Chapter 152

Over at Abernathy Hotel, Acacia was having her moment in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Evadne was cruising in her sports car all by herself, relishing the cool evening breeze

on the winding roads of Havenbrook.

The car stereo was blaring some tunes and she’s belting out lyrics, feeling absolutely fantastic.

Just then, Arnold gave her a ring.

“Arnold,” Evadne cooed sweetly.

“Girl, your voice is so soft, I should record it to make Elvis Waverley green with envy, haha!” Arnold sounded excited and chipper.

“You’re calling me, does that mean everything is set?” Evadne asked.

“Yep, all squared away. Cas sius is ready on his end, too.”

Arnold sounds proud. “Cas sius and me, we’ve got this. You can relax.”

“I’m on my way to see Mr. Hamiltion. I heard that everyone from the Abernathy group got roped in by Elspeth to attend Acacia’s birthday bash tonight, except for Mr. Hamiltion.

I know Mr. Hamiltion actually enjoys a bit of a hullabaloo, but he keeps it under wraps so as not to be a bother. But I also know he really dreads being alone. Mr. Hamiltion has always been so good to me so it’s my turn to keep him company.”

Whenever she mentioned Mr. Hamiltion, Evadne’s eyes would soften, and she felt a pang of sympathy for him.

Back when she was still Thaddeus’ wife, she would often keep Mr. Hamiltion company, chat with him, do calligraphy and appraise treasures with him. She also sang for him and joined him for strolls by the sea.

One Valentine’s Day, Elmsworth was hit with the biggest snowfall of the year.

Evadne braved the heavy snow and showed up at Mr. Hamiltion’s place with homemade desserts.

She remembered how Mr. Hamiltion was taken aback when he saw her little face and nose all red from the cold.

“Ilana, it’s Valentine’s Day! Why aren’t you spending it with Thaddeus? Why are you here with me?” He asked.

Back then, she was still making excuses for Thaddeus. She was pretending to be happy and masking her sadness with forced smiles.

“Thaddeus is a busy CEO. He hardly has a moment to spare, not even on Valentine’s Day.

And Thaddeus got me a gift. It’s the thought that counts.” She answered.

*Ilana, you’re too kind-hearted. You need to toughen up, or you won’t be able to handle Thaddeus!

When I was young, I was just as headstrong as Thaddeus. Then Fiona Abernathy would either put me in a time-out or pinch my thighs. See, she straightened me out.”

Evadne just gave a soft chuckle on hearing his remarks.

She and Hamiltion Abernathy watched the snow for a while, then Hamiltion suddenly asked,

“Ilana, are you cold?”

“Nope!”

“Then let’s go. Keep me company to visit Fiona.”

Mr. Hamiltion’s eyes held a depth of affection that Evadne longed for, “She hates the cold.”

‘Mr. Hamiltion! I’m here!”

Just like old times, Evadne announced her arrival with her bright voice, her words echoing in every corner of the living room.

“Ilana!”

The reply came in an equally sweet voice, tinged with childlike innocence.

Then, Marilla Abernathy, pushing a wheelchair with Hamiltion in it, appeared.

‘Marilla?! You’re here too!”

Seeing Marilla, Evadne’s joy doubles. She hurried over and pulled Marilla into a tight embrace.

Marilla reciprocated Evadne’s hug, patting her slim back and blinking her shiny eyes, “Evadne, why are you so skinny!? You weren’t this skinny before. Have you been eating well?”

“I’ve been eating a lot, really. I make sure I have a hearty meal every time,” Evadne replied with a smile.

She had indeed lost some weight recently. With her hectic work schedule, she often combined breakfast and lunch, and sometimes she didn’t even have time for dinner. “Ilana, come here and let me get a good look at you!” Hamiltion was delighted to see Evadne. He still called her ‘llana’, just like before.

Evadne didn’t mind at all. She had cut off all ties with Thaddeus.

So, the name “Ilana” was not a painful reminder of the past. She’s all chilled out as long as Mr. Hamiltion was happy.

“You look a bit off-color. Haven’t been getting enough rest?” Evadne squatted beside the wheelchair, looking up at Hamiltion with concern.

“Oh, it’s my old ailment acting up again. Nothing serious.” Hamiltion rea**ured her and stroked her head. His face, however, was noticeably pale.

