Chapter 468
Chapter 468
Berthatened intently, and it all clicked into ce.
Elvira was a household name among the elite of Elmsworth, and her reputation as a psychic had even
drawn the wealthy from afar to have their fortunes told.
But beneath her morous facade, Elvira’s hands were dirty with all manner of sordid dealings. Money
talked, and for the right price, she’d y matchmaker for the rich and powerful without batting an
eyelid.
get what you’re saying. Dad’s always been superstitious, forever running to some medium or another
for a reading. So, I set it up. I introduce Elvira to Dad, he’s bound to be keen on meeting her
Bertha’s mind whirred with schemes. “Then, behind the scenes, I’ll grease Elvira’s palm, have her spin
a tale that you and the Ashbourne heiress are a match made in heaven, that she’s got her sights set on
you and it be a boon for the Chambers Group.
On the flip side, if the Ashbourne gal ends up with our youngest brother, it’ll spell disaster for the
Chambers n, Dad’s an old superstitious fool. Once he hears it, he won’t think twice about the
youngest and will move heaven and earth to unite you with the Ashbourne estate,”
“That would be perfect! Thanks so much, Bertha Byron said, gripping his sister’s hand with fervent
gratitude.
“Byron, we’re cut from the same cloth, raised together since we were knee–high to a grasshopper.
Mom passed early, and Dad remarried that wen who cuckolds him at every turn, not to mention that
hall–brother of ours eyeing our inheritance. We’ve got to stick together. If I’m not on your side, then
whose side am I on?” Bertha spoke from the heart.
As a married woman, with a husband embroiled in political warfare, she barely kept afloat. She often
had to dip into her own savings to help him maneuver in the shadows, all while maintaining her facade
as ady of high society.
If Avery’s influence continued to grow, she’d lose even thest shred of dignity within the Chambers
Group.
When the time came to divide the inheritance, her brothers would take care of her. The youngest? He’d
be lucky not to bury her. So she was dead set on helping Byron to the end.
“But remember, we’re not living in the dark ages anymore. Parents can’t call all the shots.”
Byron rolled a cigar between his fingers, his gaze clouded with concern. Tve heard that Nydia and
Evadne’s secretary are thick as thieves, and Evadine’s all for them being together. You know what kind
of pull Evadne has. She’s the apple of Chairman Emeric’s eye and has Thaddeus’s backing. She’s bold
enough to lock horns with the Fairhavens in public. If she decides to stand in our way, getting Nydia to
the altar might hit a smag.”
Asly smile flickered across Bertha’s face as a dark idea took root. “Byron, the solution is simple. We
just need to y a little rough.” “What do you mean?”
“Make a bindingmitment,” she said with a sinister undertone
Byron was takensback!
Although he was no stranger to conquests, Nydia was the precious flower of the Ashbourne family, not
one to be tried with lightly
“If we involve Elvira, it’s not a surefire win. Even if Dad agrees, Chairman Emeric might not. So instead
of hanging in suspense, why not just secure the girl, force Emeric’s hand to marry her to you, and leave
Evadne with no room to intervene? Meaning, even if you can’t have her heart, you’ve got to im her
first.”
Byron, struck by the ides, nodded fiercely. “You’re right.”
With their plot set, the siblings clinked sses and popped open a bottle of champagne.
Unbeknownst to them, a small listening device under the table blinked its red light ominous!
At the other end of the listening device–The Velvet Haven.
Avery lounged elegantly on avish vintage sofa, his delicate yet ambiguous features as enigmatic as a
noble vampire. He swirled the red wine in his ss, listening intently to the Chambers‘ siblings‘
conspiracy. The more he heard, the more he wanted tough
“Look at my dear brother and sister, aren’t they quite theedic duo? Mere jesters, nothing more.”
“You’re so magnanimous, sir. They’re plotting against you, and you’re not the least bit angry.” Harvey,
by his side, was both incensed and bewildered. “Why should I be angry? Their actions are ying right
into my hands.”
