Chapter 1031



Evadne squinted her tired, dull eyes, staring at Cassius for a moment before shifting under the covers and shutting her eyes again.

"Look, either you let Thaddeus go, or you get up and make him fall for you all over again," Cassius said, his voice sharp with frustration. His dark eyes burned with a restless energy. "But wasting your life like this, hiding away in here—what's the point?"

"You're so noisy..."

Evadne buried her face deeper into the pillow. Her dark hair spilled across the crisp white sheets, making her look even smaller and more fragile. "Just leave, will you? I want to sleep!"

Cassius, the oldest brother-more like a father than a sibling-felt anger, pity, and helplessness all at once.

He knew: no one could untangle her heart but Thaddeus himself.

"Ms. Evadne, if you're hungry, you can have anything you want from the hotel kitchen," Jason fretted, lingering nearby. "Why instant noodles? Let me cook you something real. It's not good for you, eating that stuff."

Evadne's reply was muffled but clear, "Noodles are tasty. I like them."

Aaron, who knew Evadne's stubborn streak all too well, realized gentle words wouldn't work. He'd have to switch up his game.

He walked over to the bed, leaned down, and whispered in her ear, voice low and devilish, "I found out who's been meeting with Avery lately."

In an instant, Evadne shot upright, eyes wide with sudden energy. "Who?!"

Aaron wrinkled his nose dramatically. "Whoa, girl, you need a shower. If

housekeeping finds you like this tomorrow, they'll call the cops and think it's a crime scene."

Jason snorted, half-laughing at Aaron's exaggeration.

Aaron pressed on, "Go wash up, eat something decent, and I'll tell you what I found out."

It worked like a charm. Evadne scrambled off the bed, bare feet padding across the floor, wobbling a little as she made her way to the bathroom.

Cassius watched her go, worry creasing his brow deeper and deeper. He noticed the way she hunched over, her thin legs trembling.

"Evadne, are you alright?" Cassius called, concern spilling out.

"I'm fine... I'll just be quick," Evadne whispered back, voice barely above a breath.

But Cassius didn't believe her; he could sense something was off. He hurried toward her. "Are you sure you feel okay? If you're not, I'm taking you to the ER right now."

"I'm-" Before she could finish, pain tore through her stomach-a sharp, agonizing twist, like a hedgehog rampaging inside her. Suddenly, her whole body spasmed, and she doubled over, vomiting a mouthful of bright, terrifying blood onto the floor.

"Evadne!" Cassius and Aaron both shouted, rushing to catch her as she collapsed.

Jason, pale and shaking, grabbed his phone and dialed 911.

Evadne's world faded to black as she slumped into Cassius' arms, blood staining her lips, consciousness slipping away.

Later that day, after a full check-up, Thaddeus had finally been cleared to go home, though he was far from fully recovered.

After lunch, Gordon arrived with a

crisp new suit and helped Thaddeus change piece by piece. As he

et

fastened the tie, Gordon couldn't help recalling all those bright, gentle mornings when Mrs. Abernathy used to tie Thaddeus' tie for him. She was so deft, so careful, always finishing with a neat flourish. Thaddeus would always circle his arms around her, pulling her close, stealing a long, tender kiss.

Would there ever be mornings like that again?

Gordon hesitated, lips moving as if to speak. "Um, Mr. Thaddeus..."

Thaddeus said nothing, eyes a cool, distant blue.

As Gordon steeled himself to mention Evadne, the door swung open and a woman in a white coat strolled in.

"Mr. Thaddeus, you're looking better today," Alexia said with a warm smile, stepping over and presenting a bouquet of creamy white tulips. "Congratulations on your

discharge."

Thaddeus paused, the faintest hesitation in his eyes, then accepted the flowers. "Thank you, Dr. Alexia."

I.n

"Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Frederic are on their way to pick you up. Both of your uncles are worried about you Alexia continued with a gentle, reassuring smile. "Your older brother isn't feeling well, so he sent me instead. Figured a doctor would be handy, just in case."

Thaddeus nodded. "He's thoughtful."

Gordon stood silently behind her, watching her with a strange sense of unease—

something oddly familiar, yet alien.

Just then, Gordon's phone rang—a call from the company. He excused himself and

stepped outside.

Now it was just Thaddeus and Alexia in the room.

Thaddeus turned to the mirror, fumbling with his tie. After several frustrating

minutes, he still couldn't get it right. Sweat beaded at his hairline, his patience

unraveling.

And before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "Evadne, help me."

No history.