There, all was quiet.
The crisp evening breeze brushed past Thaddeus, stirring the deep pools of his eyes, his heart thudding in his chest with a heavy, unresolved longing.
Even now, he held onto a sliver of hope for Chad who had once saved his life.
He had watched the Chambers tear each other apart, caught in a brutal struggle for dominance. He couldn't bear the thought of the same fate befalling the Abernathy corporation.
"Thaddeus, though I’ve been too ill to look out for myself, my heart has always been with the Abernathy corporation. Worrying over grandpa, dad, you, and Marilla."
Chad's voice was filled with sincerity, "First off, I had no idea you were the one stirring trouble behind the scenes. I was merely acting in the best interest of the Abernathy family. And even if I had known it was you, I don't think I would've chosen differently. Everything I've done was for the Abernathy corporation. Thaddeus, I hope you can understand me."
Upon hearing these words, Thaddeus clenched his fists, his emotions a tumultuous mix.
After dinner, Cassius, Arnold, and the ever-busy Bennett found time to join Emeric for a chat in his room.
"Where's the fourth one?"
Emeric began to take stock of his sons, not missing the chance to tease, "What, he's not still holding a grudge over Mr. Fairhaven and Marilla's wedding, is he? He's not that petty, right?"
"Dad, he got here early, even helped Jareth with the decorations."
Arnold, surprisingly speaking up for his rival, added, "But he headed out early today, wouldn't say where he was going."
"And the seventh? Why's he missing?"
Emeric frowned, "He's not avoiding the wedding because he's heartbroken, is he? Doesn't sound like a son of mine."
"Dad, you're underestimating Aaron. He's made peace with Jareth, moved on, and let go."
Cassius offered a reassuring smile, "He's been swamped at work, barely managed to get time off. He's on a flight right now, will land tomorrow morning."
"That's good, as long as he's moved on. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea."
Emeric nodded contentedly, "If my sons struggle to find partners, then the world's men are doomed to bachelorhood."
Their confidence in romance, a family trait.
"Dad, I just heard from Suri, even Debby got called back from Helgen by Evadne. She's on her way now."
Bennett poured a cup of the local specialty tea for his father, his smile warm, "Actually, her coming back for the wedding is secondary. She's mainly coming to see you and Suri."
"Ah, that child, so thoughtful."
Emeric felt a warmth akin to wearing a cozy sweater, though worry soon clouded his mood, "But I've seen the news, Helgen's political scene is quite unstable. Darcy's had a rough time since taking office, even survived a car accident abroad. Thankfully, he's alright. Ah, I regret letting Debby marry so far away. If only I had known."
"Dad, why regret? Your daughter is the first lady, your son-in-law a president. I'd be over the moon," Arnold couldn't help but interject.
"That's because you've never been a father. You don't know what it's like to worry over a daughter."
Emeric shot Arnold a look of disdain, "And besides, what do you know besides eating? Your heart's practically a meat bun!"
The Ashbourne men cherished such rare moments of familial warmth, and Chasel cleverly chose not to intrude.
Although he had won over the Ashbournes, he still felt like an outsider during such times, showing great tact and self-awareness.
Chasel changed into a brown cashmere coat gifted by Cassius and casually strolled downstairs, hands in his pockets, smiling as if basking in the spring sun.
"Auntie, Myra, Aviana, Nydia," he greeted, the picture of charm.
"Chasel, where are you off to?" Nydia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
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