Avery raised his gliss, peering into the blood–red liquid with a chilling smile. I’m not just unbothered. I’ll
even lend my dear brother a hand, Consider it my wedding gift to him and Ms. Nydia”
Thanks to Bertha’s machinations, Jeff had a sessful meeting with Elvira.
And Elvira, following Bertha’s script to the letter, fed Mr. deff a line so convincing that he had no choice
but to believe.
Deep down, what Jeff wanted more than anything was for Byron to unite with the Ashbourne family.
After all, that was his favorite son, and any benefit that came his way was a priori considered for Byron
Even though Avery had been making overtures, doing everything to please him, he couldn’t rece
Byron’s ce in his heart, not after a fifteen–year absence.
But, Emeric was a man of immense pride. Even if Nydia wasn’t the daughter of his beloved wife,
woman to his disabled sont
how could he possibly m
marry off such a radiant young
So el filed the matter away, waiting for the right opportunity to broach the subject once more, however
slim the chances. Time dew by, and soon the anticipated weekend arrived.
The news that the J Group’s William and his son were making their first visit to Elmsworth and hosting
a top–tier business dinner spread like wildfire among high society and the media citywide.
Tonight, an exotic–style castle resort on the outskirts of Elmsworth was booked out entirely by William
and his son. The exterior was abuzz with excitement, luxury cars lined up like pearls, while inside,
everything was orderly and untouched by the swarming media.
The security level and privacy at the event were off the charts.
One by one, the scions of the four major families arrived, all covertly slipping through a temporary
passage to avoid the prying eyes of the media. Even the typically ostentatious Fairhavens kept a low
profile this time, not eager to unt their presence.
After all, the scandal at the racing club was still a fresh wound on the interner’s collective memory, and
they weren’t keen on ripping off the scab “Grandpa, do you really think Mr. Frederic will announce my
engagement to Thad at the dinner tonight?” Edith purred from her nestled spot in Barry’s arms, her
brow furrowed with worry. “Can Mr. Frederic actually convince Thad? He’s so stubborn, and I can’t help
but worry.”
“Convince him? Do you think Thad has the right to refuse? Not unless he wants to kiss his position at
the Abernathy Group goodbye, along with the CEO
Barry exhaled heavily, his weathered face clouding over. Tve settled things with Mr. Frederic, and he’s
quite pleased with the match. With the wedding gift I’ve arranged for you, not to mention the leverage
our family holds, he has no reason to decline!”
“But, Grandpa Hamilton has always favored Evadne over his own granddaughters. If he doesn’t agree.
‘How long do you think Hamilton can pull the strings? Right now, the Abernathy Group is Mr. Frederic’s
show?
Barry couldn’t help but sneer, Mr. Frederic made his stance crystal clear; he won’t let someone like
Evadine, who’s been manipting his son and disrupting the peace, set foot in the Abernathy family.
That Ashboume girl has outsmarted herself! Don’t worry, Edith She won’t block your path into the
Abernathys any longer”
“If that’s the case, then that’s wonderful! Thank you, Grandpar Edith’s face it up with excitement as she
resumed her endearing coquetry.
She had nned to deliver a crushing blow to Evadne during tonight’s vital gathering, in front of both
families, and especially in front of William and his son topletely disgrace the Ashbournes.
But if Barry had already sealed the deal with Frederic, her path was clear
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Tonight, she would spare Evadne.
Another day, she would find the perfect opportunity to shatter that tramp’s dignity and ensure no man
would ever desire her again.
Inside the banquet hall, the music was enchanting.
The air shimmered with the fragrance of flowers and the glitter of high society.
Thaddeus arrived not with his family but alongside Jareth, as if to avoid any insinuation of partiality.
Thaddeus and Jareth made a dazzling entrance, capturing the attention and hearts of many
With nody on Mr. Thaddeus’s arm, the women dared not covet, well aware that he was spoken for
and knowing better than to make fools of themselves.
Who would darepete with the Ashbourne heiress for a man? And truly who could?
