Chapter 476

Inside the grand banquet hall, a lavish dancing party came to an end. The spotlight illuminated the center stage, drawing all eyes to William and his son

The tension was palpable among members of the Abernathy Group and Fairhaven Group, their gaze fixed on William. For the Fairhaven Group, winning this project meant salvation from their immediate troubles, while for the Abernathy Group, it was a chance to flex their corporate muscles and perhaps to vent some pent–up frustration over Evadne.

But Emeric appeared nonchalant amidst the business fervor His interest in the project paled in comparison to his concern for his daughter’s whereabouts. His darling Exadne had vanished surely she wasn’t off in some hidden comer with that Abernathy boy, their closeness raising more than just eyebrows?

A blush crept across Emeric’s cheeks as his mind conjured images better left behind closed doors. He may not be old–fashioned, and after all, Evadne had once been wed to that same Abernathy lad. They’d even lived together in Elmsworth, under his very nose, without producing a grandchild to his mixed relief and constemation.

Yet, even in the pursuit of thrills, there was a time and a place!

His thoughts were interrupted when he realized his usually obedient younger daughter, Nydia, was also missing. As he pondered in confusion, a striking couple emerged, commanding the room’s attention.

“Dad.”

“Chairman Ashboume.”

Emeric’s sharp eyes softened as he watched them, a smile instinctively curving his lips. There was a peculiar pride swelling in his chest upon seeing his daughter and Thaddeus together, their eyes for no one else, their affection palpable.

Thaddeus, once the object of Emeric’s disdain, was now increasingly endearing in his eyes.

“Where have you been?” Emeric chided affectively, masking concem with imitation. Noticing her pale complexion, he added in disquieted tone, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I can have your brother and Dylan take you to the hospital.”

Evadne’s face was a study in shadows as she shook her head, “I’m fine.”

“And your brother? I called him; why isn’t he here?”

“He got held up, but he’ll be here soon,” she replied, her voice a steady monotone.

Emeric frowned, “And Nydia? Haven’t seen her for a while.”

Thaddeus’s jaw was set, his eyes cold, while Evadne’s gaze was

Icy as it landed on Jeff.

“Ha! Oh, Emeric, you must have forgotten. Nydia and Byron were chatting away during the dance. Those youngsters probably found this too dull and sought a quiet corner to continue their conversation.”

quiet one among her siblings. To

cold laughter sliced through the pleasantries. Jeff stiffened, but for the sake of relations, he forced a smile, “Evadne, you seem upset. Has someone troubled

your lame son. Are you losing your touch, or can you not see the obvious?” Evadne’s narrowed

ire rising. This

spoiled by Emeric or emboldened by the attentions of Avery and Thaddeus? Did she truly believe, manipulating Elmsworth’s

Emeric scolded, bewildered by his daughter’s aggressive behavior toward

ak to the

elder, Jeff uttered with a tinge of gratitude, “Byron might not

I

mention of it made Evodne even more furious, “Mr. Chambers, do you know what thing I regret the most?

contracted, his teeth gritted tight, the face

Mr. Chambers has treated you as his daughter. How could you speak so rudely?” Emeric couldn’t tolerate it, feeling something was

pulling Evadne closer, he continued, “Don’t consider her words as mere rudeness. There’s a reason for her

emotions in her eyes

Jeff’s attitude toward Thaddeus was hostile, “Besides, what do you mean by that?

a sardonic half–smile playing on his lips as he fixed his gaze on Jeff,

watched her heart’s desire, arm–in–arm with Evadne, their figures paining as perfectly as wine and cheese at a high society soirée. Her features contorted as if a swarm of fire ants was feasting upon the

been tangled in a lover’s tryst, igniting passion

Imagery in her mind’s eye was too much,

disdainful glances her way, their eyes

this scatterbrained

be grace or lineage, Evadnie was by far a better match for his son.

with her cunning schemes and mercurial temper, not only manipulated his son

time bomb; should she marry

and gentlemen of the business elite, I’m delighted you could take time from your busy schedules to join us for J Group’s Inaugural banquet here in Elmsworth. On behalf of my father and the

thundered through

Abernathy Group. The project is advancing rapidly, the communication

eyes tumed to Frederic, while others sought out Jeff.

and not from a local powerhouse, didn’t

to lack the clout of the other

remarks, he stepped into the shadows, ceding the spotlight to his father.

his gaze lingering

that for the upcoming Equestrian Hotel project, J Group will enter into

Group? The Ashbourne

crowd was stunned, and after a brief silence,

a smile of genteel composure as he stepped forward and shook hands

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