His Ex Wife is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

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.

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

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

Thaddeus’s heart to flutter, his cheeks warming

caught the flush on his handsome face and

a bashful man

night, taking

timid.

you don’t need to overdo it.”

Elspeth, his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t spoil everyone else’s fun.”

and with an arm as rigid as if it

she had swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced

sensing they were up to something he

his father’s side, his expression sullen.

have you taken a fancy to Alea?” William

was smitten with Evadne at first sight,” Ford said, his gaze fixed on Evadne’s lovely

distinguished ladies here, only

are mere jesters.”

of the woman who had attempted to wipe

boy, you have quite the array of rivals.”

half–smiling jest, “Man, Thaddeus and that young buck from the Chambers family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear as day to anyone with eyes. And you? First time

a candle 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

Group is crucial right now. Try not

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

to her bladder, and the urge to visit the ladies‘ room hit her

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

effort of holding it in, nearly hopping from foot to

up. She dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was left in a state of utter

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

her tantrum subsided, Elspeth calmed down and sat on the toilet, dialing Victor’s number.

for an eternity before he picked up, “Elspeth.”

7

bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t break your

devoid of any warmth, mocking even.

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

was the promise of relief

she had cast aside

by track two. Everyone will be

shining with hope. “I’ll be there. I’ll

opening ceremony, the races

events at the annual horse racing gala always drew the

Steeds. The elite showcased their

galloped across

races

stakes for this single event often

a few competed for glory alone, not for riches

had brought their prized steeds, already waiting

how much are you betting on my Treasure today?” Jeff asked, peering through his binoculars at the track and nudging

you going to get

reduced to such a fate by your whims. Just hearing that name, I wouldn’t bet on

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

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

fell as the surrounding families snickered.

Emeric’s sharp tongue, more toxic than herbicide.

won’t even place a friendly

betting. Winning or losing on my own horse, I’d be happy. Betting on someone else’s? I’d lose sleep.