Chapter 497

The next day, in an opulent nightclub, amidst the swirling smoke and cacophony of revelry, Cedric basked in the company of beautiful women and fine liquor. Tonight, he was the epitome of contentment and freedom.

The man across from him was none other than Matthew, the heir apparent and CEO of the Chambers Group. Cedric’s invitation to this exclusive gathering signified Matthew’s endorsement, officially connecting him to the Chambers family.

Now he could play both sides, the Abernathy Group and the Chambers Group, to his advantage. Did he even need to worry about the Ashbourne family anymore?

“Mr. Chambers, I merely lent a hand. You’re being too generous,” Cedric boasted, arms wrapped around a blonde bombshell.

“A few drinks are nothing,” Matthew replied, swirling his wine and raising an eyebrow with a half–smile. “Not everyone has the guts to frame their own brother for assault. It serves a dual purpose: it vents some frustration for my younger brother Byron, who has suffered enough, and it hinders Jason’s budding relationship with Nydia. Your mother treasures her children above all, dead or alive. She would never want her son marrying the daughter of the Ashbourne family’s mistress, would she? Clever move, using one stone to kill two birds.”

If he couldn’t touch Thaddeus and Evadne directly, he would strike at those close to them.

Byron can’t have the woman he wants, and Jason thinks he can? Dream on!

“Well, that’s only because you, Mr. Chambers, are so generous,” Cedric chuckled, his eyes gleaming with cunning greed beneath his suave facade. “Considering the target is my own brother, the price you offered was more than fair. Of course, I’ll cooperate fully with your grand scheme.”

“You don’t feel a twinge of remorse for your brother?” Matthew asked with a smirk.

“He’s not my brother,” Cedric spat venomously, “He’s nothing but a dog raised by Evadne!”

Matthew tsk–tsked and sipped his wine elegantly.

“Mr. Chambers, you’re well aware of my clout in the legal world. I can take on Byron’s case, and I assure you, we’ll come out on top. Moreover, should your group ever face legal issues or need assistance, I’m at your service,” Cedric offered eagerly.

Matthew lazily looked up, his gaze falling on Cedric’s obsequious smile. “Mr. Cedric, no wonder you have such a reputation. A true master of networking and diplomacy. I hear you’ve cleaned up quite a mess for the Abernathy Group and not just once. But this latest incident, Elspeth’s drug charges, seems to be mishandled. She’s still in lockup, and her case is going to trial soon. Due to the scandalous public outcry, it’s a high–profile, open court case. Even the Abernathy Group couldn’t stop it.”

His smile turned disdainful, “Your unbeatable legend was shattered by Evadne and Thaddeus, and word has gotten around. You’ve had fewer cases coming in. Tell me, how can I trust your expertise now?”

Cedric’s smile froze awkwardly, his face burning with humiliation and rage simmering within.

“Even if it’s a public trial, the courtroom is my stage. I may not absolve Elspeth entirely, but I can ensure the lightest possible sentence!”

Gritting his teeth, Cedric downed his drink. “Just you watch.”

“I’ll look forward to your good news then,” Matthew said–mockingly. “If you can handle the Abernathy family’s trouble and prove yourself, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate.”

Stumbling drunkenly toward the parking lot, Cedric felt his mood had plummeted from elation to being weighed down by a heavy stone, struggling for breath.

It dawned on him that Matthew had used him like a pawn, dispensing empty promises. The Chambers family, a

nest of vipers!

“Damn it. If it weren’t for Elspeth’s botched case, do you think I, a top–notch lawyer, would bother with your pathetic party?”

Ripping off his tie, he spat on the ground in disgust, vowing revenge. “Just wait until Elspeth’s trial. I’ll win a stunning victory. Even if you beg me afterward, I won’t give you the time of day!”

As he squinted to call a ride, four young brutes in flashy shirts and suit jackets emerged from the shadows, wielding clubs and encircling him with menacing grins.

“What do you want?” Cedric sobered up instantly, his eyes wide with panic.

“Can’t you tell? We’re here to give you a beating.”

Before he could react, a club swung at his back, knocking him to the ground.

“Do you have any idea who I am?” Cedric wailed in agony, pride wounded but not wanting to show fear. “I’m a high–profile lawyer! Legal advisor to the Abernathy Group and a close associate of the Chambers Group CEO! You dare attack me. I’ll make sure you can’t walk the streets of Elmsworth! You’ll rot in jail!”

The thugs laughed heartily. “You think you can scare us? We’re regulars in the slammer; it’s like going home for us. Did you really think we’d be afraid? We’ve heard you take any case, a real bottom–feeder lawyer. We’re just delivering some street justice. Beat him!”

the

curled up into a ball, his arms wrapped around his head as he was pummeled by four thugs. They kicked and punched him, using him

I give up! I

with multiple fractures, a

mercy.

far away, a luxury car sat silently.

leaned against the car window, filming the beating with his phone,

sent the

what do you think? Should I spice it up a bit? Like, maybe give him a taste

a teddy bear making a heart with its hands, a stark contrast to his reputation as the boss of

Aviana replied

[Disgusting.]

later, she added

[I love it.]

service,

like an eternity, Aviana didn’t respond to his messages

over, pouting with a mix of adoration

a proper chat.”

an eye, five days

ended up being kidnapped by Cassius and Elvis. No matter how harshly he interrogated them, the brothers kept a united

told Emeric that their sister would be safer

lived for sixty years, only

a bunch of kids would keep him company in his old age. Turns out, they were all guarding

mindset was shattered!

at the

out of the slammer, first thing got himself a shiny new set of front teeth

in a mansion of the

no go. His

downed a whole sheet of potency pills, ending up with an overdose that

a mix of furious, resentful, and anxious, but he had no choice but to swallow the

felt lucky. He wanted revenge but knew he had to lay low and bide

had it worse,

beating, Lionel followed through on his threat, and his underlings filled Cedric’s mouth

excrement.

everything tasted of filth, and he couldn’t stop retching, nearly vomiting out his bile, even developing a fever from

worse than death for

fathom who would stoop so low as to

one night, as he lay feverish and near death,

haze, he remembered seeing a pin on one of the thug’s lapels–a red bird?

Elmsworth’s prime gang–S–Star Group?

out loud, clutching his head, teeth chattering, and body breaking out in a cold

major cities gathered in Elmsworth to meet with the mayor and various

a nutshell, this was

of a councilman, Bertha started prepping her gown a week in advance, opting for something elaborate and opulent. She

planned every step for him, managing connections across all sectors, crafting his public image, garnering votes. Her hair thinned from stress, and she poured her family’s wealth

in place, and the upcoming elections being the final hurdle, her husband was on.

becoming the First Lady was one step closer!

with advice on what

Edgar

all

her hands aside, frowning as he took over tie duty, muttering, “You used to be so decisive, now you’re nagging like an old

ungrateful man, now that your career’s taking off, you start looking down on your faithful wife?”

her sharp fingernail, “Without me, where would you be?

aggrieved look and headed

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