His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 462

Thaddeus leaned in for a respectful bow toward him, the deference of a junior done just right.

Even though this elder had given him a hard time in the past, making him feel unwelcome and putting him in difficult positions, his love for Evadne and the deep respect he held for Chairman Ashbourne's integrity kept him humble. Yet, his humility was nothing like Avery's eager-to-please fawning.

"Chairman Ashbourne, the night air's got a chill to it; mind you don't catch a cold."

His presence was like sunlight without glare, a deep current in still waters. On reflection, it did feel quite pleasant, natural, as if basking in a gentle breeze.

Emeric nodded slightly.

The top dog was without his usual bodyguards, which sent Evadne's heart racing with worry. She hurried over, "Dad, why didn't you bring anyone with you? Coming here all alone, what if."

"Mr. Lyle is quite capable, and besides, it's late and I didn't want to disturb their rest. Also, I wanted to see for myself how my daughter's getting on living here in Elmsworth, to see if the house she's staying in is comfortable enough."

Emeric glanced over the villa, "Hmm, small but well-appointed. Not spacious, but cozy enough."

"You didn't pick the lock to get in, did you?" Evadne's cheeks flushed with heat, her words sharp with mock indignation.

Her embarrassment stemmed from the fact that the villa had become her and Thaddeus's love nest, filled with traces of their life together.

"Do you really see me as incapable of doing things the normal way?"

Emeric's face darkened with a mock frown, "Didn't you hire a housekeeper? She let me in, made me tea, and served some pastries. I had a few; they were quite good. I had Mr. Lyle pack up the rest to take with us."

Mr. Lyle shook the clear container in his hand.

"How could you! Those cookies were for Thaddeus, you leave them be!"

Evadne was stomping her foot in frustration, reaching out with her small, pale hands to snatch away the goods, but Thaddeus was quick to hold her back. "You've got three women waiting on you hand and foot, and Thaddeus has only me! He hasn't even had a chance to try them; how can you swoop in and take advantage? Leave some!"

"Evadne, it's alright." Thaddeus hugged her tighter, a bemused smile on his face.

"Tsk, no harm in honoring your old man with these treats. Plus, if he wants more, you can make them for him anytime later. But for me to get a taste, I have to trek all the way to Elmsworth. It's not easy; I'm keeping them!" Emeric guarded his prize like a lion with his mane slightly ruffled.

Later?

The couple were taken aback, exchanging glances.

Emeric's demeanor toward Thaddeus was subtly different this time. In the past, it was as if he wanted to chase them with a stick every day. But tonight, not only was he less harsh on Thaddeus, but his words were also thought-provoking.

Thaddeus's heart raced, his palms beginning to sweat. But he dared not think too much of it; even the slightest thaw in their relationship was enough to satisfy him.

In the end, Evadne couldn't win against Emeric, and the pastries were taken. All the effort she'd put in that afternoon, and her man had barely had a taste before her father swooped in and claimed the lot. It was infuriating!

"Hey, kiddo, you seem sprightly enough. I take it your back's better?" Emeric inquired about his daughter's injury with genuine concern.

"It's fine. I'm not that delicate," Evadne stood tall with a defiant tilt of her chin.

"Evadne, don't push yourself. How could it possibly heal that quickly? You know, a sprain is worse than a break."

Thaddeus's brow furrowed with concern as he called her out, "Last night you were in so much pain you couldn't sleep, tossing and turning. Why don't you tell your dad the truth?"

"It's not like that. You talk too much," Evadne bit her lip, nudging him with her elbow in playful annoyance.

Emeric watched the interplay between his daughter and Thaddeus, and a sweet warmth wrapped around his heart, as if it had been bombarded by candy-coated shells. Even Mr. Lyle, standing behind him, couldn't help but let a smile creep across his face.

"Mr. Abernathy, Evadne’s got injury. I know she has you looking out for her, but you’re a CEO; your days are packed. You can't be by her side every minute. I'm worried about leaving my girl without proper care, so I'm thinking of taking her back home for a few days to recover."

The jokes were over, and Emeric got down to point.

"I'm not going back. Who says I don't have anyone to look after me? Alva that Thaddeus found for me is really reliable, takes great care of me every day! I'm not going back," Evadne declared defiantly in front of the two men she loved the most, her pout endearing.

Thaddeus stood silently beside her, his arm around her waist tightening ever so slightly.

He actually thought it best for her to go home where she'd be well looked after and could spend time with her family. But he couldn't bear the thought of being apart from her. Every moment he spent with her was precious, and he lavished her with all the love he could muster.

Even a day apart was agony for him, the yearning too much to bear.

Seeing Evadne unyielding, Emeric turned to Thaddeus with a serious look, "Mr. Abernathy, my daughter may have married you, but you're not a couple anymore. And given your backgrounds, it's not proper for you to live together like this. If you truly see a future with Evadne, it should be gradual, not rushed. Don't you agree?"

Thaddeus took a deep breath, tenderness mingled with hesitation as he gently pushed his beloved towards her father.

"Evadne, go home with Mr. Ashbourne for now; take good rest."

"You're sending me away?" Evadne's brows knitted together, her voice tinged with hurt, eyes brimming with the vulnerability of an abandoned kitten.

"Silly girl, what nonsense. I'm not sending you away, I'm doing what's best for you," Thaddeus's voice caught in his throat, seeing her pitiful expression made his heart ache.

"Will you come to Skyrim to see me?" Evadne's lips quivered as she asked.

"Of course, I'll come see you in a few days."

But heaven knew, he couldn't wait even one day. He'd want to set out for Skyrim at dawn, to at least stand outside the gates of Silverlake Harbor if he couldn't be with her. Just to be closer to her.

Emeric suddenly felt an inexplicable pang of guilt stirring within, but he just couldn't shake off the worry about Evadne being alone in Elmsworth.

After all, she had just ruffled the feathers of the Abernathy family and the Fairhaven family - and one of the Fairhaven family pooches had taken a nasty nip at her. Who knew what those folks might do next? The thought kept him tossing and turning at night.

In the end, Evadne joined her father for the ride away from town. The night was deep and dew heavy as Thaddeus, tall and handsome, stood for a long while in the wind, watching the luxury car disappear into the distance.

Only when it was out of sight did he bow his head, his fists clenched in restraint, a mist of tears brewing in his eyes.

Gordon, sensing his boss's plight, murmured a consolation, "Mr. Abernathy, ease your mind. Mrs. Abernathy just went home; she's not gone for good. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?"

Thaddeus's vision blurred, his voice hoarse, "I know. I just feel like I failed to take care of her."

The Rolls Royce, shrouded by night, made its way towards Skyrim.

In the back seat, Evadne nestled into her father's embrace, silent for a long while. Emeric held her shoulder, patting gently as one soothed a child, his voice low and warm, "Evadne, are you blaming me?"