novelxo His Ex wife is a billionaire Chapter 625
Chapter 625
Thaddeus had barely opened his mouth when everyone in the room exchanged puzzled glances before their eyes landed on Bevis with an air of disbelief.
Bevis was drenched in a cold sweat, his gaze fixed on the man’s stern face in shock!
The misappropriation of company funds to cover his losses had been intercepted by Emeric out of brotherly love, and no one in the corporation knew the real story. How on earth did this guy find out? Did Emeric tell him?
This meant that his big brother had already acknowledged Thaddeus as his son-in-law, otherwise how could such confidential information be shared with him?
If the two joined forces, Bevis would be left without a leg to stand on at the company!
“Mr. Abernathy, you really have a way with jokes. Five million? I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
Bevis forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Besides, even if a bit of money was lost, it’s all trivial. After all, I’m one of the Ashbournes. Not even ten million would be missed-l wouldn’t be short a dime. Mr. Abernathy, I think you might have picked up some wild rumors somewhere. But no matter, we’ll soon be family, and I don’t mind such trifles!”
Thaddeus clenched his fists in anger, itching to send Bevis flying with a well-placed punch. He had heard from Evadne how shameless Bevis could be, but he never expected him to be so utterly brazen!
Just then, the hospital room door burst open-
Evadne appeared alone before their eyes, her gaze turning icy.
Evadne had an innate composure and dignity that even subdued these seasoned business sharks, compelling them not to underestimate her.
“I was wondering who was quacking away outside like an annoying duck, disturbing my dad’s peace. Turns out it’s you.”
With just one casual remark, Bevis’ entourage fell silent as mice!
Bevis’ face froze, his mind racing.
This damned girl, spoiled by Emeric, had no manners whatsoever, not even addressing him as “Uncle”!
“My father is out of danger now, thank you all for your concern and for taking the time to visit,” said Evadne, her l*ps curving into a smirk,
Evadne’s grace was enchanting, her smile bewitching, drawing genuine admiration from the executives, who eagerly offered their flattery.
30
“Ms. Ashbourne, please, it’s Chairman Emeric we’re worried about. His illness has us all on edge!”
Evadne’s l*ps curled slightly. “You needn’t worry. Even if my father can’t be at the helm of the company, the Ashbourne family is not short on talent. The company won’t fall into chaos, and those with ulterior motives might want to rethink their plans.”
Her sharp eyes casually met Bevis’. “But my father’s health is the priority right now, given his age. We appreciate everyone’s kindness, but it might be best for you to head back now.”
Her words, spoken with effortless elegance, revealed her stature as a true lady of the house.
Thaddeus watched her, completely entranced.
Who says women can only stand behind men? Who says they’re only good as ‘the better half’?
Evadne had the strength to match any man, a true heroine among women.
It seemed he might be the one needing her protection from now on.
“Evadne, it’s okay if they don’t see him, but I’m your uncle! Let me in to see your dad,” Bevis pleaded, masking concern.
If he was turned away in front of everyone, wouldn’t that be a public humiliation?
Evadne glared at Bevis’ hypocritical face, about to retort, when her brother’s gentle hand landed on her shoulder, his deep voice soothing.
“Uncle, Dad says you can come in.”
Thaddeus was caught off guard, and Evadne also looked up in surprise at Cassius.
Bevis smirked triumphantly.
Just as he stepped toward the hospital room, his foot was tripped up, and he stumbled forward!
“Whoa!”
And then, with a thud-
Bevis landed heavily on the floor, sprawled out like a clumsy frog!
A few of the executives who had come with him couldn’t hold back their laughter.
Elvis, who had been leaning casually against the wall, nonchalantly retracted his leg that had been stretched across the doorway.
Bevis, no spring chicken, felt as though his knees were about to splinter from the fall!
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10:54
He slowly clambered up, shooting a furious look at Elvis’ unperturbed face.
Elvis yawnéd lazily, “Uncle, you should watch your step at your age. My leg’s been there for half an hour, how did you manage to trip over it?”
Bevis was panting heavily, ready to explode!
Wasn’t this just a roundabout way of calling him blind?
“And do take care walking at night. A fall here is one thing, but if you tumble into a ditch next time, well, that would be unfortunate.”
Evadne inwardly cackled, giving Elvis a surreptitious thumbs-up.
Then, she suddenly reached out her delicate hand and tenderly grasped Thaddeus’ large one. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“Is it okay for me to join?” His voice was hesitant, his eyes bashful.
