Thaddeus, although decisive and often unapproachable, was undeniable in his achievements as CEO.

Under his leadership, the

Abernathy Group had seen impressive financial reports and rapid business expansion.

His contributions were there for all to see. Frederic threatening to unseat such a general over Elspeth

felt eerily similar to the historic treacheries of power.

Such words, in the past, would have enraged Thaddeus beyond measure. But now, his priorities had

shifted.

The Abernathy Group was no longer his everything. His Evadne, she was a thousand times more

important.

“Going forward, I’m not interested in who’s the CEO of the Abernathy Group, nor do I care. But as long

as I’m in charge, I will deal with Elspeth, and no one can stop me.”

With that, Thaddeus strode out with his head held high, leaving a trail of murmurs and Frederic,

seething with rage, his complexion ashen.

Leaving the corporate building, the evening was alight with the early glow of streetlights.

Thaddeus slumped in the back of his luxury car, his Adam’s apple quivering ever so slightly as he

stretched out his neck, taking a moment of respite with his eyes closed.

“Mr. Abernathy, you squared off with Mr. Frederic Abernathy today. It was epic!” Gordon recalled, still

visibly buzzing with excitement.

“Being ‘epic‘ comes with a hefty price tag,” Thaddeus’s lips curved into a bitter smile.

“So what? Being cool is for life! Besides, Mr. Chad Abernathy, all pale and shaky, he’d probably keel

over in a stiff breeze. If he even sets foot in Elmsworth, given your work schedule, I bet he’d be running

back to wherever he came from within a week!” Gordon was all smiles, brimming with optimism, “And

now that you and Mrs. Abernathy have patched things up, she’s totally got your back. Once you get

hitched, you’ll be part of the prestigious Ashbourne family, and your father–in–law will be the chairman

of K Group. Plus, you’ve got a bunch of brothers–in–law who make mythic heroes look like kids‘ play.

You’ve got a mighty oak to lean on; how would Mr. Frederic Abernathy dare mess with you? Your

throne is rock solid!”

“You’re suggesting I live off Evadne’s wealth?” Thad’s eyes narrowed into slits as he asked in a chilly

tone.

Gordon inhaled sharply, tripping over his words in panic, “No, no. You couldn’t possibly be seen as that

guy. If anything, you’d turn that into a power move!!

A twitch tugged at the corner of Thaddeus’s mouth, “Gordon, one of these days I’ll introduce you to Dr.

Bright. He’s a neurologist. ! might have him take a check on you.”

Gordon’s face split into an apologetic grin, his heart racing. But, ever since Mr. Abernathy had been

with Mrs. Abernathy, he had mellowed out so much. In the old days, he would have sent Gordon

packing or cut his pay. Now, he actually seemed to care about his well–being.

After a brief silence, Thaddeus became aware of a tightness in his chest. He thought back on the years

he had spent fighting side by side with Abernathy Group, the trials and tribulations they had faced to

get to where they were today.

In the end, he was still just a pawn to Frederic, disposable at a moment’s notice.

“Gordon, drive. Let’s go home.”

Thaddeus closed his eyes again, taking a deep breath, his voice soft with émotion, “I miss her. I miss

her so much.”

Tonight at home, Evadne was alone, humming a tune as she stirred a pot with a wooden spoon, one

hand holding her sore back. Alva had recently befriended a chatty nanny in the neighborhood, and

Evadne had given her the day off to catch up with her old pal.

Injured and with a backache, not to mention her less–than–dexterous left arm, Evadne couldn’t bear to

lie in bed any longer. Plus, she wanted to make sure Thaddeus had a warm meal to come home to

after his long day.

She chuckled at the memory of her old plan to gradually capture Thaddeus’s heart through his stomach

by grasping the satisfactory culinary skill.

How silly that seemed now. True love didn’t care about gourmet meals or perfect desserts. The person

who truly loved you would find charm in you even when you were stuck on the toilet with a bad case of

constipation.

So lost in her cooking, Evadne didn’t notice Thaddeus silently approaching from behind.

“Ah.”

With a soft exclamation, she was suddenly enveloped in Thaddeus’s embrace, his burning masculine

hormone cocooning her.

“I was only gone for a bit, and here you are, up to no good. You should be resting; you’re hurt.” His

strong arms locked around her waist with an intensity that caused some pain, yet she didn’t protest.

Instead, she rested her right hand on the back of his veiny

hand, patting it gently, allowing herself to be held.

The heavy breathing at the nape of her neck was warm and ticklish. Her shoulders tensed as she

caught a faint scent of tobacco, her brows furrowing, “Hmm? Have you been smoking?”

“Evadne, I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.” Thaddeus’s voice was husky with regret as he nuzzled her

shoulder, “It won’t happen again.”

“Is something bothering you?” Evadne, sensing his mood, grew concerned.

“It’s nothing.”

“Did Mr. Frederic Abernathy give you trouble at the company today?” She was sharp as a tack, nothing

got past her.

