Chapter 468

Bertha latened intently, and it all clicked into place.

Elvira was a household name among the elite of Elmsworth, and her reputation as a psychic had even drawn the wealthy from afar to have their fortunes told.

But beneath her glamorous facade, Elvira’s hands were dirty with all manner of sordid dealings. Money talked, and for the right price, she’d play matchmaker for the rich and powerful without batting an eyelid.

get what you’re saying. Dad’s always been superstitious, forever running to some medium or another for a reading. So, I set it up. I introduce Elvira to Dad, he’s bound to be keen on meeting her

Bertha’s mind whirred with schemes. “Then, behind the scenes, I’ll grease Elvira’s palm, have her spin a tale that you and the Ashbourne heiress are a match made in heaven, that she’s got her sights set on you and it be a boon for the Chambers Group.

On the flip side, if the Ashbourne gal ends up with our youngest brother, it’ll spell disaster for the Chambers clan, Dad’s an old superstitious fool. Once he hears it, he won’t think twice about the youngest and will move heaven and earth to unite you with the Ashbourne estate,”

“That would be perfect! Thanks so much, Bertha Byron said, gripping his sister’s hand with fervent gratitude.

“Byron, we’re cut from the same cloth, raised together since we were knee–high to a grasshopper. Mom passed early, and Dad remarried that wen who cuckolds him at every turn, not to mention that hall–brother of ours eyeing our inheritance. We’ve got to stick together. If I’m not on your side, then whose side am I on?” Bertha spoke from the heart.

As a married woman, with a husband embroiled in political warfare, she barely kept afloat. She often had to dip into her own savings to help him maneuver in the shadows, all while maintaining her facade as a lady of high society.

If Avery’s influence continued to grow, she’d lose even the last shred of dignity within the Chambers Group.

When the time came to divide the inheritance, her brothers would take care of her. The youngest? He’d be lucky not to bury her. So she was dead set on helping Byron to the end.

“But remember, we’re not living in the dark ages anymore. Parents can’t call all the shots.”

Byron rolled a cigar between his fingers, his gaze clouded with concern. Tve heard that Nydia and Evadne’s secretary are thick as thieves, and Evadine’s all for them being together. You know what kind of pull Evadne has. She’s the apple of Chairman Emeric’s eye and has Thaddeus’s backing. She’s bold enough to lock horns with the Fairhavens in public. If she decides to stand in our way, getting Nydia to the altar might hit a smag.”

Asly smile flickered across Bertha’s face as a dark idea took root. “Byron, the solution is simple. We just need to play a little rough.” “What do you mean?”

“Make a binding commitment,” she said with a sinister undertone

Byron was takensback!

Although he was no stranger to conquests, Nydia was the precious flower of the Ashbourne family, not one to be tried with lightly

“If we involve Elvira, it’s not a surefire win. Even if Dad agrees, Chairman Emeric might not. So instead of hanging in suspense, why not just secure the girl, force Emeric’s hand to marry her to you, and leave Evadne with no room to intervene? Meaning, even if you can’t have her heart, you’ve got to claim her first.”

Byron, struck by the ides, nodded fiercely. “You’re right.”

With their plot set, the siblings clinked glasses and popped open a bottle of champagne.

Unbeknownst to them, a small listening device under the table blinked its red light ominous!

At the other end of the listening device–The Velvet Haven.

Avery lounged elegantly on a lavish vintage sofa, his delicate yet ambiguous features as enigmatic as a noble vampire. He swirled the red wine in his glass, listening intently to the Chambers‘ siblings‘ conspiracy. The more he heard, the more he wanted to laugh

at my dear brother and sister, aren’t they quite the comedic duo? Mere jesters, nothing more.”

so magnanimous, sir. They’re plotting against you, and you’re not the least bit angry.” Harvey, by his side, was both

into the blood–red liquid with a chilling smile. I’m not just unbothered. I’ll even lend my dear brother a hand, Consider it

Bertha’s machinations, Jeff had

following Bertha’s script to the letter, fed Mr. deff a line so convincing that

was for Byron to unite with the Ashbourne family. After all, that was his favorite son, and any benefit that came his way was

making overtures, doing everything to please him, he couldn’t replace Byron’s place in his heart, not after a fifteen–year

of immense pride. Even if Nydia wasn’t the daughter of his beloved wife,

could he

such a radiant young

once more, however slim the chances. Time dew by, and soon the

were making their first visit to Elmsworth and hosting a top–tier business dinner spread like wildfire among

castle resort on the outskirts of Elmsworth was booked out entirely by William and his son. The exterior was abuzz with excitement, luxury cars lined up like

privacy at the event were off

families arrived, all covertly slipping through a temporary passage to avoid the prying eyes of the media. Even the typically ostentatious Fairhavens kept a low profile this time, not eager to flaunt

fresh wound on the interner’s collective memory, and they weren’t keen on ripping off the scab “Grandpa, do you really think Mr. Frederic will announce my engagement to Thad at the dinner tonight?” Edith purred from her nestled spot in Barry’s arms, her brow furrowed with worry. “Can Mr. Frederic actually convince Thad? He’s so stubborn, and I can’t help but worry.”

think Thad has the right to refuse? Not unless he wants to kiss his position at the Abernathy

clouding over. Tve settled things with Mr. Frederic, and he’s quite pleased with the match. With the wedding gift I’ve arranged for you, not to mention the leverage our family holds, he

has always favored Evadne over his own granddaughters. If he

you think Hamilton can pull the strings? Right now, the Abernathy

his son and disrupting the peace, set foot in the Abernathy family. That Ashboume girl has outsmarted herself! Don’t worry, Edith

Grandpar Edith’s face it up with

deliver a crushing blow to Evadne during tonight’s vital gathering, in front of both

Barry had already sealed the deal with Frederic, her path

she would

opportunity to shatter that tramp’s dignity and ensure no man would ever

the banquet hall, the

with the fragrance of flowers and the glitter of high

with his family but alongside Jareth, as

made a dazzling entrance, capturing the attention and hearts of many

arm, the women dared not covet, well aware that he was spoken for and knowing better than

heiress for a man? And truly

Jareth was starkly different, a blend of

been publicly acknowledged only once, at the racing club, leaving the vast majority oblivious. Thus, Jareth remained the ultimate fantasy for the women

females held no allure next to Thaddeus, his trusted companion

alone at home?” Thaddeus asked

retorted, “Do I need to become a eunuch before you see me in

away. “Time will tel

vultures the moment they heard I needed a date. I

his dating wife at home, “Marilla hates these kinds of events. She gets anxious and uncomfortable. Honestly. I didn’t want to come either, but duty calls. I’ve taken my uncle’s place, helping Grandpa manage the Fairhaven Group. So, I had to show up tonight: Thaddeus’s lips

“Huh?”

in advance, Mr.

complex joy rising in his heart

Fakhaven Group and beyond, never quite reaching the heart

battle, never expecting victory to come so

it’s not official yet, just interim, Jareth demurred, though his eyes sparkled with anticipation.

you, Thaddeus affirmed, clapping a supportive hand on his shoulder. “I’m truly happy for you, Jareth. Now that you’re moving up, it’s time to divest from those gray area businesses. At the very least, keep your public profile clean. It’ll affect how you’re perceived in the Fairhaven Group and by the public. Also, I don’t want Marilla living in constant

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