His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 456

After a quick shower, Thaddeus, not wanting Evadne to exert herself, scooped her up and carried her to the dining room for dinner.

He had been on the move all day, and his normally crisp white shirt now clung to him, emitting waves of warmth mixed with the scent of masculine exertion.

Evadne found her head spinning, not repulsed by the smell but rather pressing her nose into his chest, inhaling deeply like a kitten that couldn't get enough.

"What's the matter, got an appetite for me?" Thaddeus lowered his head with a low chuckle, his lips grazing her forehead.

"Even if I want, you'd have to be squeaky clean, wouldn't you? The smell is just horrible." Flushing, Evadne averted her gaze, "Aren't you usually Mr. Clean? What's with the no-shower today?"

"Didn't get around to it. I'll take one after we eat."

Evadne pursed her lips, feeling a warm flutter in her heart.

The table was laden with an array of exquisite dishes, some prepared in advance by Alva, just needing a quick heat, so it was all ready in no time. "Wow, Alva, you rock!" Evadne clapped her hands in excitement, resembling a joyful schoolgirl.

"Mrs. Abernathy, don't flatter me; your cooking skills are way beyond mine! A couple of Mr. Abernathy's favorites here are your recipes, remember?" Alva's smile was genuine.

"Is that so? I'd forgotten," feeling a bit embarrassed, Evadne started to tuck into her meal heartily.

She knew Alva meant to praise her, but it inevitably stirred up memories of less happy times. Thaddeus was acutely aware of the hardships she had faced and felt a pang of sorrow as he took a napkin and tenderly wiped her lips.

Just as he was about to say something, Evadne swiftly shoved a piece of shrimp into his mouth, "Don't apologize. Didn't we agree to leave the past behind?"

Thaddeus paused, managing a wry smile as he chewed. Indeed, nothing tasted quite as good as when his woman made it.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening echoed, and three boisterous men stormed in, instantly filling the villa with a festive, holiday-like noise.

"Wow, Evadne, that's just not fair, hogging all this food for yourself. That's a bit much, don't you think?!" Arnold, who hadn't eaten all day while reviewing case files, lunged forward and grabbed a pork knuckle, stuffing it into his mouth.

Aaron followed suit, chewing one dish he grabbed fiercely, as if he'd just returned from a hunt, "I've been interrogating suspects all day; I'm parched! Need to sink my teeth into some meat to quench this thirst!"

The Ashbourne brothers, usually so polished, were devouring the food like it was their last meal, leaving Thaddeus and Gordon dumbstruck.

"Those two, they're like mythical beasts, one a gluttonous tiger, the other a voracious wolf."

Evadne said with a sigh, resting her cheek on her hand, "If Emeric and Suri saw this, they'd probably strangle them. Like they never raised 'em."

Alva, happy to see the young men enjoying the meal, hurried to invite them to sit, "Come on, there's plenty! I even made some pasta, but since Mr. Abernathy isn't fond of it, I didn't bring it out. Would you two like some?"

Arnold and Aaron's heads bobbed eagerly, "Yes, yes, yes! Is there any other stuff?"

Evadne exhaled in exasperation, resting her forehead on her hand, "Be grateful there's food at all; you’re asking too much."

Gordon couldn't stand it any longer and discreetly reminded them, "Ahem., Arnold and Aaron , Mrs. Abernathy had a serious fall from her horse. As her brothers, you should at least show some concern, shouldn't you?"

Arnold and Aaron looked at each other, one with a pork knuckle in his mouth, the other gnawing the food crazily, they said in unison, "She looks fine to me, eating and drinking merrily. Don't create unnecessary panic!"

Gordon was left speechless. Who's being heartless here?

Evadne, nestled in Thaddeus's arms, was shaking with laughter. His strong arm supported her waist gently, content just to watch her laugh.

The presence of both Ashbourne brothers together was a rarity and signified something serious at hand.

Aaron belched, his demeanor suddenly solemn, "Elspeth tested positive for drug use in her urine test this afternoon. This is drug abuse, not just misuse of prescription meds. But she's denying everything, claiming she thought she was receiving regular beauty treatments from her doctor, Victor, and had no idea about the drugs. She claims she's been set up."

Evadne was stunned.

The treatments given to Elspeth were indeed prepared by Victor. With his extensive pharmacological knowledge, Evadne had trusted him completely in this regard, never suspecting he would administer drugs to Elspeth!

With such a dosage, it was as if he was aiming for her life!

"Aaron, this has nothing to do with Victor. Elspeth must be desperate, trying to drag someone down with her by implicating Victor," Evadne insisted, defending Victor.

"Evadne, I know Victor. He's received support from our dad, and he's on good terms with you." Aaron's brow furrowed as the brotherly banter faded from his gaze, "But as a police officer, I must act impartially and follow the law. I can't use my position for personal reasons. Right now, Elspeth is adamant that Victor set her up. Even if her claims are false, we must follow procedure and bring Victor in for questioning."

Evadne's lashes drooped, her silence heavy with remorse.

Thaddeus's brows knitted slightly; he didn't like to see friction between the siblings. While soothing Evadne's hand in his own, he spoke calmly, "Captain Ashbourne, we understand it's part of the investigation. You do what you need to do."