However, the gaze thesedies cast upon Jareth was starkly different, a blend of desperate longing
and predatory hunger.
Jareth and Mari’s rtionship had been publicly acknowledged only once, at the racing club, leaving
the vast majority oblivious. Thus, Jareth remained the ultimate fantasy for the women of Elmsworth,
But for Jareth, these unting females held no allure next to Thaddeus, his trustedpanion
“Why did you leave Marita alone at home?” Thaddeus asked with a cool nce.
Jareth, exasperated, retorted, “Do I need to be a eunuch before you see me in a new light?”
Thaddeus looked away. “Time will tel
“Damn it, I went to this partyst night, and the women swooped in like vultures the moment they heard
I needed a date. I nearly lost it if they weren’t women, believe me, they’d live been t on the floor!”
Jareth huffed, his thoughts drifting back to his dating wife at home, “Mari hates these kinds of events.
She gets anxious and ufortable. Honestly. I didn’t want toe either, but duty calls. I’ve taken
my uncle’s ce, helping Grandpa manage the Fairhaven Group. So, I had to show up tonight:
Thaddeus’s lips curved slightly, “A toast to your ascent.”
“Huh?”
“Congrattions in advance, Mr. Fairhaven
Jareth from, aplex joy rising in his heart at the sound of that title.
Before, he had always been “Mr. Jareth to those in the Fakhaven Group and beyond, never quite
reaching the heart of power.
He had braced for a long battle, never expecting victory toe so swiftly.
“Hey, it’s not official yet, just interim, Jareth demurred, though his eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“You’re Barry’s only grandson it’s right and inevitable for him to groom you, Thaddeus affirmed,
pping a supportive hand on his shoulder. “I’m truly happy for you, Jareth. Now that you’re moving up,
it’s time to divest from those gray area businesses. At the very least, keep your public profile clean. It’ll
affect how you’re perceived in the Fairhaven Group and by the public. Also, I don’t want Mari living in
constant worry for you. You better straighten up you hear?
moment, Thaddeus was more tha
raking with the depth
Jareth’s throat tightened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears Dammit, you’re about to make me cry”
Truth be told, he had thought the same thing himself.
He was determined to seize the opportunities ahead, to carve out a future for Mari that would make
The folks from the K Group are here!
Someone bellowed through the room, and Thaddeus tensed up as if struck by lightning His posture,
usually as rxed
straight. His heart, calm just moments before, now pounded against his chest
He took a deep breath, straightened his bow tie, and gazed towards the banquet hall doors with a look
of unwavering affection
Jareth snickered at his side, covering his mouth
Anyone who didn’t know better would think Thad was standing at his wedding swarting finde
Momentster, Emeric and Cassius strolled into the banquet hall grace in the steps Trating behind
them were two stunning beauties. E vadne Nydia
One was a red rose, breathtaking and soul capturing, the other a white rose, pure and enchanting
All eyes, particrly those of the men were drawn to the sisterly dus, rendering the thendies present
hitting but garish imitations
‘No doubt about it, the belle of the ball tonight is stil the Ashbourne family’s eldest”
“The one beside her, isn’t that Charman Emerics
known daughter) The un
“That must be her She’s quite a catch tos, standing neittu | vadne without Being merrshadis
“Man, to marry a pair like that, youd wake up from
“Marry one and your ancestors would be celebrating but two) Keep divatung buddy in pour duara pull
t?er a harr End of your
The men let their imaginatione tun
Thaddeus’s eyes darkened, has fets elenched tight, a surge
Hey take easy bro, Jareth nudged
cruder the words, the more d mu
“You’d be so forgiving if it were Malta,
“UhJh was at a loss
Thaddeus took a deep breath,
As if by some telepathic connection, Evad
endearing wirk
Thaddeus swallowed hard, fering le
Just then, two figures steppe
“Chairman Emeric’s a pleasure to see you agan implication, towards Evadne “And your lovely
daughter.
sred. His eryen