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!

expressions darkened, the atmosphere stiff and

“Yes, Dad.”

his glasses with a touch, his face a pallid

and Thaddeus making a splashy entrance together, much to

this very horse racing event, they might announce

happened, it would complicate

happen, especially not today, not at

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

do you need?”

media?” Avery’s lips

had to go without

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

“Very good.”

his lips. “In a moment, let’s first release a scoop that the Abernathy

already got someone lying in wait, ready to secretly snap some photos to corroborate the story.”

But isn’t this a bit too hasty?” Harvey expressed his

already out of the bag about that red carpet fiasco. If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late. I can’t just sit back and watch Evadne be stolen away

recalled the sight of Evadne and Thaddeus arm in arm, intimately close, and felt a burning hatred sear through his chest, his fists trembling violently, “So, I need to make

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

herself, quickly

either. These kids, the older they get, the wilder they

of the Fairhaven Group offspring’s father – his own late eldest son – brought a sudden pang to Barry’s heart, and he

saw right through his father’s thoughts, his fake smile hiding the tension as he nearly crushed the cigar in his hand.

other matters to arrange and had entered the inner field with Evadne. After a brief tender moment, they parted ways.

walked alone toward the seating area, her high heels clicking crisply in the

right there!”

cut through from behind.

didn’t stop, marching

from the start that Edith was tailing her, but she simply

you go deaf?

a jog and cut off Evadne’s path, nearly stumbling in

sight was almost comical to

say so? Who do you think you

face contorted

I don’t have time to waste on your nonsense.” Evadne’s

slightly, clearly

similar Evadne and Thaddeus were becoming, even their gazes

to say? Then get lost.”

to walk away, Edith’s eyes split wide with malice as she sneered, “You think Thad is sincere about you? He’s

it’s a show or not, I know it, and you know it too. If it really were as you say, you would quietly watch the drama unfold from

was at

who the most pitiful people

tries to deceive others to satisfy their

Thaddeus and Evadne had resolved their conflict, and her

she wouldn’t give up her

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 you say?”

to you, but I still have to tell

close to her ear, each word dripping with mockery, “Thad came to my room, that scene was caught on camera, you saw it. Aren’t you curious what happened when we were alone? I had just gotten out of the shower, completely bare. Thad

with

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