Evadne pressed her soft b*dy against his firm waist, her sparkling eyes alluring, “We’re all family, what’s there to worry about?”
Thaddeus’ breath hitched, his jaw tense with restraint, but the heat of his hand on her waist betrayed his emotions.
When Bevis finally saw Emeric, he launched into a dramatic performance, tears streaming down his face.
To the uninformed, it might appear as though Chairman Emeric was lying there under a shroud.
“My dad is sitting right in front of you, and here you are crying. Isn’t that a bit morbid?” Arnold had always detested his uncle’s pretense and didn’t hesitate to make the first jab.
“Arnold, how do you speak to your uncle like that? Show some respect,” Emeric scolded his son lightly.
Bevis continued to dab at his tears while sneaking glances at Emeric.
Although Emeric was putting up a strong front, Bevis could tell from his wan complexion and weak voice that his illness was likely more serious than Evadne had let on.
“Uncle Bevis, if you truly care about my dad, if you really have remorse, then from now on please stop butting heads with him. Put your energy into the right path, help my dad manage the family business properly, and stop scheming for side hustles.” Cassius looked at him with an indifferent gaze, his tone stern.
Bevis clenched his teeth, seething with anger!
Cassius might be the CEO, but he only got there by riding on the fact that he was Emeric’s firstborn son!
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10:54
The way Cassius spoke to him-where was the respect due to an elder? It was more like a boss dressing down an employee!
That’s how they all were in this family, lording it over everyone else, from the old man down to the youngsters, none ever gave him the time of day.
How could he possibly swallow this insult?
“Let it go, Cassius. Bevis realizes he was wrong.”
Emeric cast his eyes down and waved the issue away, clearly not wanting to dwell on it, “Bevis, I’m feeling better now. Your visit shows that you still have your big brother in your heart, and that’s all the comfort I need. You can go back now.”
In front of the whole family, he gave his brother enough face.
“Emeric, about this mess, it was my folly, my mistake.”
Bevis’ eyes darkened with resentment, “But let’s be fair, how have I treated you from childhood? For decades, I’ve labored to support and grow the company, taking on the toughest projects in the most remote and harsh environments. Those were all me, out in the elements with a hard hat on, building your empire step by step.”
Evadne bit her l*p, sensing that his sob story was likely a prelude to some new nefarious plan.
Emeric frowned and nodded, “Yes. I know these years haven’t been easy for you.”
“I’ve never asked for much in return, I’m just asking this time, Emeric, for the sake of our years of brotherhood, to let me off the hook.”
Bevis shot a venomous glance at Thaddeus, “But I didn’t expect, Emeric, that you’d team up with your future son-in-law to embarrass me like this! If you had any grievances against me, you could have taken it out on me directly. Why expose my mistakes to an outsider, why use this method to suppress and humiliate me?”
Thaddeus’ brows furrowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed slowly.
He knew Bevis was trying to start a war with him, and yet as an outsider and Emeric’s son-in-law to be, if he spoke out in his own defense, he’d be playing right into the old man’s hands. It could very well destroy the budding respect Emeric had for him!
Emeric looked stunned, his gaze on Thaddeus growing more complex.
While the others were clueless, Cassius couldn’t stand to see Thad wronged. Just as he was about to defend him, Evadne spoke up, her voice clear and strong, cutting in to defend her man.
“Uncle Bevis, when you misappropriated company funds to cover your investment losses, what were you thinking? Were you thinking about how to keep it from being discovered?”
ALE
10:54
Bevis was caught off guard, at a loss for words.
“We have no strangers here, including Thaddeus. He’s not an outsider, he’s my man. So I’m not going to mince words with you. If you don’t want people to know, don’t do it. In the end, wasn’t it your greed that bit off more than you could chew? You made a mess of things and turned to crooked thoughts when you couldn’t fix it. If Dad hadn’t stepped in, you’d be in custody by now. Would you even have the chance to stand here spewing these annoying nonsense?”
“Evadne!”
Bevis began, but Evadne cut him off again, “If you recognize that what you did was wrong, and you know it sounds bad, why did you do it in the first place? You seem to have missed the point entirely.”
Thaddeus looked at her adoringly, the fierce spark in her eyes searing his heart silently with
every word.
Bevis’ face turned red with anger, and Evadne landed another knockout blow.
“Do you think Thaddeus wants to dig into your d*rty laundry? He knows because I told him. There are no secrets between us. Thanks to you, for the first time, I couldn’t look my man in the eye.”