His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 564

On the way back from the airport.

Evadne stared blankly out the car window at the scattered neon lights, her words as sparse as the traffic they navigated through. Thaddeus knew she was on the brink of her own emotional abyss, so he let her dwell in her silence. Yet his large hand never ceased its firm, reassuring grip on her icy fingers.

His gaze remained fixed on Evadne's pallid yet strikingly beautiful profile, his heart held in a state of suspended concern.

The suffocating atmosphere lingered as they arrived home.

Barely had they crossed the threshold when a message from Aaron buzzed in.

“Evadne, we’re pretty certain about the identities now. It’s Eden and his goons.”

Evadne closed her eyes, biting her lower lip so hard a droplet of crimson betrayed her pain.

Thaddeus' eyes darkened with suppressed rage at the sight of her inner turmoil, feeling nearly breathless with the weight of his own helplessness.

“The forensics team combed through the blast site, found a couple of passports and enough personal effects to tie it back to them. They're from Country T, and with the CCTV footage, it's a closed case.”

As Evadne remained silent, Aaron quickly tried to console her, “Look, don’t beat yourself up, Evadne. That Eden and his cronies were all bad news back in Country T, each with a hefty rap sheet. I heard that the guy used his military clout to commit all sorts of atrocities – forcing innocents into prostitution, taking bribes, the works. Always slipped through the cracks. Him biting the dust is just karma. We're still searching for the chopper's black box, but we can't rule out foul play. The silver lining – no additional casualties. So, chin up, Evadne. Let us handle the rest.”

Evadne's voice was rough with emotion, “I know, Aaron.”

“You're pissed 'cause we missed Avery's trail again, feeling defeated. Even with Eden gone, the real puppeteer's still at large, taunting us. I get the frustration, I'm a cop too, remember?”

Aaron's voice softened, his usually brash demeanor giving way to patience for his dear sister, “But there's no such thing as an unbeatable general, Evadne. Defeat is part of the game. If you let this setback define you, let it drag you down, then you're truly letting them win. All your hard work would be for nothing. To win the war, you need unwavering resolve. We haven't hit rock bottom, Evadne. Catching Avery is just a matter of time. I've been on the force long enough to know – there's no case that can't be cracked. Remember – we make our own destiny!”

We make our own destiny.

The Ashbournes never believed in fate, never accepted defeat.

“Thanks for the pep talk, Aaron. Don't worry. I'm not that fragile.”

After hanging up, the dam holding back Evadne's emotions finally broke. She collapsed into Thaddeus' arms, sobbing uncontrollably, her inner fortress crumbling in the presence of the man she loved most.

Thaddeus held her tightly, his hand gently stroking her trembling back, his voice a soothing rumble in her ear.

“My love, let it all out. Don't keep it bottled up inside, it'll eat you up.”

“I'm so stupid,” Evadne's fingers clutched at his shirt, but she couldn't help berating herself.

“Darling, if you're stupid, then I'm a complete fool,” Thaddeus said with a regretful smile, wishing he could take back his words as her crying intensified.

“I know what you meant. I'll be fine after a cry.”

Evadne's tear-streaked face nuzzled against his chest, and his strong muscles teased her through the soaked fabric, inadvertently playing out a scene of seduction.

She grew a bit embarrassed, her sobs subsiding as her hands brushed over the damp spots she created.

Her endearing vulnerability made Thaddeus' heart race, but tonight, he wouldn't push her further. He simply wanted her to rest and regain her strength in his embrace.

“You haven't eaten all night. You must be starving. Let me make you something,” Thaddeus said, concern lacing his words as he wiped away her tears.

“Hmm, you haven't eaten either. I'll cook. You take forever, and I don't want to eat at midnight,” Evadne's voice was still hoarse but determined.

He chuckled helplessly, “Then I'll ask Alva to prepare something.”

“It's too late. I'll do it.”

“Let's do it together then.”

Evadne's heart warmed at the thought, “Okay, together.”

With Evadne's culinary skills joining the effort, Thaddeus was relegated to sous-chef as she whipped up a massive bowl of spaghetti!

Truly massive.

It seemed she planned to channel her fury into her appetite.

“Evadne. ahem, it's late. Are you sure you can sleep after eating all that?” Thaddeus eyed the mountain of food, suddenly feeling full just at the sight.

Standing by the table with her sleeves rolled up, Evadne viciously stirred the mixed spaghetti with a large fork, “Don't worry. After I eat, I'll kayak on the lake for an hour. That should do it.”