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

they quite the comedic duo? Mere jesters, nothing more.”

angry.” Harvey, by his side, was both incensed and bewildered. “Why should I be angry? Their actions are

his gliss, peering 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 my wedding

Jeff had a successful meeting with

script to the letter, fed Mr. deff a line so convincing that

all, that was his favorite son, and any benefit that came

he couldn’t replace

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

could he

a radiant

the matter away, waiting for the right opportunity to broach the subject once more, however slim

their first visit to Elmsworth and hosting a top–tier business dinner spread like

William and his son. The exterior was abuzz with excitement, luxury cars lined up like pearls, while inside, everything was orderly and untouched by the swarming

and privacy at the event were off the charts.

of the four major families arrived, all covertly slipping through a temporary passage to avoid the prying eyes of the

do you really think Mr. Frederic will announce my engagement to Thad at the dinner tonight?” Edith purred from her nestled

think Thad has the right to refuse? Not unless he wants to kiss his position at the Abernathy Group goodbye, along with

match. With the wedding gift I’ve arranged for you, not to mention the leverage our

Hamilton has always favored Evadne over his own granddaughters. If he doesn’t agree.

you think Hamilton can pull the strings? Right now, the Abernathy Group is Mr.

he won’t let someone like Evadine, who’s been manipulating his son and disrupting the peace, set foot in the Abernathy family. That Ashboume girl has outsmarted herself! Don’t

then that’s wonderful! Thank you, Grandpar Edith’s face it up with excitement as she

gathering, in front of both families, and especially in front

had already sealed the deal with Frederic,

she would spare Evadne.

shatter that tramp’s dignity and ensure no man

the

air shimmered with the fragrance of flowers and the glitter of high

but alongside Jareth, as if to avoid any

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

no lady on Mr. Thaddeus’s arm, the women dared not covet, well aware that he

heiress for a man?

starkly

once, at the racing club, leaving the

no

at home?” Thaddeus asked with a cool

become a eunuch before you

looked away. “Time will tel

vultures the moment they heard I needed a date. I nearly lost it if they weren’t women, believe me,

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

“Huh?”

advance,

complex joy rising in his heart at the sound

“Mr. Jareth to those in the Fakhaven Group and beyond, never quite

had braced for a long battle, never

official yet, just interim, Jareth demurred, though his eyes sparkled with anticipation.

gray area businesses. At the very least, keep your public profile clean. It’ll affect how you’re perceived in the

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