Chapter 443

The favoritism was as clear as day, an unapologetic display of partiality.

It was glaringly obvious that Evadne was the apple of Thaddeus’s eye. Edith? She might as well have been a ghost.

Avery clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, his body stiff with barely contained rage.

Why was he always one step behind?

Why was it that the spot by Evadne’s side was always occupied by that contemptible bastard?

Ford’s smile turned grim, his expression darkening, but he maintained the polished facade of a gentleman. “You know, there’s a saying I’ve picked up in your country, ‘to cherish the fairer sex! Mr. Thaddeus, your tender care for Ms. Evadne truly marks you as a gentleman. Seems I’ve been too brash, not considering Ms. Evadne’s feelings. I shall penalize myself with a drink.”

With that, Ford drained his glass.

Thaddeus, his eyes deep and unfathomable, didn’t show any weakness as he too downed his drink in one go.

Applause filled the room, dissipating the awkward tension.

But Frederic’s face had turned stormy with anger.

“Dad, what on earth is Thad thinking? It’s clear as day that President Morris has his sights set on Evadne. Isn’t he just asking for trouble by stepping in between them?”

Glynnis couldn’t help but sneer from the sidelines, “To risk the big picture over a girl, Thad’s really not showing the steadiness expected of a CEO.

Beauty has always spelled trouble from time immemorial, and that Evadne, she’s nothing but trouble.”

“Why can’t you be more like Marilla, quiet and demure? What kind of aristocratic lady airs her family’s dirty laundry like you do?” Frederic reprimanded Glynnis sharply, silencing her immediately.

At that moment, Evadne raised her glass again, her smile contagious, “Come on, everyone, let’s raise a toast to William and Mr. Ford’s esteemed presence! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Under the charm of Evadne’s radiant smile, the atmosphere lightened again, and everyone lifted their glasses to drink to the toast.

Only Elspeth stood in the corner, gripping her glass so tightly, yet not daring to take a sip.

“Hey, Elspeth, why aren’t you drinking?”

Evadne suddenly turned her gaze towards a pale–faced Elspeth and said with a light, unbothered smile, “In such a joyful moment, and with such -distinguished guests, won’t you join us in celebration? Or perhaps, the million–dollar champagne provided by the Chambers Group doesn’t suit your

taste?”

Elspeth felt a tightness in her chest, her face frozen in an embarrassed smile, her eyes reddening with barely contained fury.

All eyes turned to her, and indeed, her glass remained untouched.

The Chambers family looked displeased, and Matthew gave Bertha a knowing look. The ever–loyal sister of the family sneered, “Elspeth, as the lady of the Abernathy Group, you must have had your fill of the finest spirits. It’s understandable that our humble offerings don’t appeal to you.”

Knowing full well the animosity between her and the Chambers family, especially Bertha, who had tripped her up more times than she could count at social events, Elspeth braced herself for the onslaught.

“I didn’t mean it that way, please don’t misunderstand. It’s just. I’m a lightweight when it comes to alcohol,” Elspeth managed to say,

Before she could finish, Thaddeus cut in, “Elspeth, you’re too modest. At every family gathering, you’re always the life of the party with a drink in hand. There’s no need for restraint on such a celebratory occasion.”

The room filled with murmurs and mixed expressions.

finally securing her place, Elspeth still hadn’t won the approval of the Abernathy heir? One had to wonder if

makeup struggling to hide the deep anger that seemed to weigh

tight–lipped, now suddenly so eloquent when it

others were distracted, she bumped the man beside her with her shoulder.

of her delicate fragrance drifted by, causing Thaddeus’s heart to

flush on his handsome

a bashful man

the night,

timid.

you don’t need to

at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t

arm as rigid as if it were nailed in place, she lifted her glass and emptied it.

swallowed poison,

interplay between Evadne and Thaddeus, sensing they were up to something he couldn’t

his father’s side,

have you taken a fancy to Alea?”

his gaze fixed on Evadne’s

only Alea

are mere jesters.”

had attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled his lip in disdain.

my boy, you have quite the array of

jest, “Man, Thaddeus and that young buck from the Chambers family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear as day to anyone with eyes. And you? First time meeting

away the shine, and he’s just a lapdog for the Abernathy family. Does he really think he’s got a lock on the heir’s seat at the Abernathy Group? If we decided to back someone else, we could yank him from that CEO chair in a heartbeat. I don’t buy it. When it comes down to love or power, he’ll pick power every time. True love? Heard of it,

Group is crucial right now. Try not

as always. I’ll

felt the alcohol blaze a trail straight to her bladder, and the urge to visit

Once out of sight, she hunched over,

of holding it in, nearly

freed up. She dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster

before she

Elspeth calmed down and

rang for an eternity before he picked up,

7

eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t break your word, will you? I’ll see you today, right?”

laugh came from the other end, devoid of any warmth, mocking even. “Missing me,

welling up. “I miss

the promise of relief his “miracle cure”

the medicine,” she had cast aside

the rest area by track two. Everyone will be at track one by then, and I’ll wait for you

with hope. “I’ll be

a thrilling opening ceremony, the races began in

at the annual horse racing gala always drew the most attention:

Parade of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth by

lineage galloped across the track, a spectacular

the races

for this single event often soared

win a fortune, while a few

major families had brought their prized steeds, already

how much are you betting on my Treasure today?” Jeff asked, peering through his

you going to get over that name?”

by your whims. Just hearing that name,

I’ve changed it! It’s not Treasure anymore, it’s

spin in place while the others race

fell as the surrounding families snickered.

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