Chapter 542
“What the heck? Beverly was snatched up by Evadne and Thaddeus?”
In the bedroom, Matthew had his reluctant wife, Elva, pinned down on the bed, savagely ripping off her nightgown,
ready to fulfill this week’s “duty.”
Ever since Avery climbed to the top and became the apple of their father’s eye, Matthew’s stress skyrocketed. Now,
whenever he had the energy, he would force Elva into bed with him, all for the sake of getting her pregnant with
the Chambers Group’s heir as quickly as possible.
His father was all about legacy, loved a big bustling family. Being the eldest son, if he could produce the first
grandson, he’d have éven more security within the family, an extra chip over Avery!
But, just as he was about to get down to business, an urgent phone call deflated him on the spot, causing him to
end hurriedly! “Are you sure? That couple took the girl away?” Matthew rolled out of bed in his birthday suit,
scrambling to pull on his pants in a panic, as if he’d been caught in the act.
“Our eyes on the ground report that it was Thaddeus’s secretary Gordon who picked up Beverly. No one else
could’ve done it!” The secretary’s voice was laced with urgency, “And they said Beverly didn’t look like she was
forced, she seemed to go willingly! Mr. Chambers, you don’t think the girl’s had a change of heart, planning to
testify, do you?”
“What do you want me to say? Do I look like I’ve got a psychic hotline to her gut? Sheesh!”
Matthew bellowed in anger, his polished public facade crumbling away, scaring Elva into a shiver.
“What’s the plan, Mr. Chambers?”
Matthew cinched his belt with a vicious glare, “That Beverly, whether she’s switched sides or not, she’s a liability we
can’t afford to keep!”
Elva’s eyes widened in fear, her hands clutching the sheets tighter.
The secretary sought confirmation, “You mean take her out?”
“She’s with that evil couple right now, so let’s not spook the horses just yet. We don’t want to draw their attention.
It’ll make it harder to make a move.”
Matthew moved to the window, his voice low and dangerous, “Wait until she’s back on her own turf, then find the
right moment to act within the next couple of days. The sooner, the better.”
“Got it.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“And don’t use our own
〃
Matthew’s lips twisted with malice, “Let’s keep it clean. Whoever’s mess it is, they clean it up.”
The call ended, and his mood for love had vanished. He dressed in haste and headed for the door.
“Matthew.” Elva’s voice was timid as she tried to stop him.
“What now?” Matthew snapped, not even giving her a glance.
Their marriage was a political arrangement, the emotional foundation weat
and her family’s declining influence, he cared even less for her.
Elva’s voice trembled, torn by her emotions, “Matthew, maybe just let it go.”
With Elva failing to bear him a child over the years,
Matthew’s brow furrowed as he stared at her, “Let it go? What are you babbling about?”
“That girl, just spare her. She’s already suffered enough.”
Before she could finish, Matthew’s hand flew across her face in a slap!
“How many times have I told you? Don’t ask, don’t meddle in my business! Now you’re sympathizing with some
lowlife, challenging me? Everything I do is for the Chambers family!”
Elva was left reeling, a buzzing in her ears.
She hurriedly corrected herself, her voice shaky, “No, not sympathy. I’m just thinking of your best interest. Having
blood on your hands isn’t a good look, and if the cops trace it back to you, even without direct evidence, it could
tarnish your reputation. And if Avery uses this against you, it could shake your standing in the company. Besides,
you don’t need to dirty your hands for Byron’s sake.”
1/4
Matthew’s anger subsided slightly, a sneer forming, “You think I’m so foolish as to not cover my tracks? Such naive
thoughts from a foolish woman. I’m helping Byron to curry favor with Dad. Can’t you see the obvious benefits? And
who said I’ve got blood on my hands? They’re clean as a whistle. No investigation will trace back to me.”
His gaze threatened her as he gripped her jaw, “Elva, we’re married. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to disappoint your
politically retired dad or your brother by spilling secrets, right?”
Through tears, Elva nodded.
For safety, Evadne and Thaddeus took Beverly to their home in Elmsworth.
