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.

way 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

heavy makeup struggling to hide the deep anger that

so tight–lipped, now suddenly so eloquent when it mattered.

were distracted, she bumped the man

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

flush on his handsome

what a bashful man he

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

timid.

have just one drink, you don’t need to overdo it.”

glanced at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with

tightened, and with an arm as rigid as if it were nailed

grimaced like she had swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced on her behalf.

between Evadne and Thaddeus, sensing they were up to something he

to his father’s side, his expression

a fancy to Alea?”

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

all the distinguished ladies here, only Alea seems a match for

rest are mere jesters.”

woman who had attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled

my boy, you have quite the

from the Chambers family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear

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

grew serious, cautioning, “Even so, we should prioritize our interests. Our collaboration with the Abernathy Group is crucial right now. Try not to

“You’re right, as

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

from Frederic, she left the table. Once out of sight, she hunched over, knees together, sprinting toward the restroom

trembled with the effort of holding it in, nearly hopping from

dashed in but before she could lift her

and alone, until the restroom emptied before she cried

her tantrum subsided, Elspeth calmed down and sat on

before he picked up, “Elspeth.”

7

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

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

up. “I miss you.

she missed more was the promise of

medicine,” she had cast aside

the races, come alone to the rest area by track two. Everyone will

nod, her eyes shining with hope. “I’ll be there.

the races began

at the annual horse racing

Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth

across the track, a spectacular sight.

races

stakes for this single

a fortune, while a few competed for glory alone, not for riches but to claim the crown.

major families had brought their prized steeds, already waiting in the stables,

Jeff asked, peering through his binoculars at the track and nudging Emeric beside him.

you going to get over that

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

changed it! It’s not Treasure anymore, it’s Cyclone!”

place while the others race ahead?” Emeric couldn’t help but

the

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