Chapter 443
Chapter 443
The favoritism was as clear as day, an unapologetic disy of partiality.
It was ringly 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 upied 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 ss.
Thaddeus, his eyes deep and unfathomable, didn’t show any weakness as he too downed his drink in
one go.
Apuse 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 Mari, quiet and demure? What kind of aristocraticdy airs her family’s
dirtyundry like you do?” Frederic reprimanded Glynnis sharply, silencing her immediately.
At that moment, Evadne raised her ss 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
sses to drink to the toast.
Only Elspeth stood in the corner, gripping her ss 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–dor 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 ss remained untouched.
The Chambers family looked displeased, and Matthew gave Bertha a knowing look. The ever–loyal
sister of the family sneered, “Elspeth, as thedy 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
onught.
“I didn’t mean it that way, please don’t misunderstand. It’s just. I’m a lightweight when ites 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
asion.”
The room filled with murmurs and mixed expressions.
So after all these years wing her way up in the Abernathy family and finally securing her ce,
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 trulyughable!
Elspeth was shaking, her heavy makeup struggling to hide the deep anger that seemed to weigh more
than a poltergeist.
Well, well, usually so tight–lipped, now suddenly so eloquent when it mattered.
Evadne’s eyes narrowed slightly, and as the others were distracted, she bumped the man beside her
with her shoulder.
A wave of her delicate fragrance drifted by, causing Thaddeus’s heart to flutter, his cheeks warming as
he pursed his lips.
Evadne caught the flush on his handsome face and stifled a giggle.
Oh, what a bashful man he was.
But this so–called bashful man, who held her in his armste into the night, taking what he wanted with
the fervor of a starved wolf, was anything but
timid.
“Elspeth, have just one drink, you don’t need to overdo it.”
Frederic nced at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t spoil everyone else’s fun.”
Elspeth’s heart tightened, and with an arm as rigid as if it were nailed in ce, she lifted her ss and
emptied it.
As she grimaced like she had swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced on her behalf.
Avery watched the subtle intery between Evadne and Thaddeus, sensing they were up to something
he couldn’t quite grasp.
Ford returned to his father’s side, his expression sullen.
‘Son, have you taken a fancy to Alea?” William asked coolly.
“Yes, I was smitten with Evadne at first sight,” Ford said, his gaze fixed on Evadne’s lovely features, his
affection was straightforward
Indeed, of all the distinguisheddies here, only Alea seems a match for you.”
“The rest are mere jesters.”
Ford thought of the woman who had attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled his lip in
disdain.
“But my boy, you have quite the array of rivals.”
William pped Ford on the back with a 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 meeting her and you think you stand a chance?”
“The Chambers? They don’t hold 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 back someone else, we could yank him from that CEO chair in a heartbeat. I
don’t buy it. When ites down to love or power, he’ll pick power every time. True love? Heard of it,
never seen it.”
William grew serious, cautioning, “Even so, we should prioritize our interests. Our coboration with the
Abernathy Group is crucial right now. Try not to rock the boat, at least for the moment.”
Ford nodded in resignation. “You’re right, as always. I’ll keep a cool head.”
Elspeth, having been coerced into downing a stiff drink, felt the alcohol ze a trail straight to her
dder, and the urge to visit thedies‘ room hit her like a freight train.
Excusing herself from Frederic, she left the table. Once out of sight, she hunched over, knees together,
sprinting toward the restroom with urgency.
The stalls were all upied, and Elspeth trembled with the effort of holding it in, nearly hopping from
foot to foot in desperation.
Finally, a stall freed up. She dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was
left in a state of utter mortification.
Now she waited, agonized and alone, until the restroom emptied before she cried out in frustration,
pounding on the door.
After her tantrum subsided, Elspeth calmed down and sat on the toilet, dialing Victor’s number.
It rang for an eternity before he picked up, “Elspeth.”
7
“Dr. Victor. you promised you’de to the races today with my medication, remember?” Her
bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t break your word, will you? I’ll see you today,
right?”
-Augh came from the other end, devoid of any warmth, mocking even. “Missing me, are you?”
“Dr. Victor, Victor!” Elspeth’s voice broke, tears welling up. “I miss you. I’m going out of my mind
missing you!”
But what she missed more was the promise of relief his “miracle cure” held for her:
“For the medicine,” she had cast aside all shame.
“After the races,e alone to the rest area by track two. Everyone will be at track one by then, and I’ll
wait for you there.“”
Her response was an eager nod, her eyes shining with hope. “I’ll be there. I’ll definitelye to you!”
After a thrilling opening ceremony, the races began in earnest.
Two events at the annual horse racing g always drew the most attention:
First, the Parade of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth by parading their imported,
high–priced horses.
Magnificent thoroughbreds of rare lineage galloped across the track, a spectacr sight.
Second, the races themselves.
The betting stakes for this single event often soared to billions!
Some bet on social standing, others aimed to win a fortune, while a fewpeted for glory alone, not
for riches but to im the crown.
