Chapter 198
Alvin led Evadne and Ada to the backstage lounge, where they chatted merrily over champagne.
After a while, Ada’s agent came to inform her that she had an important interview.
Once Ada left, only Evadne and Alvin remained in the lounge.
“It’s been three years, Alea. How have you been?” Alvin gently looked at her, his eyes full of warmth, devoid of any flirtatious undertones.
“I’m doing well, and nothing much has changed, Evadne replied with a smile.
“You’ve matured since then. Your gaze is more determined now. It’s as if you’ve gone through a lot. Where have you been these past three years? Have you been traveling around the world for inspiration?” Alvin picked up on the melancholy in her eyes and asked with concern.
“I didn’t go traveling. I went to the wet market to kill fish. I’ve been doing that for the past three years, Evadne sighed slightly, a hint of indifference flashing through her eyes.
“You’re still as humorous as ever,” Alvin chuckled.
They clinked glasses and Alvin joked, “When do you plan to reveal that you’re Alea? It’s such a waste to keep such an important identity hidden.”
“Let things take their course. I have a lot of important things to deal with right now. Revealing my identity might stir up unnecessary trouble,” Evadne squinted her eyes and smiled.
“I know you. You always want to maximize your benefits. You’d never put yourself at a disadvantage,” Alvin said, laughing. “We’ve been friends for many years. Remember to tell me if you encounter any difficulties.”
“We’re not in Aetheria. Your power may not work here,” Evadne said indifferently, catching his implication.
“Ms. Edith has always wanted to be a member of Aurora Adornments. She’s already been taken into consideration by the review department. But it seems she hasn’t met the standards to be a senior member of Aurora Adornments yet,” Alvin’s laughter deepened in his eyes. “Besides, Mrs. Jareth and Bertha are both trying to get me to attend their charity events. I was hesitant at first, but I’ve made up my mind now.”
Evadne shrugged nonchalantly, “As long as you’re happy, I don’t care.”
Her indifference was actually a subtle hint to him that he could go ahead.
Generally speaking, anyone who dared to bully her, regardless of age or gender, wouldn’t end up well.
As the fashion show was about to begin, Alvin led Evadne out of the lounge.
They hadn’t gone far when a cold and strong voice called out, “Evadne.”
Evadne’s heart skipped a beat. She turned around with a frown.
Thaddeus approached her against the light, his expression heavy.
Seeing this man coming closer, Alvin’s eyes filled with hostility. He suddenly realized something and whispered to Evadne beside him, “Ms. Evadne, is this man a friend of yours?”
“A friend? Does he deserve that?” Evadne scoffed, her heart filled with confusion.
Thaddeus was proud and unlike the sociable Jareth, he didn’t like such occasions.
Why would he attend a jewelry show today?
It must have something to do with his clumsy, troublesome, and clingy sister.
Thaddeus stood in front of them, his gaze fixed on Evadne.
“Ms. Evadne, aren’t you going to introduce me to this gentleman?”
“Is it necessary, Mr. Thaddeus? The Abernathy Group doesn’t have any jewelry–related industries. I don’t think you’ll have any opportunity to interact with Mr. Alvin,” Evadne said coldly, showing no interest in making pleasantries.
Thaddeus glanced at Evadne.
Despite being rebuffed by her, he didn’t give up. Instead, he extended his hand to Alvin politely.
“Mr. Alvin, nice to meet you.”
“Mr. Thaddeus, nice to meet you, too. I didn’t expect you to know Ms. Evadne. This is indeed a surprise,” Alvin said, shaking his hand calmly.
“Mr. Alvin, it seems that you and Ms. Evadne aren’t very close, Thaddeus’s eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of coldness. “If you were, you’d know about my relationship with Ms. Evadne.”
Alvin frowned, clearly feeling the pressure in the man’s handshake. It was as if they were competing in a wrestling match. If they kept it up, they might shatter the lights and windows around them.
Thaddeus didn’t know what was wrong with him. He wasn’t usually so childish and impatient. But seeing Evadne close to another man made him inexplicably irritable. He wanted to drive away all the men around her!
He found himself acting strangely, like a bitter woman who had been abandoned.
He was usually good at controlling himself, but in front of Evadne, he was unable to do so.
Hearing his words, Evadne felt extremely angry. She scoffed, “Yes, we do have a relationship. We used to.”
“Evadne. Thaddeus’s breath hitched, and his voice turned hoarse.
“Since when did ex–husbands start showing off? A decent ex–husband should lead his own life quietly. Don’t you understand that, Mr. Thaddeus?”
Ex husband?
Alvin froze on the spot. He had no idea that she had been married before!
As her long time friend, he had never heard about this Why did she marry this man?
She could have had better choices Why would she marry someone like him?
Mr Thaddeus, I can tolerate you making me unhappy I’m annoyed enough just seeing you. It can’t get any worse But Mr. Alvin is a very important friend of mine. I don’t want you to cause burn any trouble, Evadne frowned “If you have any self respect left”
Thaddeus’s face tightened. His heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp object, and his hands were sweaty from the tension
Evadne would always protect those she knew well, standing against him
He was once her beloved ex husband, but now he was utterly humiliated.
“The exhibition is about to begin, Mr. Thaddeus Aren’t you going to accompany your sister? She must be very anxious if she can’t find you,”
Evadne was done with Thaddeus, ready to leave with Alvin.
Thaddeus was freaking out, his large hand swiftly grabbing her arm, fingers gripping tightly
“Since you’re divorced, there’s no connection between you two anymore. Please respect Ms. Evadnel”
Alvin wanted to intervene, but was stopped by Evadne.
“Mr. Alvin, you’ve got a speech to give. Go on. I’m fine here.”
“But.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve divorced him. What’s the worst he can do?”
Thaddeus felt like his heart was being ripped apart, subconsciously tightening his grip on her hand.
Alvin understood this was a matter between the couple. As an outsider, it wasn’t his place to interfere. Besides, he believed no one would dare to cause a scene here, so he had to leave first.
The corridor was dead silent.
Thaddeus could hear his heart pounding and tried to hold his breath, but it was useless.
“Let go.” Evadne tried to break free, her eyes icy and ruthless.
“I know who you’re talking about. It’s Edith, right?”
Thaddeus was on edge, pulling her in forcefully.
Her soft body pressed against his strong waist, and their breaths were clear and present.
“I didn’t say who it was. How’d you know I was talking about Ms. Edith?”
Evadne’s mocking gaze stung his eyes, “Thad, seems like you do have Ms. Edith in your heart. Otherwise, why would you be so sensitive? Why didn’t you think of Glynnis and Marilla, but Ms. Edith?”
She seemed to be mimicking Edith’s words just to get under his skin.
Thaddeus could only give a bitter smile.
Women always argued, and if they were right, they would be ruthless.
But what he was more curious about was how he looked in her eyes now.
So, he asked in a low voice, “Evadne, are you jealous?”
Evadne couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head, “Thaddeus, what’s wrong with you? How could you have the nerve to ask me that? When I was your wife, you were all tangled up with Acacia. You even went abroad with her to watch the Christmas lighting ceremony and designed unique jewelry for her. You were so cruel to me, but I was never jealous. Now we’re divorced, and you have the audacity to ask me if I’m jealous? Have you no shame?”
