abcnovels
Chapter 700
Chapter 700
Chapter 700
Chapter 700
Matthew casually lifted his wine glass, a lazy glint dancing in his eyes. “What’s the news? Tell me about
it.”
“Barry’s getting on in years, wants to step back and has already designated Jareth as his successor.
He will be taking over as the President of the Fairhaven Group and Vice–Chairman of the Board. The
news has spread throughout the Fairhaven Group. After next week’s board meeting, Jareth’s officially
take office.”
“Is that supposed to be news? Everyone in our circle knows that.” Avery scoffed.
“At this critical time, the Fairhaven Group’s internal strife is fierce. After the death of the Fairhaven
family’s eldest son, Gary, as Barry Fairhaven’s only son left, didn’t inherit the leadership. Watching the
younger generation step over his head, stirring things, I bet his current hostility is even more intense
than that of a ghost!”
“What’s the use then? It’s just impotent rage. If Gary truly had capability, he would have secured his
inheritance right when Jareth’s father passed. How could he wait until now to be overtaken by his
junior?”
Avery’s gaze sharpened suddenly, turning suspiciously to Harvey. “You didn’t come all this way just to
tell me about this nonsense, did you? What else have you found out?”
“I heard that Gary and Jareth’s sister, Edith, have grown quite close. They’ve formed an alliance in the
shadows, planning to take down Jareth together.”
Harvey’s expression was dark and brooding. “Why don’t you as well intervene at this time, lend them a
hand, and give that lad Jareth a taste of difficulty! If it succeeds, you can take credit. If it fails, Gary and
Edith will shoulder the blame, and you’ll be as untouchable as ever.”
Avery was astute and naturally understood his meaning.
Truth be told, whether the Fairhaven Group fares well or not didn’t concern him much.
Among the four major families, the Fairhaven Group was only in fourth place. His real competitors in
Elmsworth were the Abernathy Group; the Fairhavens didn’t even register.
But he was still compelled to act against Jareth, simply because Jareth was Thaddeus‘ one and only,
best friend!
Only by striking Jareth could Thaddeus truly feel the sting.
And only Thaddeus‘ pain could bring him joy.
“Harvey, you’re getting more and more attuned to my thinking.”
Avery adjusted his gold–rimmed glasses and picked up his phone, dialing Edith’s number.
Emeric’s condition was stabilizing by the day, but the Ashbourne family couldn’t set their mind at ease.
They took turns by his side watching over him every day, tending to him with great care that they
managed to feed the handsome old man until he gained an extra ten pounds.
Despite his increasing girth, Emeric could say, without exaggeration.
These past weeks had been his happiest in nearly two decades since his wife’s passing.
He didn’t want his children to hover around him out of obligation; he just wanted to see them often.
Especially Evadne.
It was as if he was making up for the years of lost father–daughter time, Emeric, despite his age,
started being somewhat petulant, insisting on seeing Evadne daily, being quite difficult to deal with.
Tonight, Evadne and her husband Thaddeus were dining with Emeric in his bedroom. She picked up a
rib and held it to his mouth.
Here, Emeric, open wide.”
Emeric smiled beamingly, just as he was about to open his mouth, Evadne added, “Try some
Thaddeus‘ cooking.”
Instantly, Emeric’s mouth closed, losing his appetite instantly.
This left Thaddeus fidgeted and uneasy, his lips pressed tightly together, the picture of spousal
aggrievement.
“Oh, come on!” Evadne frowned prettily, prying open Emeric’s mouth with her left hand and stuffing the
rib in like force–feeding a goose “This is Thaddeus‘ heartfelt effort. He spent over an hour on it, you
must appreciate it!”
“You little girl, always siding with him! Are you trying to choke me?” Emeric chewed the meat in his
mouth with a sullen face
The taste was quite good. The young man’s culinary skills had improved considerably
Thaddeus never tried to flatter or deal cursorily with his daughter; his sincerity was evident in every
way.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
A perfectly matched couple entered–it was Cassius and Chasel.
“Dad.”
“Chairman Emeric, how are you feeling today?” Chasel asked warmly, standing shoulder to shoulder
with his beloved.
Emeric glanced at his son and then playfully at Chasel’s clean–cut face. “Why so formal all of a
sudden? Not calling me ‘dad‘ anymore?”
Evadne and Thaddeus both looked shocked!
Chasel’s face, who originally had fair skin, blushed down to the base of his neck at this jest, and his
lowered, long lashes betrayed a sense of bewilderment.
Seeing Chasel’s embarrassment, Cassius couldn’t help but feel a warmth in his heart. He directly took
his partner’s nervously sweating hand and firmly held it, saying. “Dad, Chasel is shy. Please don’t tease
him like that.”
Evadne’s eyes crinkled with a smile, watching the young couple with joy.
Ah, there was nothing like love to transform a person.
The once stoic Cassius was now protectively standing by his spouse.
Emeric looked at them with an inscrutable expression, his gaze gradually resting on their intertwined
hands, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Cassius, what happened to your fingernails? Why are they so dark?”
Cassius paused for a moment, then looked down tenderly and chuckled. “Chasel has a taste for nuts. I
went out last night to get some chestnuts tonight and have been peeling them for him. Must be from the
chestnut shells.”
Chasel’s heart pounded rapidly, his face blushing in an adorable manner.
He had been nervous; after all, Cassius held a status of high regard, and his hands, which once
commanded great power. Now, they were reduced to cracking nuts for him. What parent would be
pleased by that?
