His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 747

"You disagree?"

Frederic's lips twisted into a sneer that was far from paternal as he glared down at Thaddeus, "You think you can fill my shoes while I'm still breathing? Do you think you'd be CEO of the Abernathy Group if I hadn't paved the way? Cocky, aren't you? Like a rooster crowing at daybreak, thinking it's responsible for the sunrise?"

Thaddeus felt more worry than anger, particularly for Marilla. If her engagement to the Bartley family was set in stone, he couldn't imagine the lengths Jareth might go to once he found out. It could end in a blaze of mutual destruction, or perhaps Jareth would be so crushed he'd never recover.

Marilla wasn't like Evadne, with her rock-solid resolve and a fighting spirit. She had always been the compliant one, too gentle for her own good, always bending to others' whims. And now, she was the one suggesting they break up.

"Your brother is ill, not dead. Don't get too comfortable in that CEO chair, nor think that your grandpa's favor makes you invulnerable. You're acting like you don't have a father to answer to, constantly challenging my decisions!" Frederic's voice carried a thinly veiled threat, "I just visited Chad in the State. His health is improving."

Thaddeus' brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing.

"Chad told me he's planning to come home as soon as he's stronger, to be with his family."

Frederic stood at a high position, his words laced with malice, "Your grandpa and I have always favored the firstborn. Chad's just been away too long, which is why you've had a chance to shine in front of your grandpa. But when he returns, feeling guilty, Grandpa will surely make it up to him. Then we’ll see if there's still a place for you at the Abernathy Group."

Late into the night, Gordon arrived at Thaddeus' study with the latest on the Fairhaven Group.

The room was hazy with smoke. Thaddeus, his fingertips calloused from work, held a cigarette as he browsed through documents, his gaze indecipherable, concealing his emotions.

Noticing the overflowing ashtray, Gordon sighed with concern, "Mr. Abernathy, I get you're upset, but brooding and smoking like a chimney could, you know, affect your semen."

Thaddeus shot him a frosty look, "You a relationship guru now, or what?"

Gordon coughed awkwardly, "Nope, just speaking out of turn, sir."

Gordon sighed again, "Mrs. Abernathy hates the smell of smoke, and you know it. If you go home smelling like that, she's gonna be pissed."

"I'm staying at Windermere Estate for a few days, to be with Marilla. Evadne knows."

A vision of his woman, hands on hips and pouting, flashed before Thaddeus' eyes, sending his heart racing. He ached to hold her close, to pin her down, to lose themselves in each other.

"Mr. Abernathy, you must be really out of sorts today. You wouldn't be sneaking cigarettes behind Mrs. Abernathy's back otherwise." Gordon asked with concern, "What's going on?"

"Give this info to Mr. Fairhaven. It's solid," Thaddeus' voice was unperturbed.