His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Chapter 804 "Madness, I get it, she was never quite right in the head. But excessive bleeding? What's that about?" Evadne nuzzled her lips obediently into the palm of the man's hand.

"They say she was laughing and cursing every day in the detention center, stopping anyone who'd listen, claiming she was an heiress of the Abernathy Group, that her father was the chairman. She took quite a beating in there, and the more they hit her, the more she seemed to thrive on it." Thaddeus felt his heart soften at her docile behavior, his fingertips unconsciously grazing over her lips, now softened by a milky caress.

"Truly, a madwoman with aspirations as high as the sky," Evadne said with a cold smirk curling her crimson lips. "Just the other night, Glynnis went off the deep end again, slashed her own wrist, smeared her blood on the face of a fellow inmate, and painted the cell walls with it. That's how she ended up bleeding too much." "Perhaps she's half-mad, half-lucid-who knows. She still remembers she's got HIV, and she knows how to disgust and retaliate against others in such a vile way." Evadne's eyes darkened, her gaze glittering with merciless coldness. "But madness works for me, I was wondering how to deal with her. If we went through the normal legal process, Glynnis would be charged with assault and face a few years at most. If she's insane, let her spend her life in a mental institution, clinging to her delusional dreams of heiress grandeur!" Today was Barry's funeral.

The Fairhavens had been rocked by a shocking tragedy, a tale of blood turned against blood, and a world shattered overnight. All the misfortune had fallen squarely on the shoulders of Jareth.

But, with his efforts, the funeral proceeded smoothly.

Barry, a legend in his own time, had met with such a cruel fate, a fact that moved many to deep reflection.

Yet, even for such a figure, the number of business acquaintances and old comrades who cto his funeral was meager. The folks from the old days were known for their loyalty, never looking back, so despite the commercial world's cold shoulder, Barry's funeral was still a grand affair.

Jareth, Barry's grandson and now the head of the Fairhaven family, walked in the funeral procession, dressed in a simple black suit, holding his grandfather's portrait. His eyes were calm, his steps heavy with sorrow.

Under the shadow of such grief, one's expression often turns numb.

Before the funeral, speculative media had posted articles online predicting the downfall of the Fairhaven Group, doubting the capabilities of Jareth, the prodigal son.

Luckily, the Ashbourne and Abernathy families were there to support him. Thaddeus and Evadne stood by Jareth, lending their presence and ensuring the new patriarch had enough respect.

Jareth was the only family member present, but he stood unafraid of criticism, his posture as unwavering as an old pine, his gaze sharp enough to deter any who wished to stir trouble.

The funeral hall was solemn and respectful. Friends and relatives brought wreaths and shed tears for the old man who had built the Fairhaven Group from scratch.

Evadne and Thaddeus stood aside, witnessing the somewhat lonely Frederic and feeling a spark of anger.

Evadne recalled attending a few grand funerals with her father when she was younger. Even with the Fairhaven family's standing, there were too few mourners.

Those fair-weather friends simply looked down on Jareth, convinced that this young master would only lead the Fairhaven family to ruin.

Just then, a series of footsteps echoed in the hall.

"The Chairman of the Chambers Group, Jeff, and President Avery Chambers have arrived!" Evadne and Thaddeus' faces darkened.

Jareth's eyes turned red with a cold, piercing look fixed on Jeff and Avery as they approached.

From the moment Avery entered, his eyeing of Evadne was so intense it was as if his gaze was physically anchored to her, impossible to remove.

"Disgusting," Evadne muttered to herself, turning her gaze away in revulsion.

Thaddeus watched Avery with a deadly stare, holding back his anger while clutching Evadne's soft hand in his own, his veins bulging.

Avery's gaze, which had been uncontrollably drawn to Evadne's face, slowly drifted down, finally settling on their intertwined hands. His eyes went cold, but the corners of his mouth curled into a mocking smirk.

In an atmosphere of mourning, Avery's smile was particularly jarring and provocative.

Jareth, of course, saw it too, his fists clenched so tightly they crackled.

