His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 799

Jareth's broad shoulders hunched inch by inch, the emotions he'd never displayed now breached their dam.

Marilla's clear eyes reddened as she struggled to lift her hand, touching the man's overly gaunt cheek. Her trembling fingers glided upward, eventually pausing beside his graying hair.

"Have I become terribly unattractive?" Jareth's calloused hand covered hers, gently caressing it, as he tried to muster a smile, "I'm not the stud I used to be; Marilla, would you despise me for that?"

"Ah."

Marilla's heart ached, and even her babbling voice seemed to fail her, ripples of emotion flowing through her gaze.

Evadne, ever so sensitive and delicate, couldn't help herself and quietly shed tears.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Hamilton, tugging on Frederic's arm, left the hospital room first. Thad and Evadne followed closely behind, affording the couple their much-needed privacy.

In the aftermath of the ordeal, facing their profound love for each other, even if Marilla couldn’t speak, there was so much they needed to convey.

Jareth barely managed to hold Marilla's frail diminutive hand tightly, his breath warm and heavy, tears falling onto the back of her hand.

In silence, they gazed at each other, their deep love needing no words. Marilla's long lashes fluttered gently; her slim finger traced slow patterns on the palm of his hand - Lily.

With the final letter drawn, Jareth's clenched fist trembled slightly from the force, his downturned lips fiercely suppressing the bone-deep pain of losing a family member.

"Marilla, get well soon. Once you’re better, I'll take you to see Lily."

Marilla, innocent as she was, didn't see through his kind deception, simply nodding earnestly, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Marilla awoke, and Hamilton had recovered enough to consider leaving the hospital.

In the hospital room, Murray busied himself with packing, while Hamilton took the opportunity to speak with Frederic.

"By this point, I don't want to waste words."

Hamilton sipped his tea with a stern expression, "Now, over at the Fairhaven Group, Mr. Barry Fairhaven has passed; Gary and Edith have met justice. Mrs. Fairhaven's mental state is severe, and she's been sent abroad for psychiatric treatment.

Jareth followed through with his word and has resolved all the troubles with the Fairhaven Group. You shouldn't have any concerns now, right?"

Frederic, his eyes downcast, seemed to have much to say but struggled to find the words.

"Jareth, for Marilla's sake, has sacrificed so much. I've heard from Thaddeus and Ilana that Jareth's bodyguard, who grew up with him, chose to perish with the villains to save Marilla."

Frederic nodded gravely, "It was that girl named Lily; I know her. She's been by Jareth's side since childhood."

"Frederic, won't you let go of your prejudices and accept Jareth? As parents, don't we just want to see our children happy?

Think back to your younger days, fighting against all odds to welcome Mrs. Winter into the family. Put yourself in their shoes, can you really bear to tear apart these star-crossed lovers? Because of your opposition, how much suffering have these two endured, can you truly turn a blind eye?"

Frederic's whole body stiffened as he locked eyes with the deep abyss of Thaddeus' gaze.

"You really didn't have to go through all that trouble."

No one knew a son better than the father - like wise, Thaddeus read the answer in his expression, his voice deep and magnetic, "Elspeth has paid the price; her daughter has cut ties with the Abernathy Group, and she will face the music legally. I know you're harboring resentment because Elspeth deceived you, but taking a life in anger, that's a road that leads to trouble. I hope in the future you'll think twice before you act."

A jolt ran through Frederic's pupils. It had been years since Thaddeus had spoken to him so calmly, considering his point of view, something that before today, Frederic wouldn't even dare to dream of.

Just as Thaddeus turned to leave, Frederic suddenly spoke up, "My resentment isn't just because Elspeth lied to me."

Thaddeus paused, his eyes deepening. After all, they were father and son; some things were understood with just a hint.

"When Marilla gets out of the hospital, have Jareth spend more time with her at Windermere Estate."

Frederic added nonchalantly, "I know you and Ms. Ashbourne have your place, but at the end of the day, Windermere Estate is your home too. It's not fitting for a grown man to always be living at a woman's place. You should come back and stay from time to time, if Ms. Evadne is still willing to set foot in Windermere Estate."

Thaddeus was moved, yet the words "Thanks, Dad" got stuck in his throat and just wouldn't come out.

The rare moment of peace between father and son was interrupted by Dennis, who rushed over, "Mr. Frederic Abernathy! You'll never guess who's back!"

Dennis' eyes sparkled with excitement, unable to contain his surprise, "It's Mr. Chad Abernathy; he's returned!"