Thaddeus’s dark eyes were devoid of emotion. “Thank you for the thought, but no.”
Frederic’s brow furrowed, his fingers tightening on his son’s shoulder. “Thaddeus, if you truly want to be the heir to the Abernathy Group, then a strategic marriage is one of your responsibilities! I heard from your doctor that your emotional capacity is… impaired. If that’s the case, then one woman should be no different from another in your eyes. Including Evadne.”
“I’m fine as I am. I don’t need a woman,” Thaddeus said, a deep line forming between his brows. “And while it’s true that Ms. Ashbourne and I are no longer together, you shouldn’t compare her to other women. She was once… very important to me.”
*Very important.*
The words sent a faint, struggling tremor through his otherwise frozen heart.
“Thaddeus, don’t tell me you’re still not over that Ashbourne girl,” Frederic said, his voice laced with disapproval.
Thaddeus’s lips thinned. “Father, that’s my private business. I have the right to remain silent.”
“I’ve been around the block, son. Listen to me. When choosing a wife, choose a virtuous one, and more importantly, choose one who loves you more.” Frederic gestured to the sea of beautiful, exquisitely dressed women below. “Evadne may come from a good family, but Emeric Ashbourne spoiled her rotten. She’s reckless, arrogant, and sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong, constantly getting herself into trouble. She’s a walking disaster with no ability to protect herself! Having her by your side is like living with a ticking time bomb. She’ll not only ruin you but could drag the entire Abernathy family down with her! How many lives do you have to waste on her? Look at the girls downstairs. Their looks and lineage are just as impressive as Evadne’s. And most importantly, they admire you, worship you. They would treasure you and bear heirs for the Abernathy Group!”
A cold smile touched Thaddeus’s lips. “So, is that why you married my mother?”
Frederic was speechless.
“Father, I may have a head injury, but I don’t have amnesia. I haven’t forgotten the kind of woman Evadne is.” The man turned away, his tall, powerful frame ramrod straight. “I’ve been married. I’ve had a girlfriend. I have zero interest in marriage alliances or dating. I’m afraid I can’t comply with your request.”
Frederic gritted his teeth, exhaling sharply.
Thaddeus had only taken a few steps when Frederic called out, “Thaddeus!”
He didn’t turn around. “If this is about marriage, please save your breath.”
Frederic shook his head, a look of resignation on his face. “I want you to go to the parking garage and greet your brother.”
Thaddeus froze.
“Your brother’s health is fragile, and this is his first public appearance since returning to the country. I’m worried he’ll feel overwhelmed. It would be good for you to be there with him.”
The question hit her like a physical blow, and the color drained from her face.
“Who initiated the breakup? You or Mr. Abernathy?!”
“You two were seen as the perfect couple, a fairytale romance! Why did you split? Was there a third party involved?!”
“You divorced Mr. Abernathy years ago because of that other woman. Did he cheat on you again?!”
Evadne had planned to remain silent, but the crowd was so dense she couldn't push through. Hearing their baseless accusations, she couldn't stay quiet. Her eyes were calm as she spoke.
“Mr. Abernathy and I separated amicably. There has never been a third party involved, and we remain on good terms. Please refrain from groundless speculation.”
Suddenly, a reporter shouted from the back.
“Did you two break up because of a woman named Alexia?!”

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