If this weren't a funeral, if it weren't for the need to let his grandfather rest in peace, he would have charged forward and smashed Avery's sly face! "Mr. Fairhaven, my condolences." Jeff stepped forward with a look of regret, extending his hand to Jareth. "Oh, you are the master of the Fairhaven family now." Jareth gave Jeff a cold stare, his hand not moving an inch. "I don't recall inviting the Chambers family to this funeral." Jeff's face flushed with the rebuke, anger surging within him, but as the head of the Chambers family, he managed to keep his composure. He wouldn't stoop so low as to argue with the dead, "I'm also from one of the four great families. I've known Barry for many years. Even if you didn't invite me, I should be here to pay my respects out of my affection for him." "Affection? What affection could my grandfather possibly share with you, Mr. Jeff Chambers?" Jareth tugged at his pale lips, forcing a smile. "Besides, my grandfather probably wouldn't care to see any of you." The crowd gasped, their eyes darting to the Chambers men.

That bold, in-your-face declaration set Jeff's blood boiling, his face flushing red as he was about to retort, but Avery cut in first, "Mr. Fairhaven, regardless of any past grievances between our families, today is your grandfather's funeral. The dead deserve respect, and we're here to pay our condolences with the best of intentions. Why the hostility?" As he spoke, Avery's eyes swept the sparsely attended wake with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. "Looks like Barry didn't make many friends in the business world. It's just a motley crew, barely worthy of mention. The Chambers family attending to pay our respects is a kind gesture, Mr. Fairhaven. If you turn away the few business acquaintances you have, how do you expect anyone to engage with the Fairhaven family in friendship or business in the future?" Evadne bit her lip in frustration, itching to stride over and slap that smug grin off Snakey Avery's face! If Thaddeus hadn't been firmly holding her waist, she might have actually started a brawl with the Chambers family right there in the funeral home. Jareth's eyes seethed with barely contained rage, his stomach twisting in knots. He was no coward, but this was his grandfather's funeral, the first major event he had to oversee since taking the helm of the Fairhaven family. If he let Avery's taunts provoke him now, it would only confirm the image of him as an impetuous heir, a laughingstock for the Fairhaven family! Today, he couldn't afford to lose his composure! Just as Jeff was smugly thinking his son had salvaged their pride, a robust voice rang out from behind, "Barry didn't make many friends in the business world? Who's spouting such nonsense, it's downright laughable!" Avery's eyes narrowed as he slowly turned around, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses.

Everyone turned in surprise, looking towards the entrance.

Hearing that familiar voice, Evadne squeezed Thaddeus' hand so hard it turned red, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

"Emeric! It's Emeric Ashbourne!" "Mr. Emeric Ashbourne?" Thaddeus' handsface showed shock.

At that moment, a group of people dressed in black suits entered the wake with solemn dignity.

Leading them, a man of regal bearing who captivated everyone's attention, was none other than Emeric! And not just Emeric.

Suri, Myra, Aviana, Cassius, and Arnold were also there representing the Ashbourne family.

It was rare for so many members of the Ashbourne family to make a public appearance together. Their presence underscored the importance they placed on Barry's funeral.

"Dad!" Evadne's eyes welled up as she rushed to support her father.

Thaddeus watched their reunion, his lips curling into a slight smile, but he didn't approach to curry favor. Instead, he stood quietly, watching them.

"What's this? I'm not that old yet. I'm perfectly healthy!" Emeric was warmed by his daughter's concern but chided her. "You're making it look like I'm infirm, the way you're fussing over me!" Evadne rolled her eyes but didn't let go of her father's arm. "Why didn't you givea heads up? I thought you wouldn't be able to make it." "It was my call, didn't want to worry you unnecessarily. I thought with us and Cassius and Arnold here, our intentions would be clear enough, no need to drag your father all the way back from abroad. But he insisted on coming back to personally bid Mr. Barry farewell," Suri sighed in resignation.

"It wasn't about worrying, Suri. Don't say that. I know how much you care for Dad," Evadne said, her heart settling as she saw her father looking much healthier than before his retreat.

