His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 530

“Mr. Abernathy, Mrs. Abernathy, this is it. This is where Beverly Higgins lives,” said Gordon, looking around nervously.

Born into a family of academics, Gordon had served Mr. Abernathy loyally for years, tackling many a tough job. Yet, he had seldom ventured into the gritty neighborhoods where everyday folks struggled to survive. Today, sans bodyguards, his anxiety was palpable.

But Thaddeus stepped out of the car with a cool composure.

A recent rain had left muddy puddles, and as Thaddeus carelessly trod into one, his handmade leather shoes were splattered with muck. He didn't seem to mind at all.

It was like coming home.

"Mr. Abernathy! Watch your step!" Gordon cried out too late.

"It's fine," Thaddeus said, lips barely moving, nonplussed.

Evadne was about to step out when she felt herself lifted into the air. With a startled yelp, she clung to his neck.

Fearing she'd soil her clean shoes and hem, Thaddeus gave her a firm princess carry, his lips curling with a tender smile, “What’s there to be nervous about? When have I ever dropped you?”

“Whoa, a warning would've been nice—you scared me!”

Evadne playfully punched his chest, seeing through his ruse, “Besides, it’s just a puddle. I’m not so delicate. I’ve had my share of hardships abroad. I'm not that fragile.”

“That was then, but now, you have me,” Thaddeus said, gently setting her down and steadying her by the waist.

Thaddeus thought, "Evadne, you have me now. You'll be the happiest woman in the world."

“Gordon, why take the long way to Beverly’s first?”

Evadne frowned in confusion, “The other girl’s place seemed closer. We could have stopped there before coming here, right? It would've been on the way.”

“Well, Mrs. Abernathy, that girl and her family refuse to see you and Mr. Abernathy,” Gordon sighed, finding the words difficult.

“What’s the matter?” Thaddeus’s eyebrows rose in concern.

“There’s no need to explain. I understand them,” Evadne said, taking his hand, her eyes soft yet resolute. “We're not parents ourselves; we can't fully empathize. The victims are vulnerable. Even the slightest thing puts them on edge. Even if we mean well, our status is a threat to them. Plus, with the Chambers Group pressuring them recently, it's understandable they can’t face us.”

Thaddeus's austere features grew contemplative, and he nodded.

Those ordinary parents, without illustrious backgrounds or vast wealth, were like ants under the might of the Chambers Group. A flick of their fingers could crush them.

They had done all they could to protect their young.

The couple shared a moment of silent empathy, a shared sorrow passing between them.

The trio made their way to the top floor.

Peeling walls, rubbish piled at the stairwell, boisterous children with no manners—every detail made Gordon's skin crawl, wishing he could levitate and avoid contact with everything.

“Hard to stomach?”

Thaddeus wrapped an arm around Evadne, his demeanor calm, “Before returning to the Abernathy family, I lived with my mother in a slum worse than this.”

“No, Mr. Abernathy, I...” Gordon started, taken aback.

“What matters isn’t the luxury but being with those you love. Wherever my mother was, that was home. After she passed, no matter how grand the Windermere Estate was, it wasn't home to me. I miss those days of us against the world.”

Perhaps he was moved by the memory, Thaddeus's deep eyes shimmered with unshed tears, his grip on Evadne tightening, his voice husky, "Luckily, I have Evadne now. Finally, I have a home again.”

Power, prestige—what did they matter?

All he sought was a simple, loving home with his loved one, nothing more.

Evadne lifted her clear eyes to meet his intense gaze, understanding him without a word.

They stopped at the far end of the top floor hallway, in front of a modest door.

Before they could knock, an elderly lady, hobbling on a cane, made her way up the stairs.

Seeing their finely tailored suits, she shook with rage, thumping her cane on the ground, "How dare you come back here! Think you can push around the Higgins, just because it's a widow and her daughter? They said they won’t sue; what more do you want? You trying to drive them to their graves?"

Thaddeus and Evadne exchanged glances, immediately understanding.

The Chambers Group had already been here, threatening Beverly and her mother.

"We're not. ma'am, please, we're not with those people. We're here to help!" Gordon tried to defuse the situation, but the old lady swung her cane at them in a frenzy, determined to defend her loved ones.

"Get out of here! I'm old enough. I'm not afraid of your threats! I'll fight with you! I witnessed Beverly's growth. She is good and kind. She is just like my own granddaughter! I don't allow you to bully her again, get out! "

The first swing caught Gordon unprepared, striking his arm and making him wince in pain.

The second was intercepted by Thaddeus, who stepped forward and grabbed the cane.

"Thaddeus! Don't hurt her!" Evadne cried out, her forehead furrowed in alarm.

"Ma'am, we mean no harm."

Thaddeus slowly lowered his hands, his expression gentle, his eyes sincere. He spoke in a calm and measured tone, "We're here to help Ms. Higgins. We're not associated with the folks who were here before. Please, believe us."