Thad let out a rueful chuckle, “I’ll have to check for any bug you put on me later.”

“Hmph, yeah, I planted it.”

Evadne turned in his arms, playfully poking him in the chest, “Was it because of Elspeth?”

“Today, I called a board meeting and officially terminated Elspeth’s position. Frederic wasn’t pleased;

he seems intent on protecting her.”

His voice was casual, as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, “But don’t worry, I won’t let him

have his way. Elspeth has to die.”

“Mr. Frederic Abernathy isn’t doing it for Elspeth; he’s trying to save his own reputation. If not, what

would the rumor mill say about a man whose women never seem to fare well?” Evadne spoke frankly,

never one to mince words with him.

“I know. My dad’s greatest attribute is his boundless selfishness.”

A wave of discomfort washing over Thaddeus, he only felt she was treated inappropriately, “But you

don’t need to worry. Once we’re married, we’ll move out of Windermere Estate.”

Married?!

Evadne’s heart raced, and her cheeks flushed like spring blossoms.

“If you want to stay close to your family, we can live in Skyrim. Or if you want to keep an eye on

Grandpa, we’ll buy a house in Havenbrook. That way, we can see him often,” Thaddeus’s eyes

sparkled with dreams of their future together.

“Two days ago, Grandpa called me up, his voice filled with concern about my injury. He even

mentioned he’s had enough of the small–town drama in Elmsworth, said folks there were too nosy for

his taste. Said he fancied the straightforwardness of people in Skyrim, and was toying with the idea of

moving there with me someday,” Evadne fluttered her long lashes, her voice laced with a playful whine.

“We’ll do as you want,” the man surrendered to her charm, his eyes deepening before he captured her

blushing lips in a tender kiss.

Breath mingled, promises sealed with a kiss.

After a long while, Evadne pulled away breathlessly, her cheeks flushed with an alluring crimson, “If we

end up living in Skyrim, you commuting to work is going to be one hell of a trek, ya know? Four hours

on the road every day.”

“I could always take a chopper. Gordon can’t fly, but I sure can. None of that matters, though. What’s

important is that my Evadne is happy every single day.”

As long as she was happy, no amount of tiredness could bother him. Tears of joy glistened in Evadne’s

eyes, her heart touched by his words. Yet, she sensed he had some unresolved issues.

“Evadne, you’re already planning our future together. Does this mean you’ve agreed to marry me?”

Thaddeus teased with a mischievous grin, lightly pinching her soft cheek.

Stubborn as always, Evadne retorted, “As if I would marry you.” What kind of proposal was this? So

sloppy!

Meanwhile, at the police station, Aaron was in a tough spot.

Elspeth’s detention time had expired, and now the Abernathy Group and his superiors were pressuring

him to agree to her release

on bail within the next two hours!

Time was ticking away.

Cedric strolled out of the interrogation room and lazily took a seat at Aaron’s desk, cockily crossing his

legs and smirking, “Captain Ashbourne, I know you’re itching to settle a score for your sister. But the

law treats everyone equally and doesn’t fail the innocent civilians. Your personal vendetta is pointless,

and it only shows you lack the maturity and depth of more experienced officers, compared to those

seasoned seniors.”

“You’re calling the person in there an innocent civilian?” Aaron’s sharp gaze pierced Cedric’s smug

face, “Mr. Dempsey, you’ve got

either your eyes or your brain filled with crap to spout such nonsense.”

“You!” Cedric’s face turned beet red with anger, but he held back from slamming the desk, mindful of

his prestigious lawyer reputation, and hissed, “Captain Ashbourne, don’t think I can’t touch you just

because you’re Chairman Ashbourne’s son. That was a personal attack; I can still file a complaint!”

“Go ahead. If you dare,” Aaron scoffed, seeing right through the man’s bluster.

It was baffling how two brothers could be so different – Jason was such a good man, and Cedric, a

bastard.

“Captain Ashbourne, don’t bother resisting.” Cedric leaned back in his chair, arrogantly checking his

watch, “Only two hours left. What’s the point? The end result will be the same. What can a cop like you

change? You might as well strip off that uniform and go back to being the Ashbourne family’s Aaron.

Might be more useful than you are now.“..

“Humph, easy for you to say. Who the hell do you think you are?” Aaron glared at the irritating face

before him, “Even if it’s just two hours, Elspeth is going to sit here until the very last second!”

Cedric shrugged nonchalantly, “Fine by me. It won’t keep me from tonight’s TV show.”

Aaron kept his composure but clenched his fists out of sight. This fucking rascal!

Just then, a female officer hurried over.

“Captain Ashbourne, someone’s come forward to confess!”

“A confession? For what?”

“Elspeth’s case. He claims the drugs she was injected with came from him, and he’s got solid evidence

to prove Elspeth’s drug use!”

Hearing this, Aaron’s heart pounded fiercely as hope ignited in his eyes, while Cedric’s breath hitched,

his body tensing in shock. “What’s his name?!”

As the question hung in the air, Victor entered with a casual smile, radiating confidence.