His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 455

Avery didn’t turn to Evadne, his face shadowed as he adjusted his glasses.

Thaddeus stood beside the petite woman, lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to intervene, but he was never as quick-witted as she was.

Besides, if he stepped in now, wouldn't he be doing exactly what Avery reveled in? Becoming the kind of person Jareth described with utter disdain.

"How are you feeling, Evadne? Is your back still hurting?"

Emeric ignored his daughter's sarcasm, his primary concern being her well-being, "You're as stubborn as they come. After taking a tumble, you should've headed straight to the hospital! Wind has your brother and Gene looking after things. Why do you need to be hands-on? Just like your mom, when you set your mind on something, no one can pull you back! Cassius, get in touch with Mr. Larry immediately. Once he's taken Evadne to the hospital, have him assemble a team of specialists to see to her personally!"

But Cassius, sensing the mood, didn't take the bait. He knew better than to intrude when the young couple sought privacy. It'd only be a nuisance.

"Not necessary, Thaddeus is all the company I need."

Evadne brazenly intertwined her fingers with Thaddeus's, locking eyes with him in a gaze that brooked no third party, "Dad, I just want to remind you of something: true warriors don't boast about their victories. Who was it that gathered evidence and apprehended the culprit today; who stood up under immense pressure for me, for Wind, for our Ashbourne family to seek justice? And who silently did all this without mentioning a word to you, modest in their achievements? I hope you can see things clearly and not be swayed by others' sweet talks. Don't tarnish your reputation and become the laughingstock!"

With that, Evadne lifted her lovely face, dragging Thaddeus past Emeric and Avery with a stormy grace.

A chill of abandonment brushed Avery's shoulder, and a sharp pang jabbed his heart as his brows furrowed in a darkening frown, his hands clenching tightly.

As Thaddeus passed by Chairman Emeric Ashbourne, he bowed quickly, his stiff and awkward manner slightly amusing.

"That girl, I swear I can't control her anymore!"

Emeric watched their retreating figures, mouth agape, but didn't stop them, only shouting after them, "With that sharp tongue of yours, whoever ends up with you is in for a world of misery!"

Cassius and Myra couldn't help but chuckle. Some men would love to have such 'misery' but never get the chance.

As Evadne got into Thaddeus's car and drove away, resentment and frustration battered Avery like a tempest, reddening his eyes.

But he quickly composed himself, his expression sorrowful as he turned to Emeric, "Mr. Ashbourne, it's my fault for not acting swiftly enough today. I let you and Evadne get dragged into such trouble."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, kid. You did well. If it weren't for you stepping in, who knows how the Fairhaven family might have mistreated Evadne," Emeric's tone toward him was still warm and friendly.

"If I could've done better, maybe Evadne would have looked my way. And you wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble for us," Avery's pale eyes stayed downcast in guilt.

"Avery, I've seen all you've done for Evadne." Emeric paused thoughtfully, his gaze flickering with significance, "But you know, matters of the heart can't be forced."

Avery's pupils contracted sharply, his heart skipping a beat! What did that mean?

Just a while ago, Emeric had been adamant about bringing him and Evadne together. Why the sudden change? Was it because Thaddeus had played the hero and caught the culprit at the racecourse today, and Emeric now saw him in a new light, turning a blind eye to his daughter's years of suffering?

Or had Emeric never truly disliked Thaddeus as much as he claimed?

After all his efforts to impress, just as he thought happiness was within reach, Emeric casually hinted that it was all for naught.

Were he and Thaddeus back to square one?! No, that couldn't be! He wanted Evadne; he had to marry her!

"Indeed, Mr. Chambers, matters of the heart indeed can't be coerced." Myra gracefully came to Emeric's side and linked her arm through his. Her tone was gentle, devoid of malice, yet every word seemed to claw at Avery's throat, "Emeric means no offense. We all know you sincerely have feelings for Evadne. But love must be reciprocated to last. As Evadne's family, everything we do, ultimately, is for her happiness. If Evadne ends up marrying someone she doesn't love, then we've essentially ruined her life's happiness."

Cassius remained silent, his lips curling in a sneer, his gaze on Avery filled with contempt.

Even though Myra looked meek, she actually was quite clever, understanding Emeric's character. Her words, without mentioning Thaddeus, focused solely on the emotional aspect, appealing to Emeric's own experience with love.

Avery stood rigid, his face pallid and his eyes cold, barely maintaining his genteel demeanor.

"Avery, Myra is right; nothing forcibly done is going to be agreeable." Emeric sighed meaningfully, "Don't be dispirited, but don't obsess either. Let things take their course."