Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Chapter 55 On the road, Evadne sat next to Thaddeus, her gaze fixed out the window, not sparing him even a glance. He could feel her coldness and rejection toward him. Thaddeus would sneak a few glances at her, wanting to start a conversation but unable to find the words. Hamilton’s private mansion was located in Havenbrook, Elmsworth, surrounded by mountains, tranquil and peaceful. “Grandpa, I’m here to see you!” Evadne burst into a bright smile as soon as she entered, her voice as melodious as a nightingale. It was like a crescent moon. But deep inside, she was slightly anxious about the diamond bracelet. She had to psych herself up a bit before she could muster the courage to enter. “Is that Ilana? I’ve missed you!” Hamilton, seated in his wheelchair, was wheeled out by Mr. Murray. His spirits instantly lifted upon seeing Ilana, as if his eyebrows wanted to fly off his face. “Where have you been these past few days, Ilana? Have you forgotten about me? Do you not like me anymore?” Hamilton grabbed Evadne’s hand and fired off a barrage of questions. Thaddeus felt a bit peeved. He thought to himself, this older man sure was a fun character. His age hasn’t dampened his lively spirit. If he were younger, he’d definitely be a hoot. Even Jareth would probably call him a master. “Grandpa, I’ve been busy with work recently and had to go on a business trip so that I couldn’t contact you. It’s my fault. Feel free to scold me,” Evadne apologized sweetly, squatting down with a smile. “How could I scold you? Just seeing you makes me happy,” Hamilton replied, shooting Thaddeus a glare. “If it weren’t for a certain annoying grandson, I could see Ilana daily. No need to go through all this trouble!”
Evadne laughed softly, at a loss for words. Thaddeus was not pleased. He knew he shouldn’t have come tonight. It was just asking for trouble. “Ilana, I’ve got a new painting here. I haven’t shown anyone else yet, saved it for you!” Hamilton excitedly led Evadne by the hand towards his study. “You just want me to authenticate it for you, don’t you?” Evadne teased with a twi nkle in her eye.
“Haha, you got me!” Thaddeus, standing behind Evadne, marveled at her. He had been married to her for three years, yet he never knew she had so many talents. She could race cars, write calligraphy, tailor clothes, and even authenticate art. He couldn’t believe that one person could possess so many skills so he wanted to see for himself. In the study, Mr. Murray had already donned white gloves and carefully unfurled a painting on the long table. “Evadne, this is my new acquisition. Please take a look for me,” Hamilton anticipated. “Alright, Grandpa.” Evadne stood in front of the painting, picking up a magnifying gla** and bending over to take a closer look, her left hand behind her back. Thaddeus watched her concentrate, his expression still cold, but the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up. She was beautiful and delicate on the outside, but inside, she was like a knowledgeable old sage. It was intriguing. Hamilton noticed the diamond bracelet on Evadne’s wrist. His eyes lit up, but the kind smile on his face didn’t wane. “This was a work by a famous artist,” Evadne confidently declared with a smile. “You’re right,” Hamilton confirmed, nodding his head. Thaddeus squinted slightly, silently moving closer to the painting and, consequently, her. “The painting bears a unique mark. Although there are no records to confirm its authenticity, the trees
are primarily depicted in a twisted pose, characteristic of this artist. The brushwork is delicate, the spirit is excellent, and the forests are fresh.” Evadne calmly appraised the painting, her knowledge of art apparent. Thaddeus was entranced, his gaze lingering on her profile, his expression growing more intense. “However, Grandpa, I’m sorry to say that this painting is not an original. It’s a reproduction done by someone who imitated the artist’s style. But their brushwork was indeed reminiscent of the original artist,” Evadne revealed. Because the original was hanging in Emeric’s private studio. Haha! “Ah? That’s a bummer! I got it wrong again!” Hamilton sighed, looking at his wrist like a child who’d made a mistake. Evadne subtly raised her eyelids, her gaze meeting Thaddeus’s overly intense stare. She flinched slightly, quickly lowering her head. Her face was half-hidden by her hair, and despite her best efforts to control it, a hint of shyness still showed in her eyes. Thaddeus’s heart raced, his breath hot and heavy. Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Thaddeus took it out and glanced at it. Seeing “Acacia” flashing on the screen, he stepped away to answer the call. Thaddeus leaned against the wall in the hallway, his eyes locked on the name “Acacia” as he answered. “Thaddeus, are you still mad at me?” Acacia’s sobbing voice came through before Thaddeus could reply. “I’m not mad anymore,” he answered emotionlessly but Acacia could tell he was still upset. 11:32 Chapter 55 “Then can you come see me? I really missed you. I missed you so much I couldn’t sleep.” Acacia pleaded with a soft, sweet voice. “I can’t tonight, and I have to stay with Grandpa.” NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
“Are you at Grandpa’s house? Then I’ll come over. Didn’t you say you wanted to introduce me to him more often? I just made your favorite dessert, the one we used to sneakily eat at the end of the alley when we were kids. I also made one for Grandpa to try my cooking.” Acacia cooed sweetly. “Acacia, it’s really not a good time tonight.” Hearing her mention their shared past, Thaddeus’s heart softened, and his tone warmed up. “Ilana’s here at Grandpa’s house right now. It might be awkward if you come over. You know how much Grandpa likes her.” “You’re with Ilana right now?” Acacia’s voice trembled. “Yes, Grandpa’s been wanting to see her lately. I brought her over for him.” “So it’s really because Grandpa wanted to see her? Not because you wanted to see her. Thaddeus?” Acacia sobbed, full of resentment. “No, it’s not like that. Don’t overthink it,” Thaddeus rea**ured. “Why is that woman so shameless? She’s already divorced. Why does she keep meddling in our relationship? She must be the one secretly sabotaging my relationship with Grandpa! Using Grandpa to suppress me, how could she be so shameless?” Acacia was so mad that her teeth were itching. Thaddeus rubbed his aching temple, sighing. In the study, Evadne thought about the deep gaze Thaddeus had just fixed on her, and her heart trembled. Seriously, why was she blushing like that? She had no self-control! Thaddeus’s eyes were just naturally attractive. Everything he looked at probably seemed so loving and tender! “Ilana,” Hamilton suddenly called out to her. “Oh, grandpa,” Evadne snapped back from her thoughts, smiling sweetly. “You really seem to like the diamond bracelet I gave you. You’re always wearing it.” Evadne’s heart was pounding, her thoughts in utter chaos, her throat as if clogged up with cement. “Grandpa.” “You keep that on, okay? The bracelet has sentimental value.”
Hamilton smiled warmly. “Yesterday, I had Mr. Murray sort through your grandma’s jewelry. I found some pieces that would suit you. Take them with you when you leave. You keep them. I’m getting old, and the future is unpredictable. I used to think that Thaddeus could take care of you for a lifetime, but now it seems he’s not that reliable, just like his unambitious father, I hope you’ll be safe and smooth in the future, but just in case. These jewels should be enough for you to live a worry-free life. Ilana? What’s wrong?” Hamilton suddenly froze, feeling helpless despite his long life experience. Evadne hung her head, standing in front of him like a punished child. Her slender shoulders were shaking, and tears filled her eyes, finally condensing on her long eyelashes and falling drop by drop. “Grandpa, I’m sorry.” Evadne remembered how she had stayed by Grandpa’s side, hiding her identity for Thaddeus. Thinking about Grandpa’s care over the years and how she failed to protect the bracelet he gave her. All sorts of feelings welled up, guilt-ridden, she burst into tears. “Hey, why are you crying?! Don’t cry.” Hamilton was very nervous, quickly pulling out his handkerchief to wipe her tears. Thaddeus, who was standing outside the door, also heard the crying. He quickly looked towards the study. He was taken aback by his ex-wife crying her eyes out like a mess. His heart suddenly contracted, and he could hardly hold his phone steady.