The four major families had brought their prized steeds, already waiting in the stables, ready to
compete.
“Emeric, how much are you betting on my Treasure today?” Jeff asked, peering through his binocrs
at the track and nudging Emeric beside him.
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“Your Treasure? When are you going to get over that name?”
Emeric frowned in distaste. “A fine horse reduced to such a fate by your whims. Just hearing that
name, I wouldn’t bet on it. Sounds like a loser.”
“Hey, hey, I’ve changed it! It’s not Treasure anymore, it’s Cyclone!”
‘Cyclone? What, does it spin in ce while the others race ahead?” Emeric couldn’t help but rib him.
Jeff’s face fell as the surrounding families snickered.
Eyadne had enough of Emeric’s sharp tongue, more toxic than herbicide.
“You’re getting stingier with age, Emeric! You rag on me and won’t even ce a friendly bet. What, we
can’t be friends anymore?” Jeff pouted like an old grump.
“Not betting. Winning or losing on my own horse, I’d be happy. Betting on someone else’s? I’d lose
sleep. I’m petty like that.”
Cassius stepped up then, smiling warmly. “Mr. Chambers, I’ll bet on your Cyclone. I believe in your
horse. Just a modest personal bet to show my
support, if you don’t mind.”
“Dear Cassius, you’re too kind. Your faith in my Cyclone makes me happy!”
But still, Jeff couldn’t help but probe, “How much you thinking of betting?”
Cassius‘ eyes curved with a gentle smile, raising a slender finger.
“A hundred thousand?”
“A million.”
Whoa! The Ashbourne family’s eldest son clearly had a different take on “modest.”
“Wow, thank you for the support!” Jeff beamed with pride.
“Pfft, just watch you bet your pants off,” Emeric scoffed, his words to his own son even rougher.
“Evadne, who are you betting on?” Avery asked gently, a smile in his voice.
Evadne didn’t even nce his way, her words icy. “I’m betting on no one. Love life, stay away from
gambling.”
Avery knew she still resisted him, but he didn’t mind, instead turning to Chairman Emeric with a smile,
“Mr. Emeric, I’ll join in the fun. I’ll bet on the K Group’s Wind, same as President Ashbourne–one
million.”
Jeff nodded in approval, clearly pleased with his younger son’s efforts to curry favor.
“Not bad, Avery. You’ve got a good eye, better than my own son,” Emeric grinned, Avery’s actions
hitting the spot.
“Entertainment is all about the fun, after all.”
Evadne and Cassius might have kept their cool on the surface, but their icy stares at Avery were
enough to send shivers down one’s spine, hostility churning beneath the calm.
“Chairman Emeric, mind if I join the fun?” Thaddeus’s voice, light and teasing, interrupted the tense
silence as he strolled towards the group with a carefree grin.
Avery adjusted his sses, his body tensing up with caution.
“Oh? Mr. Thaddeus, are you feeling lucky today?” Emeric’s tone was cool, his smile not quite reaching
his eyes.
The lines of allegiance were clear as day.
“A little wager can be quite refreshing. Besides, I’ve taken a fancy to your horse, Wind. Ever since it
was at the Aetheria Royal Stables, it caught my eye,” Thaddeus said with a charming tilt to his lips.
Cassius let out a soft chuckle, his longshes fluttering.
-Anyone who knew Thaddeus was aware of the lengths he’d gone to win Evadne’s heart. The ttery
he now so easily dispensed was something his
former pride would have never allowed.
Now, he swallowed that pride, humbling himself for the sake of salvaging his tarnished reputation.
Even if it was a drop in the ocean, he was willing to try.
Emeric’s eyes narrowed, perhaps a touch impressed by Thaddeus’s knowledge of his beloved steed.
He was about to respond when Evadne swiftly moved to Thaddeus’s side, poking him in the chest with
a mix of annoyance and affection.
“You’re such a fool and your money must burn holes in your pockets. Why would you bet on this one?
Just because it belongs to Emeric? Thaddeus’s smile was undeniably sweet as he covered the spot
she had touched, “That’s not the only reason. I genuinely believe in Wind’s potential.” “You don’t know
the first thing about horses! Wind and Mr. Chambers‘ Cyclone are neck and neck. Are you trying to
gamble away your shirt on that bet?” Evadne stood with hands on hips, shaking her head in disbelief,
“You’ve got poor judgment and no investment savvy. How on earth are you still a CEO?”
The crowd went silent.
Emeric and Jeff exchanged nces, speechless.
Evadne’s favoritism was indeed quite unique.
Thaddeus blinked, the soft light in his eyes flickering with affection as he Winded near her ear,
“Evadne, are you worried about my finances?”
Her cheeks flushed, she muttered under her breath, “It’s not just the money. I hate to see you lose.”
His indulgent smile deepened, and he longed to embrace her, “If I must lose, let it be to a family
member. I’d consider it money well spent.”