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.

So after all these years clawing her 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 so, it was truly laughable!

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

so tight–lipped, now suddenly so eloquent

distracted, she bumped the man beside her

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

on his handsome

bashful man he

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

timid.

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

with

and with an arm as rigid as if it were nailed in place, she lifted her glass and emptied it.

swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced

between Evadne and Thaddeus, sensing they were up to something

returned to his father’s side, his expression

a fancy to Alea?”

Ford said, his gaze fixed

only Alea

rest are mere jesters.”

attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled

my boy, you have quite the

family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear as day to anyone with

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 could yank him from that

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

in resignation. “You’re right, as always. I’ll keep

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

the table. Once out of sight, she

the effort of holding it in, nearly hopping from foot to foot in desperation.

dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was

emptied before she cried out in frustration, pounding on the door.

down and

an eternity before

7

my medication, remember?” Her bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t break your

the other end, devoid of any warmth, mocking

Elspeth’s voice broke, tears welling up. “I miss you. I’m going out of my mind missing you!”

was the promise of

the medicine,” she had cast aside

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

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

the races began

horse racing gala always drew

of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their

across the track, a spectacular sight.

the races themselves.

betting stakes for this single

to win a fortune, while a few competed for

families had brought their prized steeds,

today?” Jeff asked, peering through his binoculars

you going

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

I’ve changed it! It’s not Treasure

while the others race ahead?” Emeric couldn’t help but rib him.

as the surrounding families snickered.

sharp tongue, more toxic than

even place a friendly bet. What, we can’t be friends

I’d be happy. Betting on someone else’s? I’d lose sleep. I’m petty like

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