Chapter 446

The match time was up; the air thrummed with anticipation and the roar of eager crowds as the jockeys, astride their magnificent steeds, made a glittering entrance into the arena.

Amidst a shower of roses and the thunder of applause, the jockeys stood tall and proud, warriors each and every one.

The announcer’s voice boomed with excitement as he introduced each competitor and their gallant horses. All eyes were on the track, home fans cheering for their favorites. But there were a few who, in silence, awaited the arrival of a particular beauty.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen.”

The announcer’s voice hitched as he scanned his notes, causing a hush to sweep over the crowd.

“Please welcome the daughter of Chairman Emeric Ashbourne, the daughter of the Ashbourne family, Ms. Evadne Ashbourne!”

The crowd erupted in astonishment. Good heavens, the Ashbourne family’s daughter competing in the flesh? Could she truly be such an equestrian force?

Jewelry designer Alea, hotel magnate, fashion designer Haron, illustrious doctor Dr. Eve and now, a jockey too. What other surprises did she harbor, unknown to the world?

Yet, some onlookers couldn’t help their envious comments.

“Can’t that big–shot corporation afford a professional jockey? Why send the family gem to rough it up? Talk about cheap thrills.”

“Seriously, the racetrack is so dusty and grimy. If it were me, I would never agree to step in there.”

“And horses, they’re beasts after all. What if one goes berserk and she gets thrown or trampled? Seems the Ashbourne lady will stop at nothing for a bit of the limelight.”

Evadne, clad in a striking black and white riding ensemble, gracefully led her horse Wind into the arena.

The spectators were spellbound, even the naysayers fell silent for she was a vision of beauty.

Bland riding attire was often demanding of one’s figure; not any woman could embody its uniqueness, yet all those concerns and defects seemed dissolved in front of her impeccable body.

Her clear eyes and bright smile, her statuesque form, all radiated a fierce, sun–like brilliance.

Seeing his woman entering the arena, Thaddeus couldn’t help but rush to the forefront, gripping the railing with white–knuckled intensity, his eyes fixed on the breathtaking Evadne.

“Evadne,” he whispered her name, his voice thick with an emotion that almost brought him to tears.

Edith observed his longing gaze, scoffed, and drowned her irritation in a hefty swig of bourbon.

3

all he wanted. Maybe later he’d miss this time for the

in the presence of the Ashbourne daughter, felt a stormy scowl crease his forehead. Not wanting to cause a scene, he redirected his frustration at Glynnis, “Where is your mom? The race is about to start. At such a crucial moment, everyone is here but her. Where has

wronged, blurted out, “How should I know? She’s your wife. You ought to know

this horse show. She used to cling to him

“Dennis.”

Dennis

And when you do, tell her to come back

nodded and left

beat; she worried that Elspeth might be conducting a covert rendezvous with Victor at the track, exchanging some illicit potion, which drenched herself

Dad’s sent someone to

play the role of the spirited cheerleader amidst the male jockeys, “Woohoo! Go Evadne, you look smashing! Charge ahead!”

didn’t show a hint of annoyance. Instead, her eyes, as clear as stars, sparkled with excitement and her fists clenched in

looked on with disapproval. What could they do about this whirlwind of a man? They pretended not to know

in a

you know how

If Marilla were racing, I’d leap from here and sprint alongside her,

unconvinced. Aren’t you

just too uptight, man.” Jareth clapped him on the back, “I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re more anxious and worried for Evadne than anyone here. You should shout it out like I do! How else will she know?”

ostentatious as you. Besides, who says I won’t show it?” A tremor passed through Thaddeus’s long lashes, his voice

his eyebrow, Jareth smirked knowingly, “Spicy

Now,

man.

no such thing as being unromantic; it’s just a matter of meeting the

the race. Their eyes shone with nervous anticipation. Only William and his son remained calm, watching the proceedings with

positioned at gate five. His gaze wandered greedily over her, lingering on her shapely legs hugged by tight jodhpurs. His Adam’s apple bobbed

such a wild, unrestrained side to the sheltered Ms. Ashbourne. She was exactly his type. Once the race was over, he resolved to persuade his father to

on Evadne. She couldn’t help but feel a drum of anxiety in her

darkened upon hearing it, “You noticed too?” He had seen it before – the old man’s intentions were as clear as day! “What do we

financial powerhouses in their country. Emeric mentioned them before, saying that if we wanted to expand our business here, we’d have to deal with their family eventually. What if that Junior Morris takes a fancy to Evadne

moment, his voice warm but firm, “That won’t happen. Junior Morris is nearly forty, a whole ten years older than Evadne – it’s not a suitable match. Besides, they’re from another country and Debby is

keen on breaking up Evadne and Mr. Abernathy. He might change his mind, who knows?” Myra’s heart

uneasy.

never trade his daughter’s happiness for personal gain,”

grace, instructing Mr. Dylan to record the

was piercing as she focused ahead. Her seemingly delicate figure was charged with

“This pampered little miss – just don’t cry when you lose.”

the signal, every rider leaned forward.

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