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.

Elspeth still hadn’t won the approval

was shaking, her heavy makeup struggling to hide the deep anger that seemed to weigh more than

well, usually so tight–lipped, now suddenly so eloquent when

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

drifted by, causing Thaddeus’s heart to flutter, his cheeks warming as he pursed his lips.

flush on his handsome face and

what a bashful man he

late into the night, taking what he wanted with the fervor of a starved

timid.

you don’t need to overdo it.”

his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t

and with an arm as rigid as if it were

swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced on her behalf.

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

to his father’s side, his

fancy to

sight,” Ford said, his gaze fixed on Evadne’s lovely features,

here, only Alea seems

rest are mere jesters.”

wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled his lip

my boy, you have quite the

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

to us. As for Thaddeus,” Ford snorted with disdain, “all polished up, he’s Mr. Abernathy, CEO of the Abernathy Group Strip 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

serious, cautioning, “Even so, we should prioritize our interests. Our collaboration with the Abernathy Group is crucial right now. Try

right, as always. I’ll keep a cool head.”

a trail straight to her bladder, and the urge to visit the ladies‘ room hit her like a freight

of sight,

effort of holding it in, nearly hopping from foot to foot in

stall freed up. She dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was

waited, agonized and alone, until the restroom emptied before she cried out in

calmed down and sat on the toilet,

an eternity before he picked

7

Victor. you promised you’d come to the races today with my medication, remember?” Her bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t

came from the other end, devoid of any

up. “I miss you. I’m going out of my mind

promise of

the medicine,” she had

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

was an eager nod, her eyes shining with hope.

ceremony, the

horse racing

The elite showcased their

of rare lineage galloped across

races

single event often soared

social standing, others aimed to win a fortune, while a few competed for glory alone, not

major families had brought their prized steeds, already waiting

asked, peering through his binoculars at the track

Treasure? When are you going to get over that

distaste. “A fine horse reduced to such a fate by your whims. Just hearing that name, I wouldn’t bet on it. Sounds

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

What, does it spin in place while the others race ahead?”

as the surrounding

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