Unexpectedly, Emeric mildly said, “Ah, that’s good then. I thought you caught onychomycosis. I was
worrying if you got that and infected Chasel, how could he look after patients in the future?”
Chase just blinked, wordless.
Evadne and Thaddeus exchanged a look of silent amusement.
Cassius Ashbourne squeezed Chase’s hand, letting out a laugh, “Dad, can’t you just wish me well for
once?”
But it was clear to any discerning eye-
Emeric had truly accepted Chase into the family.
After warm and light–hearted conversations, Emeric was coaxed by Evadne to finish his meal.
“Dad, we need to start getting ready. We’ll be leaving in a few days.”
Cassius and Chasel exchanged a look, “I’ve contacted the best sanatorium over there and arranged
everything. Chase has also secured consultations with two of the most authoritative neurology experts
in the country. They’ll be ready to see you as soon as you arrive.”
“My children, you all are so thoughtful, Emeric’s eyes filled with thanks, but even more so with
reluctance to leave.
Evadne frowned gently. “Emeric, why do you look so melancholy? Could it be that you can’t let go of all
this? But money’s not worth a thing without your health.”
“It’s not about this, it’s that I can’t let go of you kids, especially you, you naughty girl.”
Emeric sighed, a twinge of emotion in his voice as he tapped Evadne’s forehead affectionately. “Once I
leave, I don’t know how long the treatment will rake. I’ve just gotten used to the familiarity and warmth
you bring, much like a security blanket, now you’re asking me to take it off. How could I bear to do
that?”
A bitter sweetness surged in Evadne’s heart, and her eyes moistened
Thaddeus saw it and quietly moved behind her, his broad palm gently soothing her slender back.
He knew she couldn’t bear to part with her father either. She always acted tough, never liking to speak
sentimental or cheesy things, but he understood just how much she loved her father,
“Dad, I’ve already briefed Evadne on everything she needs to know about the K Group. By the end of
the month at the latest, she’ll be ready to take the reins,” Cassius said, his gaze heavy with earnest
expectation as he looked at his little sister.
Emeric nodded solemnly and then took his daughter’s hand in his, “Girl, can you handle it?”
“If I can’t, then no one can,” Evadne huffed proudly, full of confidence.
“I won’t be there to watch over you, so don’t act recklessly or wildly, heedless of consequences. Also,
don’t try to shoulder everything on your own in a show of stubborn strength. Communicate with us. Or
ask your man for advice, let him shield you from bullets.”
“Emeric, Thaddeus is my lover, not a human shield. What’s this about taking bullets for me!” Evadne
protested, her lips puckering.
Thaddeus remained unflustered, his eyes filled with gentle warmth, “Please rest assured. Even in a
storm of bullets, I’d be in front of Evadne. I’ll ensure her safety”
Evadne’s eyes turned red, and warmth filled her chest as she leaned into his embrace, like a drifting
boat finding its permanent haven.
“Mr. Thaddeus.”
Emeric addressed him so formally, and Thaddeus tensed up and quickly replied, “Yes?”
“My daughter is still young, rash, and thoughtless. Please, take good care of her in the future, don’t let
others bully her,” Emeric’s voice became muffled, as if he was choking up.
Thaddeus felt a surge of emotions, and he gripped her delicate hand tightly, nodding firmly.
Leaving Emeric’s room, the couple made their way to their own room.
But before they’d gone far, Evadne buried herself in Thaddeus‘ chest, her shoulders shaking with quiet
sobs.
Thaddeus‘ white shirt became damp with her tears, and he held her close, continuously whispering
words of comfort.
The young miss now was prone to tears every day or two, but he didn’t find it annoying at all.
On the contrary, he wished to cherish each droplet of tears she shed, to spoil her without limits.
“Are you worrying about your uncle already?” Thaddeus kissed behind her ear, his voice a deep,
gravelly caress.
“How could I not be worried. I don’t know how long it will take, or if it can even be cured,” Evadne said,
the tip of her nose red as she rubbed it against his neck, her warm breath making his eyes tingle.
“It will be cured.”
In the dimly lit hallway, they clung to each other, their kiss deep and passionate.
Evadne trembled in his arms, her eyes misty with desire, a soft moan escaping her lips.
God. His kisses had become more exquisitely skilled by the day; he knew exactly how to tease her,
how to awaken her desires.
Their lips and tongues entwined, the heady sensation momentarily dispelling the gloom in her heart.
“Let’s go to the bedroom,” Evadne whispered, her arms around his neck, her eyes glistening, her voice
breathy.
“Okay”
Thaddeus‘ eyes darkened with desire as he lifted her in his arms, kissing her as they moved forward.
But they hadn’t taken two steps before running into Suri and Aviana, who had rushed towards them.
“Oh my, oh my! Goodness me! We didn’t mean to interrupt, really!” Suri exclaimed and quickly covered
her eyes.
Aviana followed suit, “Oh dear! I didn’t see anything, I’m blind!”
Evadne quickly jumped down from the man, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“Suri, Aviana, I’m sorry, it was my fault.” Thaddeus wrapped an arm around his love, his voice low and
husky, “It was me; I couldn’t help myself”
Evadne wanted to silence him? The more he spoke, the worse it got!
“Suri, Aviana, what brings you here in such a hurry?”
“Evadne, trouble is come knocking!” Aviana clenched her teeth.
READING FREE LIGHT NOVEL AT NOVEL BIN