Chapter 470


    Chapter 470


    Evadne’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widened as she locked gaze with Emeric’s dashing profile.


    Thaddeus’s eyes were filled with a tumult of tension and worry, his body tout as a drawn bow,


    seemingly on the verge of dashing over to grab Evadine’s band and whisk her away without a second


    thought.


    Others like Frederic and the members of the Fairhaven cli


    n, also had their colors drained from their faces.


    Particrly Edith, whose heart hammered away like a runaway train within her chest, stared at Evadne


    with a mix of anxiety and spite, though her words dripped with disdain, “Well, well, well, Ms. Evadne


    has a fiancé now? I wonder which lucky gentleman has the pleasure of joining fortunes with the


    Ashbournes?


    Frederic clenched his teeth fiercely. “No matter who the Ashbourne ally with, it will surely not be the


    Abernathy Group


    Edith’s lips curled up in triumph, her hanging heart settling back into ce.


    Ford’s expression darkened visibly; he suspected Emeric was concocting a story to extricate his


    daughter, a mere excuse to brush off his


    advances


    At the derby, he had noticed Evadne’s closeness to Thaddeus, but such flirtations were dime a dozen


    in high society, it was nothing but a dalliance. If there had been a fiance, Emeric would have


    announced it there and then, not wait until now to drop the bombshell


    William, on the other hand, appeared unfazed, smiling as he said, “So the young Miss already has a


    betrothed? Congrattions indeed, May Lask which fortunate family the young man hails from?”


    Curiosity was piqued all around.


    Emeric’s smile was gentle and unforced as he nced fleatingly towards Thaddeus


    Ford followed his line of sight and grimaced, knowing full well whom Emeric was observing


    “Oh my! Thad! Am I seeing things? Is Chairman Emeric looking at you? Jareth eximed with a high–


    pitched voice, shaking the man’s arm like a hyperactive groundhog.


    Thaddeus’s breathing was ragged, his forehead beading with sweat, but his voice remained deep,


    “Don’t overthink it Chairman Emeric is probably just using it as a pretext to fend off Ford.”


    “And why would Chairman Emeric bother looking this way? Couldn’t he just tell a white lie and be done


    with it?”


    Jareth was still visibly excited, ever the optimist. “It’s just us two here, and Chairman Emeric is


    definitely looking at you. He cant possibly be checking me


    out!”


    Thaddeus felt a tremor in his chest, struggling to control his breath


    His intense gaze was fixed on Evadne.


    for public


    The Ashbourne family has always conducted its affairs with discretion, including my daughter, who isn’t


    one to parade her private life fo consumption. Mr. William, tonight you meticulously nned this


    business dinner, and it would not do for our family matters to overshadow his event. Evadne and I


    agree that now is not the right time to announce an engagement. When the time is ripe, we will make it


    known.”


    Emeric’s gaze left Thaddeus as he continued, “When that timees, Mr. William, if you’d be so kind, I


    will personally send an invitation for you to join us In Skyrm. How does that sound?”


    “The never been to Skyrim, heard it’s a ce with crystal–clear waters and pristine beaches. You’ll


    have to let me know!?” William said, keeping up appearances beautifully.


    Evadne’s heart raced with disorder, grateful that Emeric had deftly steered the conversation away,


    allowing her to breathe a silent sigh of relief. Lately, Emeric had been unpredictable, at times almost


    unrecognizable, and then suddenly quite on point, as though he were two different people.


    The gossip–hungry crowd was left wanting more, murmuring amongst themselves.


    “Who exactly is Evadne’s fiancé? I saw Mr. Avery had been quite close to Chairman Emeric, and Mr.


    Jeff and the Chairman were like brothers. Maybe it’s Mr. Avery?”


    “Would he not show up tonight if that were the case? I suspect it’s Mr. Thaddeus. Wasn’t it obvious


    enough at the derby? Who was by Miss Evadne’s side when she was injured? If Mr. Avery was the


    fiance, wouldn’t he have shown up? That would be downright cold!”


    Nydia watched Evadne, her cheeks flushed with emotion, envy shimmering in her eyes


    Her father’s intentions were clear, her sister’s betrothed could only be Mr. Thaddeus.


    How wonderful to have her parents‘ blessing, to be with the one she loved.


    Even now, Nydia bore no resentment towards her sister or parents,


    The Dempsey family’s eldest son had yed the viin, aiding the enemies of her sister and brother–


    inw. The Dempseys‘ status was of no help.


    Lost in thought, Mydia’s eyes began to redden as she held back a world of pain.


    She was the least capable child in the family; if her own marriage could contribute to their cause.


    She was prepared to make any sacrifice.


    As the minor drama concluded, the dinner continued


    Willem and his son’s failure to secure an alliance with the Ashbourne family bolstered the confidence of


    the Abernathy Group and the Fairhaven Growth even stirring Matthew into action.


    Ford, rejected by Evadne, wore a face as sour and elongated as a used bandage. Though William


    didn’t show it, his son’s loss of face surely churned his


    insides.


    So, it seemed the Ashbournes were out of the running for the derby hotel project partnership.


