abcnovels
Chapter 680
Chapter 680
Chapter 680
Chapter 680
Arnold’s laughter faded into a serious mien as he caught wind of the conversation.
“Evadne, keep your cool, love. Anger’s no good for your health.”
Thaddeus‘ brows drew together in concern as he held the trembling hand of the petite woman,
“Especially on a full stomach. You know how sensitive your tummy is.”
Evadne slumped into her seat, frustration etched on her face, but the man quickly wrapped his arms
around her, planting a kiss on her forehead.
Despite his comfort, she was still shivering with anger.
“Indeed, it’s one of Matthew’s ‘masterpieces‘. I confronted Elva, asking why she wouldn’t fight back. It’s
not like the old days; we live in a society ruled by law now. With enough proof, she could sue for
divorce, make Matthew pay for what he’s done.
But she’s terrified of him to death, like he’s got some sort of deadly hold over her. She’d rather live in
misery, even if it meant being beaten to death by that beast, than change her plight. She bolted before I
could finish,” Camille’s voice was choked with emotion, her breathing erratic.
Arnold’s probing gaze landed on her increasingly pale face, his expression deepening with concern.
He could tell that Camille wasn’t just recounting someone else’s story; she was deeply affected by it,
almost as if she were living through it herself. She was keeping secrets from him, many of them.
“In two weeks, the Chambers family is throwing a grand gala at their estate. Invitations have gone out
to all the high–profile officials and business magnates in Elmsworth.” Thaddeus said, a cold glint in his
eye, “On the way here, Gordon texted me that Frederic Abernathy received an invite too.”
“Wait, the Abernathy family got one and I didn’t? Does the Ashbourne family have no clout at all?”
Evadne pouted, her ire evident.
Thaddeus squeezed her shapely shoulder firmly with his large hand, his voice hoarse, “I suspect
Avery’s planning to hand–deliver it to you in Skyrim.”
Arnold interlaced his fingers with Camille’s under the table, murmuring in a teasing tone, “Someone’s
got super jealous.”
Evadne’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “If he dares to bring it, I’ll crumple it up and stuff it in his mouth.
Let him roll back to wherever he came from.”
Thaddeus chuckled, the eagerness to kiss her further evident in his gaze.
“I get it now. Elva must have come to Camille for a gown on Matthew’s strict orders. Everyone’s
expected to dress to the nines for the Chambers‘ gala. With Matthew’s competitive and vicious nature,
he’d want his wife to outshine all others. If she fails, it’s likely another beating from Matthew,” Evadne
shook her head in fury, her concern for the poor woman palpable.
Thaddeus, thinking back on his harsh judgment of Elva, pressed his lips into a thin line, a sense of guilt
washing over him.
“Ms Ashbourne, I was wondering, could you and Mr. Abernathy find a way to bring Elva over to your
side? If she could come forward and testify about Matthew’s abuse, wouldn’t that increase your
chances of taking down that brute?” Camille said anxiously.
Evadne sighed deeply, “Camille, you’re oversimplifying things. The Chambers family is one of the four
major families, powerful enough to stand toe–to–toe with the Abernathy family in Elmsworth. Thaddeus
and I have been battling them for so long, two of the Chambers‘ kids are down, their Country T project
took a hit, yet their foundation hasn’t wavered. Compared to them, the West family is small fry, even
the most powerful elder in the family has stepped down. What could Elva possibly do against Matthew?
Even if she’s willing to risk it all, what about her family? If they anger the Chambers family, a simple
flick of their wrist could topple the West family.”
Camille fell silent, the color draining from her face.
Indeed, she had been naive. Some things in this world couldn’t be changed with passion alone. Reality
was brutally unforgiving.
“Evadne, Mrs. Ashbourne is making sense.” Thaddeus said thoughtfully, “Elva knows Matthew’s most
violent tendencies, and surely other dark secrets of his. If she could help us, along with Elvis’s
evidence, taking down Matthew would be a lot easier.
“Be we’re back to square one.” Evadne frowned, “Why would Elva help us? She’s endured so much
abuse and yet remained silent, clearly, she prioritizes family interests.”
“It’s all because she has vulnerabilities, things she’s afraid to lose.” a small smile played on Thaddeus‘
lips, “We just need to give her a sense of security.”
Evadne’s eyes lit up with realization, “You mean we prop up the West family?!”
Arnold and Camille chimed in together, “That could work!”
“In the coming days, I’ll have someone shadow Elva and have Gordon gather detailed information on
the West family members. We’ll find a key entry point to break through Elva’s defenses,” Thaddeus
said with a confident calmness, inspiring hope in everyone, despite the uncertain outcome.
Evadne intertwined her fingers with his, her eyes shining with admiration. “Matthew would never dream
that his downfall could be right beside him!”
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