Evadne immediately went into alert mode. She took Mr. Hamiltion’s hand and quietly observed his condition.

A moment later, she said seriously, “From now on, I’ll make time every week to give you treatments, and I’ll prescribe some medicine for you. You must take it on time. I’ll have Mr. Murray remind you.”

“Ilana, you’re the heiress of the Ashbourne family now. Emeric adores you. I can’t let you do all these things. I heard from Thaddeus that you’re managing the Ashbourne family’s hotels? You’re working too hard. Don’t come here anymore. I have Mr. Murray, he’s enough.” Although Hamiltion would love to see Evadne more often, he was also

10:52

worried about her getting worn out.

Evadne was slightly taken aback. She didn’t expect Thaddeus to be discussing her with Mr. Hamiltion behind her back.

He used to ignore her, as if she was invisible.

Now that they’d broken up and he was suddenly showing interest in her. What’s the deal with that?

“So I’m Emeric’s daughter now, does that mean I’m no longer your granddaughter?”

Evadne arched an eyebrow and made a bold remark, “My legs are mine. I go where I want, and do what I want. Emeric has no right to interfere with my moves. Hmph!”

Evadne’s goofy, adorable demeanor got Mr. Hamilton and Marilla cracking up.

Just then, her cellphone vibrated.

Evadne glanced at the screen and spotted a text from Jason.

“Ms. Evadne, everything’s all set. Awaiting your orders.” Jason’s voice came through.

In the banquet hall, the grand stage was decked out in flowers.

The lights in the audience dimmed slowly while the stage lights grew brighter.

Thaddeus and Jareth sauntered into the venue at that point.

Despite their low-key entrance, everybody just noticed their arrival.

All eyes were on Thaddeus. Guests were whispering amongst themselves.

“It’s surprising to see Mr. Thaddeus at Ms. Acacia’s birthday bash, given his high-and-mighty attitude. Ms. Acacia must be quite influential.”

“You think this is just an ordinary birthday party?” Someone sneered, “Didn’t you notice? Mr. Stirling, Una, Mr. Frederic, Elspeth are all here. This might be a birthday bash on the surface, but I bet they’re gonna drop some major news.”

“Oh, I see. So, it was a good call to attend? Any big scoop?”

“Ugh, ignorance is bliss. I’m close to the Abernathy family. When Mr. Thaddeus got married, they kept it hidden and there was no wedding ceremony. For three years, his ex-wife just quietly stayed on Mr. Thaddeus’ side. Now, Mr. Thaddeus is making a big deal of his girlfriend’s birthday. I bet the wedding will be a grand affair. If I were his ex, I’d be heartbroken!”

The rumors and speculation sent Thaddeus into a funk.

He had never felt guilty towards Evadne before their divorce.

But now, he felt like the villain in everyone’s story; his past laid bare for judgment.

“Thad, you alright? You look a bit off,” Jareth nudged him gently with his elbow.

“I’m fine,” Thaddeus inhaled deeply, struggling to keep his composure.

In the front row sat Frederic, Mr. Stirling, and Mrs. Stirling. Their presence hinted at a wedding.

Suddenly, the brilliant lights twi nkled, and joyful music began to play.

To thunderous applause, Acacia, in a custom-designed gown adorned with a million dollar worth of diamonds, ascended the stage in an off-shoulder silver dress, with Elspeth at her side. She bowed to the crowd in gratitude.

“Wow! Look, she’s wearing a dressing customized by Camille!” Someone whispered in awe.

“So gorgeous… A million-dollar dress for a birthday party? The Abernathys really spoil her!” Hearing the praises, Acacia reveled in her moment of glory, absolutely delighted!

The only regret was that Thaddeus wasn’t standing beside her.

But that didn’t dampen her joy..

Tonight, she was the unrivaled, high and mighty princess!

“Thank you, everyone, for making time in your busy schedules for Acacia’s birthday. Sharing this special moment with all of you will be a memory that Acacia cherishes forever.”

As she spoke, Elspeth took Acacia’s hand. Her loving gaze was making her look like Acacia’s mother, “Moreover, we have an important announcement to make.”

The crowd hushed instantly.

Frederic maintained a smile, his expression unreadable; while the glimmer in Mr. and Mrs. Stirling’s eyes revealed their brimming anticipation.

“Acacia will officially be engaged to Thaddeus very soon!”

10:52

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