    The music shifted, signaling the start of the ball


    Young nobles and debutantes paired off and took to the dance floor, twirling in a vibrant and joyous


    disy.


    Evadne could tell her sister, Nydia, was as nervous as a kitten at the grand ball it was Nydia’s first time


    at such a high–society event, and Evadne was worried she might boh. To ease her nerves, the sisters


    slipped away to a quieter, chatting and sipping on fruit punches.


    Nydia was the center of attention, with many gentlemen casting fervent nces her way, each one


    itching to ask her for a dance.


    But themanding presence of Miss Ashbourne was enough to keep them at bay. They admired


    from a distance, none daring to approach.


    Nydia kept her turmoil hidden from her sister, speaking only when necessary her words scarce and


    timid


    Evadne squeezed her sister’s cold hand and took a deep breath, “Nydia, I won’t let you leap into the


    fire. Trust me, I make sure you end up with the one you love


    “Exadne, I’m fine,” Nydia managed a quivering smile, her voice barely above a whisper. “An arranged


    marriage. I won’t object.It follow mom and dad’s wishes. You just be happy with Mr. Thaddeus and stop


    worrying about me.”


    “Sweet Nydia! What nonsense are you spouting? How can I possibly sacrifice your happiness for my


    Evadne’s voice cracked with urgency


    “If you can’t be with Jason, I’d rather stay single forever!


    own? What k kind of person would th


    I that make me?”


    “Evadne, don’t be stubbom. It’s my choice, and it has nothing to do with your Nydia was visibly


    distressed, about to continun her plea, when a badly pronounced English phrase interrupted them


    “Miss Evadne, may I have this dance?”


    The sisters looked up to find a dapper–looking Ford standing before Evadne bowing slightly and


    extending his hand in anticipation


    Evadne was unmoved, about to decline when Ford out her off. “Miss Evadne, you won’t give me a


    chance to court you but would you deny me a single dance? It’s just a social gesture, nothing more. I


    admire and respect you, with no ulterior motives. Won’t you grant me this one pleasure?”


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The room’s attention shifted toward them.


    Nydia frowned slightly seeing the predicament. Evadne clearly detested the blond–haired sultor, but


    refusal might seem arrogant.


    Stuck in an awkward silence, Evadne reluctantly began to raise her hand when suddenly a


    commanding figure swept in like a chill breeze.


    Before Ford could react, the slender, delicate hand he sought was snatched away!


    Evadne’s eyes widened as she was whirled into the spotlight of the dance floor, every eye upon them.


    As she locked gaze with Thaddeus’s dark, intense eyes, her body trembled in his embrace, heat rising


    to her skin.


    His breath warmed her face as he gazed down at her, his fingers interlocked with hers, his arm litting


    gracefully, the other wrapped around her waist, his palm pressing firmly against the small of her back,


    through the thin fabric of her dress.


    Evadne tried to keep herposure as they danced, but her body felt electrried, her breathing


    quickened, and she awkwardly tried to follow hisnd.


    What are you doing?” she gasped.


    “Would you rather be dancing with that wolf? Thaddeus whispered hotly in her


    Evadne bit her lip, a flush creeping up her cheeks. “Isn’t this dancing with a wolf 100?


    “Yes, but I’m the kind of wolf who might just devour you” Thaddeus replied, his jaw lifting proudly as he


    spun her around effortlessly Focus, Evadne. Your eyes should only be on me


    The pair became the envy of the hall, their exceptional dance stealing the spotlight


    Except for Edith, every woman conceded that only Evadne was a match for Thaddeus, and vice versa.


    Edith was seething, her hair pearly aze with rage, her eyes bloodshot with anger, yet powerless to


    intervene,


    Meanwhile, Ford, having been upstaged, felt his own anger ball over.


    Just then, William butler approached discreetly, “Sic, if you’re seeking a dance partner, you might


    consider Miss Fairhaven. She’s properly matched in status and, though not as radiant as Miss Evadne,


    she won’t tarnish your reputation.”


    “Her? Dressed like a Thanksgiving turkey? I’d rather sit this one out? Ford huffed, uninterested in Edith,


    and stormed off.


    Evadne’s sudden departure left Nydia alone and uncertain


    The men, sensing an opportunity, were ready to pounce, but a limping figure approached Nydia fest


    “Hey, isn’t that Byron someone eximed.


    is! He hasn’t been seen in ages. I thought he.”


    Rumors say he survived a horrible car ident. The Chambers had to call in the renowned Dr. Eve to


    treat him. Pity. He’s crippled now.”


    “Byron used to be so high and mighty. This must be quite a blow to his pride”


    Byron had spent the past week in intense physical training, dressed to the nines in an expensive


    tuxedo, his hair perfectly parted, all to make asting impression on Nydia.


    Standing before Nydia, he realized he could no longer dance.


    With a rueful smile, he said, “Miss Nydia, you seem bored here alone. May I keep youpany


    perhaps share a conversation?”


    Nydia tensed, hesitating before her phone vibrated.


    She nced down to see Jason’s name on the screen, a sharp pang of longing and pain gripping her


    heart.