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 when

as the others were distracted, she bumped the man beside her with

delicate fragrance drifted by, causing Thaddeus’s heart to flutter, his cheeks warming as he

caught the flush on his handsome face and

what a bashful man he

man, who held her in his arms late into the night, taking

timid.

one drink, you don’t need to overdo

glanced at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t spoil everyone else’s

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

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

sensing they were up

returned to his father’s side, his

have you taken a fancy to Alea?” William asked

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

the distinguished ladies here, only Alea seems a match for you.”

are

the woman who had attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled his lip in

quite the array

over heels for Alea. It’s clear as day to anyone with eyes. And you? First time meeting her and you think you stand

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 back someone else, we could yank him from

prioritize our interests. Our collaboration with the Abernathy Group is crucial right now. Try not

“You’re right, as always. I’ll keep a

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

Once out of sight, she hunched over, knees together, sprinting toward the

with the effort of holding it in, nearly hopping

lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was left in

alone, until the restroom emptied before she

down and sat

an eternity before

7

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

devoid of any

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

the promise of relief

the medicine,” she had cast aside

the races, come 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

the races began

the annual horse racing gala always drew the

Parade of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth by

lineage galloped across the track, a spectacular sight.

races

single event often soared

bet on social standing, others aimed to win a fortune, while a few

their prized steeds, already waiting

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

you going to get over

a fate by your whims. Just hearing that

changed it! It’s not

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

face fell as the surrounding

sharp

with age, Emeric! You rag on me and won’t even place a friendly bet. What, we can’t be friends anymore?” Jeff pouted like an old

my own horse, I’d be happy. Betting on someone else’s? I’d lose

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