NovelFast"Injecting or ingesting large amounts of narcotics can damage the amygdala in the brain. That's likely why Mr.
Thaddeus ended up this way. As far as | can tell, it's the only real explanation."
Evadne stared, stunned, her voice barely above a whisper. "Wait... are you saying Avery forced Thaddeus to
take... drugs?"
Suri shook her head in disbelief. "But it was just three pills, wasn't it? How could something so small be so
deadly?"
"Narcotics can make you feel euphoric with just a little. But take too much, and it's a living hell," Zachary said
quietly, lowering his gaze. "Plenty of addicts have died after coming here for injections. If those pills were pure,
potent drugs, taking three at once could easily be fatal."
Evadne's chest tightened as though a knife had pierced her, a sheen of sweat forming on her brow. "Will
Thaddeus have any... strange reactions?"
"I can't say for sure what kind of drug he took, so | don't know exactly what to expect. But when addicts go into
withdrawal, they get chills, feel like their whole body is being devoured by ants, and the torment only worsens as
their craving grows.
That's how you know-he's already hooked."
"Damn it! Bastard!" Evadne's pain and fury erupted as she slammed her fist onto the metal table, each blow
echoing through the room.
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A single tear slipped down, landing with a soft plink on the cold steel.
But what tormented her most was that she couldn't get anywhere near Thaddeus now. She had no way to know
if he was already addicted, if he was suffering through withdrawal night and day, or if he was enduring it alone.
She was powerless completely in the dark.
Suri's voice trembled with worry. "Thaddeus is such a good kid... If he's gotten mixed up with that stuff, it could
ruin him for life.”
Zachary hurried to reassure them. "Suri, Ms. Evadne, don't panic just yet. This is just my guess—it's still possible
he only took skind of psychotropic drug, not narcotics. We can't be sure.
If we get the chance, we should try to have Mr. Thaddeus's blood tested in secret. One test and we'll know for
sure."
Evadne's heart clenched painfully. She forced herself to speak, her voice soft. "Thank you for tellingall this.
When we have time, we'll cvisit again."
With that, they stood to leave.
"Ms. Evadne!"
Zachary rose quickly, hesitating before asking, "My younger son, Chasel... Is he all right?"
Evadne's heart squeezed. "Chasel's doing well."
"And Cassius? Are they... still together? Are they okay?" Zachary's eyes grew red as he spoke.
Evadne hesitated, throat tight, but lied anyway. "They're fine. My brother cares for him a lot."
"I always thought they were just being childish, but it turns out they were serious all along. Chasel's a smart,
kind boy-he was always the one best suited to inherit the Bright Group. | was stubborn, too harsh on um. Atleast
how he has Cassius to look after him, someone who loves him. That's enough for me..."
s
Zachary wiped at his eyes, voice pleading. "Ms. Evadne, if you see Chasel... please, tell him I'm sorry."
Evadne nodded through her tears. "I will."
Night had fallen, and the Abernathy Group headquarters was nearly empty.
In the CEO's office, Thaddeus was still at his desk, poring over the EImsworth A5 development project.
This project was crucial to the Abernathy Group's next five years.
"Mr. Thaddeus, it's tto head home," Gordon said, concern etched on his face as he took in Thaddeus's pallor
and weary eyes. "No matter how hard you work, you won't finish everything tonight. Your health matters more-
look at it again tomorrow." s
Suddenly, Thaddeus shivered violently, his brows knitting in discomfort. "Did you turn on the air conditioning in
here? Why is it so cold?"
Gordon scratched his head, puzzled. "No, sir. It's snowing outside-we should have the heating on, not the AC."
Thaddeus bit down, trying to fight off the bone-deep chill that seemed to seep from his core.
"Mr. Thaddeus, there's a major charity gala this weekend. Will you be attending?"
Without looking up, Thaddeus replied, voice flat, "I'll make my donation, but I'm too busy to go myself."
Gordon hesitated. "I heard the KS Group attends every year, always making generous contributions. Cassius
used to represent them but since Ms. Evadne becpresident, she's likely to show up this time." s
Thaddeus's eyes stayed downcast, his gaze clouded and distant.
"Mr. Thaddeus, do you want to-"
He was cut off by a knock at the door.
"Cin," Thaddeus called.
The door opened, and Alexia walked in with a bright smile.
"Mr. Thaddeus, how are you feeling today? Still have a headache? Are you still
cold?"
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