NovelApexGordon was fuming, but as much as he wanted to argue, he couldn't because every word she said was true.
Thaddeus's eyelids fluttered almost imperceptibly. He pressed his lips into a thin, unreadable line.
"If either of you have doubts about the medicine, or about my sincerity toward Mr. Thaddeus, there's an easy
solution," Alexia said, her voice calm and fearless. "Take these pills and have them tested. If there's any issue, I'll
take them myself."
She looked Gordon's way with perfect composure. "And please, thank my brother for me."
Thaddeus's gaze lingered on Alexia, warm but distant. "I'll take the medication," he said quietly. "But | have
business to attend to, Dr. Alexia. You can go now."
"In that case, | won't keep you any longer, Mr. Thaddeus. If you feel unwell, contactright away."
With that, Alexia turned and strode toward the door.
Just then, Thaddeus spoke, his voice low and steady. "Mr. Gordon, I'll attend the charity event this weekend."
Gordon's face lit up with delight. "Excellent, Mr. Thaddeus! I'll make the arrangements at once."
Alexia shot Gordon a sly, sidelong glance, then swept out of the room.
The moment the door closed, Thaddeus's handsfeatures hardened. He snatched up the pills from his desk
and tossed them into the trash without a second thought.
"Mr. Thaddeus, you've finally cto your senses?!" Gordon was nearly overcwith joy. He'd been half afraid
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThaddeus had been bewitched by that pale fox of a woman.
"My brother did save my life. That's a fact. But that doesn't mean | have to accept everything he gives me, no
questions asked."
Thaddeus gathered the files on his desk, forcing himself to steady his breath. The memory of his conversation
with his brother on the roof flashed through his mind, sending a dull ache through his temples. He clenched the
pen in his hand until his knuckles whitened.
*
In the blink of an eye, the weekend arrived.
This year's annual EImsworth Charity Gala was unlike any before. Instead of being hosted by one or two wealthy
families, it was now a joint effort by the city's most influential dynasties, the local government, and a host of
non-profits and community organizations.
These events were always a stage for the powerful to flaunt their generosity, polish their reputations, and
showcase their influence.
Now that Evadne had assumed the role of President of KS Group, she was expected to take center stage at such
public events.
That morning, a Rolls Royce glided to a stop at the entrance of EImsworth's largest care home, the one
sponsored by the charity foundation.
Most high society types only bothered with the evening gala, enjoying the limelight as they wrote the checks for
all to see. The daytactivities at the care hwere another story-few wanted to
get their hands dirty or deal with the
noise, so most simply skipped them. s
Evadne was ushered inside by Jason and the care home's director.
The previous night's snowfall had left the courtyard blanketed in white. Teachers
and volunteers were out front, sweeping the walks clear.
"Goodness, this year's event is the
vel
liveliest our care hhas ever seen," the director said warmly, leading Evadne down the path.. "Usually, the
charity gala in the evening is bustling, but here in the hit's always so quiet no one wants to cduring the
day. But w President Ashbourne, you're the real deal. You truly care for these children."
s
Evadne smiled, her expression casual, her lips tinged with a hint of red. "Is
anyone else coming today, besides me?"
"Oh, yes! Mr. Frederic from the Abernathy Group is here too!"
Evadne stopped dead in her tracks, her heart pounding so hard it nearly drowned
out her voice. "Mr. Frederic... where is he?"
"He's in the backyard, playing soccer with the kids."
Evadne fought to keep her composure, stifling the urge to rush to him. She walked toward the backyard at a
measured pace. Even before she stepped outside, the sound of children's laughter drifted through the air.
A moment later, she froze in the doorway, her heart, which had been racing
uncontrollably, now sinking with sudden disappointment.
There, in the midst of a gentle, snowy landscape, Chad sat in his wheelchair, bundled in a black wool coat. He
steered himself nimbly among the children, his face alight With joy as they kicked a soccer ball back and forth. s
Though his body was confined, his movements were remarkably agile there was no trace of awkwardness. In
fact, he carried himself with a certain youthful, carefree grace.
"Careful, big brother!" a little boy called as Chad's wheelchair slipped slightly on the icy ground. The child
dashed over to steady him.
"Thank you, little man," Chad said with a warm smile, reaching down to ruffle the boy's hair.
"Wow! Look, big brother-such a pretty lady!" the boy exclaimed, pointing toward Evadne.
Chad followed his gaze, his eyes brightening as he smiled. “Ms. Evadne—what a pleasant surprise."
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