Chapter 439

The buzz of the smartphone was incessant, and as the latest notification flashed across the screen, it was clear that Thaddeus and Evadne were once again the talk of the town, their names scorching the top of every hot search. Their public appearances together, despite their status as exes, were like lightning in a bottle–sparking debates and never failing to capture the public’s eye.

It was as if they were a perfect match, and had they combined their forces in the business world, they would have been unstoppable.

Yet, Frederic’s expression soured at the news.

“Oh, look at that. Chairman Emeric sure hit the jackpot with a daughter like Ms. Evadne. She’s a media magnet. Anyone else just fades into the background when she’s around,” Elspeth said with a snide laugh, scrolling through the trending gossip on her phone. “Thaddeus and her aren’t exactly being discreet. Frederic, why don’t you seize the day and propose an alliance with Chairman Emeric? After all, Ms. Evadne’s previous undercover marriage to Thaddeus left us all in the dark, as if we’d wronged her somehow. It’s like we owe the Ashbourne family a big favor. Now’s the perfect chance to make amends for the past oversight.”

The Fairhaven Group had already taken their seats, and Mrs. Fairhaven was conveniently seated just across the aisle from Elspeth.

Thus, she overheard every word and couldn’t help but furrow her brows in distaste. Elspeth’s words were nothing short of nauseating.

Having such a matriarch was a curse that could plague the Abernathy family for centuries. It was a wonder the family hadn’t declined already, probably only held together by the sheer tenacity of three generations. The thought of her daughter, Edith, being tied to a family with such a woman made her head ache already.

Thaddeus, the object of Edith’s affections, had indeed grown into a remarkable young man under her watchful eye.

But the Abernathy family was riddled with complexities, and Thaddeus, for all intents and purposes, was no better than an illegitimate son. Though he currently wielded power within the Abernathy Group, he wasn’t Frederic’s favorite by any means: Above him loomed a half–brother by the same father, and Mr. Hamilton’s health was failing. How long could he protect Thaddeus?

Mrs. Fairhaven was skeptical about this match for her daughter.

A second marriage at such an age. He was hardly a catch for Edith.

“Yeah, Dad, Mom’s absolutely right,” Glynnis chimed in mockingly. “Just look at Thad and Ms. Evadne, all over each other like teenagers in love. It’s like she’s plotting to return to the throne, and he looks ready to empty his coffers for her wedding gift. It’s clear as day they’re smitten. Daddy, why play the villain? Let’s make it a happy ending.”

Glynnis had spent years deciphering Frederic’s temperament. If she played her cards right, speaking in favor of Thaddeus and Evadne, it could very well backfire and make things worse!

Frederic pored over the photos again and again, his son’s subservient demeanor around Evadne making his gums throb with irritation.

“My son, no matter what, will not marry a woman he divorced with his own hands. I will not allow such a disgrace to befall him! Emeric’s daughter or not, no woman will have that kind of hold over my son!”

His declaration made his stance crystal clear.

Elspeth and Glynnis exchanged covert, spiteful smirks.

Just then, the Chambers Group made their entrance. Matthew, the CEO, and his wife Elva were busy greeting guests, so accompanying Jeff was Avery and Bertha.

“Barry, long time no see,” Jeff casually waved, making no move to shake hands with Barry.

Although both were family patriarchs, Jeff, as the younger, should have approached first to show proper respect.

Barry didn’t stand either, merely replying with a cool “Indeed, it has been a while.”

The subtle power plays between the tycoons were almost imperceptible.

The lines were drawn, and the undercurrents were turbulent.

“Avery, I hear Mr. Ashbourne’s arrived. Go greet him, won’t you? We must show our guests some hospitality, can’t neglect our friends,” Jeff urged, his voice loud enough for both the Fairhavens and the Abernathys to hear.

His implication was clear: aside from the Ashbourne family, none present were worthy of the Chambers Group’s attention!

He had effectively snubbed the other two’families!

Barry’s expressions darkened, the atmosphere stiff

“Yes, Dad.”

touch, his face a pallid mask of

and Thaddeus making a splashy

very horse racing event, they

it would complicate everything.

happen, especially not today,

of the hallway, Avery stood against the light and dialed Harvey’s number.

do you need?” came the immediate response.

settled with the media?” Avery’s lips barely moved as he

had to go without

The press releases are ready too. Just give the word, and every renowned media outlet and social platform across the

“Very good.”

with satisfaction, and a sardonic smile played on his lips. “In a moment, let’s first release a scoop that the Abernathy Group and the Ashbourne Group are

someone lying in wait, ready to secretly snap some photos to corroborate

this a bit

fiasco. If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late.

violently, “So, I need to make the first move. Their relationship can’t stand the light of day. If that’s the case, it deserves to be

glanced at his watch with a furrowed brow, “What’s the deal? Jareth still hasn’t shown up. Give him

Mrs. Fairhaven, anxious herself, quickly reached for her phone.

kids, the older they get, the wilder they become. Harlan’s not reining them in, and they’re

Group offspring’s father – his own late eldest son

saw right through his father’s thoughts, his fake smile hiding the tension as he nearly

other matters to arrange and had entered the inner field

high

stop right

shrill voice cut through from behind.

marching

start that Edith was tailing her, but she

deaf? I

messy dress, broke into a jog and cut off Evadne’s path, nearly stumbling in her

sight was almost comical to Evadne.

say so?

contorted with anger.

something to say, otherwise beat it. I don’t have time to waste on your

body trembled slightly, clearly intimidated by Evadne’s aura.

even their

to say? Then

as Evadne was about to walk away, Edith’s eyes split wide with malice as she sneered, “You think Thad

it too. If it really were as you say, you would quietly watch the drama unfold from the sidelines. Instead, here you are, being so jealous, shamelessly making

at a

the most pitiful people in

in, her lips curling into a chilling sneer, “It’s someone like you, who tries to deceive others to satisfy their own twisted desires, ending up fooling themselves, living in lies and delusions–the very essence of a

was clearly flustered. It was obvious that Thaddeus and Evadne had resolved their conflict, and her schemes

she wouldn’t give up her malicious

do you trust everything Thad says to you? I thought you were wiser, but it turns out you’re just another fool blinded by love, swayed by a

“Save your breath.”

think I’d believe anything

up to you, but I still

Aren’t you curious what happened when we were alone? I had just gotten out of the shower, completely

with uncontrollable

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