Chapter 805 The uninvited guest, a walking cloud of gloom, had finally left, allowing the Fairhaven funeral to proceed without further disturbance.
Members of the Ashbourne family paid their respects to Barry one by one. With a somber expression, Emeric approached Jareth and spoke with a gentle voice, "Jareth, my heart goes out to you. Mr. Hamilton calledlast night to express his regrets. He's been feeling under the weather and couldn't make it. He plans to pay his respects to Barry at the cemetery when he's feeling better." Thaddeus listened, his emotions a complex tapestry - concern for his grandfather's health mixed with relief that Hamilton genuinely cared about Jareth.
"Thank you, Mr. Emeric. I understand Mr. Hamilton's intentions," Jareth said, his eyes shimmering with gratitude, his tone respectful.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe knew an excuse when he heard one. After all, the Fairhaven family had been a thorn in Marilla's side, nearly costing her life.
Even if Hamilton bore no grudge, his attendance at the funeral could have stirred unwanted for the Fairhavens, attracting unwanted scrutiny.
Cassius and Arnold stepped forward to offer their condolences. Jareth, now without kin, felt an unfamiliar warmth amidst the Ashbournes. He had found a new family, siblings to stand with. No longer would he walk alone, burdened by hatred. "Lettake you home, Dad," Evadne said, gently supporting her father's arm.
"I'm alright, Evadne. Surrounded by friends here," Emeric reassured her, patting her hand before whispering, "The Fairhavens are alone now; they need someone to help manage things, especially today. Stay with Jareth, you and Thaddeus are his closest friends." Touched, Evadne nodded, her eyes moist.
"Mr. Emeric, allowto escort you to your car," Thaddeus offered, ever the attentive son-in-law-to-be. Emeric agreed, "Yes, let Thaddeus take me." Emeric's appearance was his first public outing since his retreat from the limelight due to health concerns. To support Jareth, he had returned with a flourish, naturally becoming the focus of the media frenzy.
To divert the attention, the Ashbourne matriarchs, shielded by bodyguards, were the first to leave in their cars. Emeric, however, took his time, facing the press with his sons and son-in-law by his side, "Thank you all for your concern about my health. I am well now, fully recovered. Today we bid farewell to Barry, and it's comforting to see so many here to honor his journey to the beyond." His words commanded respect and effectively silenced any probing journalists.
"I know the Fairhaven family has faced challenges, and with Mr. Fairhaven stepping in so abruptly, there's bound to be skepticism. As someone who's watched him grow, I can say without a doubt." Emeric lifted his chin, his gaze piercing, "With Jareth, the Fairhaven family will return to its peak days." The once-bustling crowd fell silent at his stirring affirmation.
Thaddeus watched this dignified man, not as broad-shouldered or as tall as some, but with an unshakable presence. He aspired to provide the ssense of security as Evadne's father, a lifelong endeavor.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Thaddeus, someone's arriving," Cassius alerted.
A sleek, top-of-the-line limousine quietly pulled up at the edge of the gathering, diverting the media's gaze.
The limo doors opened, and two bodyguards emerged, followed by a woman in a stark white suit - Alexia! Thaddeus' jaw tensed, his superior features tightening.
Chad, seated in a wheelchair, was carefully assisted down by his m bodyguards. Alexia pushed him forward with grace, heading towards Emeric and Thaddeus. "Who is that man?" "I'm not sure, never seen him before. But he's got an aura - definitely someone of importance." "Look at him - the appearance, the demeanor, all top-notch. Alas, if only his legs. It's true, nobody's perfect."
"Who says nobody's perfect? Thaddeus is pretty darn close isn't he? And there's Ms. Evadn't the stunning wife, with Chairman Emeric backing him. A true winner in life!" As the crowd murmured, Chad made his way through, coming face-to-face with the Ashbournes.
"Chairman Emeric, it's an honor to meet you," Chad greeted, attempting to rise from his wheelchair to offer a handshake, his pale lips curved into a respectful smile. "I'm Thaddeus' brother, the eldest son of the Abernathy family, Chad." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1