The grand, tasteful villa and the serene, mirror–like lake in the backyard left the modest girl utterly awestruck. She
had imagined the nome of wealthy elites to be lavish beyond measure, but never expected this warm, stylish
subtlety, exuding unattainable elegance in every low–key detail.
“Beverly, make yourself at home,” Evadne said, not disturbing Alva but instead personally bringing over freshly cut
fruit.
Beverly sat stiffly on the sofa, her limbs bound by invisible cords, shrinking into a pitiful ball.
“Juice? Tea? Coffee? I’ll make you some,” offered Thaddeus, his expression reserved but his voice gentle.
Beverly glanced between Evadne and Thaddeus, and suddenly, unable to hold it in any longer, she burst into tears.
Her pretty face streamed with tears that plopped onto her clenched hands resting on her knees.
“Ms. Higgins, please, don’t cry,” Gordon fumbled with a bunch of tissues, thrusting them toward her.
Watching her frail back hunched and shaking as if she couldn’t catch her breath, he hadn’t seen someone cry so
hysterically in a long time, and it tugged at his heartstrings.
Despite her unrestrained sobbing, her genuine vulnerability was undeniably touching.
“Evadne, did I scare her?” Thaddeus froze in place, his eyes betraying a frantic concern as he gazed upon Evadne.
“Oh, lighten up, Thad. You’ve got that look again, like someone stiffed you on a multi–million–dollar deal,” Evadne
teased, unable to resist poking fun at him.
Thaddeus frowned and turned to Gordon for confirmation. Was his expression really that off–putting?
Gordon nodded, affirming without a doubt. Thaddeus’s gloomy face was his characteristic.
Evadne moved to sit beside Beverly, gently wiping away her tears and blowing her nose with the kind of tender care
one reserves for a sister.
“Honey, just let it all out. You’ll feel better,” she said, not pressing for reasons, unwilling to add any psychological
pressure.
“I just didn’t expect that you all would be so kind to me.”
Beverly’s eyes, swollen from crying, struggled to articulate her gratitude. “I know it’s because I can testify against
Byron. But thank you for respecting me.”
The fragmented words and tear–streaked face of the young girl left Evadne and Thaddeus feeling as if a cruel hand
had seized their throats, choking the breath from them.
Gordon’s brow was furrowed with a mixture of anger and restraint, as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSeventeen years of life, yet her soul bore scars so deep, they may never fully heal.
This was Byron’s doing.
If he didn’t belong in hell, then who did?
“Sweetheart, our kindness and respect for you isn’t because you’re a witness. Every decent girl in this world
deserves that respect.”
Ø F = e ú
Evadne pulled the sobbing girl into her arms, her own eyes brimming with tears. “Tragedy brought us together. But
believe me, I won’t let it happen again.”
Beverly’s sobs subsided as she sipped the warm cocoa Thaddeus had brought her, and her emotions began to
calm.
“Have you made your decision?” Evadne asked, her voice filled with earnest concern. “Once you step forward,
there’s no turning back. It’s a full–on battle with the Chambers Group. Thad and I will do everything to protect you,
but it will inevitably affect you and your mom’s life.”
“If you feel pressured, or if this decision was made in haste, then I suggest.”
“Ms. Evadne, do you know who gave me the courage to face all this?” Beverly interrupted, her tear–stained face
now resolute.
09-03
“Your sister, Nydia.”
“Ah, Nydia?” Evadne’s eyes widened, her heartbeat skipping a beat.
But Thaddeus remained composed as if he had anticipated Nydia’s unequivocal support.
Girls understand girls best.
“Nydia’s bravery moved me.”
Beverly was young, but her maturity was beyond her years. “Some might think Nydia spoke out because she’s a
tycoon’s daughter and isn’t afraid of backlash. But I know the pressure she’s under is even greater than ours. This
will impact her future significantly. We might be forgotten, but her scars will become a stigma, constantly
mentioned and reopened by others. I saw hér live broadcast, and I cried from the beginning to the end. I cried that
I was unfortunate, but I was even more ashamed of my cowardice. So I want to stand up and support Nydia and
help myself.”
It was so clear–minded and admirable.