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.

up in the Abernathy family and finally securing her place, Elspeth still hadn’t won the approval of the Abernathy heir? One had to wonder if Thaddeus always addressed her in such a manner–if so, it was

deep anger that seemed to weigh more

now suddenly so eloquent

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

heart to flutter, his

caught the flush on his handsome face

bashful

her in his arms late into the night, taking what he wanted with the fervor of a starved wolf, was

timid.

you don’t need to overdo it.”

glanced at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with

and with an arm as rigid as if it

like she had swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly

sensing

his father’s

a fancy to

smitten with Evadne at first sight,” Ford said, his gaze

the distinguished ladies here, only

rest are mere

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

have quite the array

half–smiling jest, “Man, Thaddeus and that young buck from the Chambers family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear as

got a lock on the heir’s seat at the Abernathy Group? If we decided to back someone else, we could

Group is crucial right now. Try not to rock the boat, at least for the moment.”

as

drink, felt the alcohol blaze a trail straight to

from Frederic, she left the table. Once out of sight, she hunched

of holding it in,

could lift her skirt,

alone, until the restroom emptied before she cried out in frustration, pounding on the

her tantrum subsided, Elspeth calmed down and

before he

7

you promised you’d come to the races today with my medication, remember?” Her bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation.

end, devoid of

Victor!” Elspeth’s voice broke, tears welling up. “I miss

was the promise of relief his “miracle cure” held for her:

medicine,” she had cast aside

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

an eager nod, her eyes shining with hope. “I’ll be there. I’ll definitely come to

ceremony, the races began in earnest.

at the annual horse racing gala always drew

Parade of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth by parading their imported, high–priced horses.

of rare lineage galloped across the track,

races

stakes for this single event often soared

fortune, while a few competed for glory

four major families had brought their prized steeds,

my Treasure today?” Jeff asked, peering through his binoculars at the track

Treasure? When are you going to

such a fate by your whims. Just hearing that name, I wouldn’t bet on it. Sounds like a

hey, I’ve changed it! It’s not

while the others race ahead?” Emeric

the

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