His Ex-Wife: The Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Thaddeus's sharp eyes snapped open. His voice was low, wary. "How do you know that?"

"Dr. Alexia is more than just a gifted surgeon. Back when she worked in Switzerland, she also studied psychiatric

disorders and related medications."

Chad sipped his tea, perfectly at ease. "I remember Dr. Bright tellingyou suffered brain damage after taking

sunidentified pills from Avery. If Dr. Alexia can pinpoint the cause, she must have a way to help you. Why

not let her try? Who knows, maybe she'll be able to ease your pain."

With a stoic face and a calm tone, Thaddeus refused. "Thank you, brother. That won't be necessary."

"If Dr. Alexia has the expertise, then it's settled," Frederic declared, his expression brightening. “Dr. Alexia, I'd

like to officially hire you as Thaddeus's personal physician. Don't worry about the salary-if you can help Thaddeus

recover, compensation is no object!"

Thaddeus's brows drew together, a clear sign of resistance. "Dad, | don't need a private doctor. Besides, Alexia is

indispensable to Chad's care. | doubt she can manage both at the stime."

"Thaddeus, you don't need to be so formal with your own brother," Chad said, smiling easily. "Thanks to Dr.

Alexia, I'm already much better. If you're uncomfortable having my staff around, at least allow Dr. Alexia to be

involved in your treatment. With her daily care, I'm sure you'll find srelief. Besides, you carry the weight of

the Abernathy Group's future on your shoulders. If anything happened to you, you'd let down both our father and

our late grandfather. Is that what you want?"

That last remark struck home. Thaddeus's long lashes fluttered as he fell silent, considering. Finally, he gave a

quiet nod. "All right. Let's do as you suggest. Thank you, Chad, for thinking of me."

Chad's smile softened. "Of course. It's what family's for."

Alexia stepped forward, her smile polite and professional. She extended her right hand to the man whose

expression was icy and remote. "Mr. Thaddeus, | look forward to working with you."

Thaddeus's frown deepened, and for a moment he made no move. Alexia's hand hovered awkwardly in the air,

her practiced smile beginning to falter. At last, out of deference to Chad, Thaddeus reluctantly extended his

broad left hand and shook hers.

Midnight. Windermere Estate was draped in silence, the air cool and still.

In the study, the only light cfrom a desk lamp. Chad sat on the sofa in a deep blue robe, silver-rimmed

glasses perched on his nose. The refined lines of his face were cast in gentle shadow, handsand enigmatic,

as if he were a mountain peak shrouded in early morning mist. His charisma was subtle and elusive, laced with a

hint of danger.

Alexia entered with a tray, carrying a glass of water and a small dish of pills. "Sir, it's tfor your medication."

Chad didn't reach for the pills. Instead, he idly flipped through a stack of documents on his lap. "Thaddeus is

emotionally numb these days. If he snubs you, don't take it to heart. Just do exactly as I instructed."

Alexia tensed, hurriedly reassuring him, "Sir, | have no personal feelings for Thaddeus. My loyalty is to you and

your plans. Please, trust me."

He looked up and smiled, his hand steady as he took the pills and tossed them back in one motion. The

bitterness made him wince.

"Sir, why do you subject yourself to this?" Alexia's eyes sparkled with indignation as she handed him the water. "I

Wish Thaddeus could taste. every bit of suffering you've endured. Even then, it wouldn't cclose to the pain

he's caused you pain you'll never fully recover from." s

Chad gave a faint, sardonic smile, setting aside his paperwork. He placed a small packet of blue pills on the table

in front of her. "Evadne has left him for good. That means you have a chance to get closer Over the next few

days fearn everything you can about his habits. When the opportunity arises, make sure he takes these." s

Alexia picked up the packet and examined it under the lamp, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Is this the

new formula from RC? What's it called?"

Chad's smile deepened, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. "DAC0089. We call it ‘Crystal Ice.""

Alexia nodded, lowering her voice. "Will there be any obvious side effects?"

"The three pills Thaddeus took

before were the earliest version of

DAC0089 potent, with effects ten times stronger than these, and extremely harmful. This version is a major

improvement and wibe on the market soon. But withdrawal will still be intense once he stops taking it." s

Alexia's brow furrowed with worry. “Sir, Thaddeus is sharp. How long until he realizes something's wrong? He's

only ever looked after by Gordon and Alva-his most trusted people. Won't they trace it back toimmediately?"

Chad's lips curled in a cool, knowing smile. He adjusted his glasses with a graceful flick of his fingers. "I never

intended for you to hide indefinitely. You may have infinite patience, Alexia, but | do not."

Alexia's heart skipped a beat. She nodded quickly in understanding.

Chad's smile widened, as if he were savoring sdelicious secret, anticipation flickering in his eyes. “Besides,

even if he figures out there's something wrong with Crystal Ice, it won't matter. By then, his mind may rebel, but

his body will obey."