SWNOVELS His Ex wife is a billionaire Chapter 741
Chapter 741
Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy’s expressions turning grave at the words.
“Either every time he committed a crime, he’d cover his tracks, leaving not a single clue. But that doesn’t look like what a typical desperado or high–level hitman could normally do.”
With his long, lean fingers stroking his jaw, Aaron analyzed in a calm manner, “Which leads me to believe he’s a hired gun from overseas.”
“If that’s the case, tracking him down just got a lot tougher. The guy probably vanished right after the job, might’ve already fled the country under a fake ID,” Thaddeus‘ eyes darkened with concern.
“Didn’t Lily catch a glimpse of his face? We could have her come down to the station tomorrow, try to sketch out a face from her memory. I can get one of the best profile artists from the state to come over and draw a composite.”
A sharp glint flashed in Aaron’s eyes, “With a portrait, we might just dredge up more leads. We can’t drag our feet on this; memories fade, and the sketch could end up all wrong. We need it fresh.”
Evadne and Thaddeus exchanged a glance, about to interject, when a sweet yet steady voice came from
behind them.
“I remember what he looks like.”
Aaron’s gaze snapped up. As Marilla, her slender form descending the staircase gracefully, came into view, his heart skipped a beat.
He rose hastily from the couch, feeling a sudden rush of warmth flood his veins.
Thaddeus‘ face lit up with realization, “Right, Marilla had a run–in with that guy too.”
Evadne’s lips pressed as she hurried over to Marilla, wrapping an arm around her shoulders with gentle concern, “Marilla, we’ll reach out to Lily tomorrow and let her do this. You don’t need to do anything or think about any of this. Just focus on getting better; that’s what matters most.”
She knew that Marilla, though seemingly untroubled on the surface, was grappling with the trauma of the incident and the heartache of her split from Jareth.
She’d almost considered suggesting ECT to help Marilla forget that day’s horror. How could they possibly make her relive that pain, risking further harm to her already fragile heart?
“Marilla, don’t push yourself.” Aaron’s voice was soft yet husky as he looked deeply into her eyes, “Your well–being, healthy and whole, is what’s truly important.”
I
“It’s okay, Aaron, Evadne.” Marilla shook her head gently with resolve in her eyes, “I’m fine now. All I want is to help you catch this man as possible as I can. Besides, I also want that man caught, and want to uncover the sinister plot behind all this. To find out who’s pulling the strings behind the Fairhaven Group, using me, hurting
Jareth.”
Evadne and Thaddeus felt a tightness in their chests, unspeakable sorrow welling up. They had kept the details from her, yet her keen mind had pieced together the story from their fragments of conversations.
Aaron watched Marilla’s red eyes as she spoke of Jareth, clearly still deeply in love. He could tell she loved Jareth so much. There could be no other for her.
Thaddeus began, a note of surprise in his voice, “Marilla, your feelings for Jareth.”
“I just want to do something for him, one last time.” Marilla cut him off immediately, forcing a small smile, “He’s always looked after me, indulged me, sacrificed for me. I want to do what I can before I truly leave him.”
Leave? Aaron’s heart clenched violently at the word. But he harbored no thoughts of taking advantage; there was no joy in the opportunity. He was simply worried whether she could endure.
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Chapter 741
Downcast, Evadne’s eyes reddened with unshed tears. Thaddeus sensed her emotional turmoil and took her hand, pressing it to his chest in silent comfort.
Aaron stepped closer, his tall figure casting a protective shadow over Marilla, his presence exuding a potent masculinity. Yet the look in his eyes was tender.
“Aaron,” Marilla looked up with her delicate, alabaster face.
“Thank you for offering to help, Marilla. Tomorrow I’ll wait for you at the station. Have your brother and sister–in–law bring you,” Aaron’s heart softened, the urge to caress her head almost overpowering but he resisted, his hands clenching tight secretly by his sides, veins in them bulging.
“Not necessary, I can draw him,” Marilla’s lips parted slightly.
“What? You can draw?” The three of them were stunned in unison.
“The man left a profound impression on me. No matter how much time passes, I won’t forget his face.” Marilla took a deep breath to steady herself, “I’m rather good at portraiture. I think instead of describing him, it would be more precise if I drew him myself.”
To allow Marilla to focus without distractions, they left her to draw in solitude upstairs while they waited patiently in the living room.
After a long hesitation, Aaron finally broke the silence, “Evadne, did Marilla and Mr. Fairhaven break up?”
“It was Marilla’s decision.” Evadne sighed, a shadow crossing her beautiful eyes, “But I suspect Jareth won’t let go easily. He loves her deeply.”
Aaron gripped his teacup tightly, his voice strained, “And she loves him just as deeply.”
“I know Jareth; It’s going to be a heart–wrenching struggle,” Thaddeus‘ concern echoed in his voice.
A Jareth without Marilla might spiral into hysterical madness. He wouldn’t forgive anyone from the Fairhaven Group who had hurt her, nor would he forgive himself.
Evadne, aware of Aaron’s feelings for Marilla, paused before speaking softly as if making a decision, “Aaron, if you’re not too tied up with work, maybe consider taking some annual leave to spend time with us, keep Marilla company? Another person around might lift her spirits, help her feel a little better.”
Thaddeus observed her with a poker face, keenly aware that her interest wasn’t merely in the bottle of wine she was nursing.
“If Marilla needs me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” Aaron’s long lashes fluttered in a restrained tremble, “But right now, she needs you guys more; she needs Jareth more than she needs me.”
Evadne fell silent. She wasn’t trying to play matchmaker with Aaron and Marilla. She just wanted everyone around her to be happy. It pained her to see her own brother suppressing his emotions, tormented by unrequited love.
Time ticked away. After what seemed like an eternity, Marilla returned to the living room, holding a piece of drawing paper, and handed it to them.,
The three of them leaned in, flipping the paper over. On the pristine sheet, the man’s gaze was icy and sharp, his brows like sculpted blades, his facial contours striking.
It was a portrait that was hauntingly lifelike, capturing the essence of the subject.
Thaddeus couldn’t help but stare at the portrait, inwardly marveling at the impressive likeness. As he looked up, he caught Evadne and Aaron staring at the portrait with identical expressions of shock, wonder, and disbelief.
“Evadne, Mr. Ashbourne, what’s wrong?” Thaddeus couldn’t help but express his concern.
Evadne’s grip on the portrait was shaky, her eyes brimming with tears, “Marilla, are you sure that this is what he looks like? Are you sure?!”
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