As the distinguished guests arrived, Jareth felt a surge of emotion, his eyes glistening as he stepped forward.

When he spoke, his voice was hoarse with raw emotion, touching, "Chairman Emeric, thank you so much for coming." "Ah, my boy, just callEmeric. 'Chairman' sounds too formal." Emeric patted his shoulder, his gaze warm and friendly. "You've just taken over the Fairhaven Group, and there will be challenges ahead. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Just tell me, and we will be there for you." Jareth bit his lip, nodding gratefully.

Avery watched, seething with jealousy as Jareth received Emeric's favor. His well- manicured fingers clenched beneath his crystal cufflinks.

Once, he was the one who could call Emeric "Emeric," the one cherished by the patriarch of the Ashbourne family. Back then, Jareth was nothing, not even worth a second glance from Emeric! "Mr. Chambers, those outrageous remarks earlier were yours?" Emeric's piercing gaze was intimidating as he focused on Avery.

Avery clenched his jaw.

"Ah, so brave with words before, but now you can't own up to them?" Emeric's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Mr. Chambers, should I say you're ignorant or short-sighted to claim that the Fairhaven family has no friends in business. Even if you're not a seasoned social navigator, you're young with sharp eyes, right? Can't you see? My daughter and Thaddeus are like families to Jareth!" The boomerang hit Avery unexpectedly, leaving him speechless and his face a ghostly pale, then flushing with a mix of shand anger! Emeric had barely recovered from a severe illness when he rushed back from abroad to show support for the Fairhaven family. Who would dare underestimate Jareth now? "Avery, let's go!" Jeff knew better than to get into a verbal spar with this former friend, where he'd gain no ground. Scowling, he strode out decisively.

Avery pushed his glasses up his nose and followed his father out the door.

Just then, without looking back, Emeric raised his voice,

"In the face of the deceased, even if it's just for show, you should at least. keep up appearances to not lose the manor's style. You caused a scene at someone's funeral, stirring up trouble with your insinuations. With that kind of character, who in the business world would dare to befriend or deal with the Chambers family?" An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

"Hmph!" Jeff, fuming with rage, could only storm off.

The Chambers father and son returned home, thoroughly defeated.

Once in the car, Jeff immediately vented his frustration on Avery, "You're so impetuous! Barry is dead, for heaven's sake. What was the point of all that nonsense? Now look at us, a complete embarrassment, utterly self-defeating!" "Huh, Dad, seems you've forgotten."

Avery was also seething, his gaze dark and chilling, "It was you who insisted on attending the funeral. If you'd taken my advice and to make you tried presence felt in front of the deceased, how could Emeric have humiliated you in public? This time, you've humiliated yourself completely. If it weren't forstepping in to salvage sdignity for you, Jareth alone would have had you under his heel." "Avery! You damned fool!"

Jeff trembled with anger, but facing Avery's icy eyes, his bluster was somehow suppressed, unable to vent as recklessly as before, leaving him to gnash his teeth in frustration,M "After all is said and done, it's your fault! You couldn't even handle a woman! If you had won over Evadne, none of this mess would have happened! By now, the Chambers Group would have overshadowed the Abernathy Group, and if you had becEmeric's son-in-law, we might even have acquired the Fairhaven Group, and Jareth wouldn't be in a position to bark at us!" The father knew his son best.

The Chambers men might lack other connections, but when it comes to striking each other's sore spots, they were experts.

"A mere Fairhaven family, do you think I care? Even without Evadne, it won't stopfrom making the Chambers family the foremost of the great families." Avery's eyes glittered with ruthless ambition and insatiable greed, "However, I never do multiple-choice tests. Power, fame, territories, beauties-I want them all." "Can't you see? The Ashbourne girl is repulsed by you, through and through, she might as well have 'I despise you' written on her forehead, and you're still delusional!" Jeff shook his head in disbelief.

"There are many ways to get what I want." Avery closed his eyes, his smile twisted with a touch of sickness.

He thought, "Evadne, at this point, I no longer hope to win your heart. If one day, I can have your body, then maybe, I won't have lost too badly." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1