Chapter 703


    Chapter 703


    “Careful there, Edith.”


    Not only did the man speak to Edith in a gentle tone, but he also attentively bent down to adjust her


    intricate dress, careful to prevent her high heels from getting caught and causing her to stumble.


    “Thanks, Alston,” Edith batted her eyshes flirtatiously at the man, her voice a soft and suggestive


    purr.


    The sudden arrival of this ill–omened woman had disrupted the rare cozy atmosphere.


    Jareth knew all too well that Edith would make an appearance at such an event. Having just emerged


    from her social exile, it was clear she was desperate to reim the spotlight of high society and restore


    her tarnished reputation.


    He had thought that after her scandalous downfall, any self–respecting person in Elmsworth would


    have cut ties with her.


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Yet, there were still the men eagerly fawning over her, ying the fool to her maniptions. One


    ying the seductress, the other ying the sap, they were quite the match.


    Thaddeus‘ brows furrowed in confusion, but Evadne spoke up coolly, “I know him, Alston Bartley, the


    sole heir to Mr. Bartley.”


    “Evadne, even I find him unrecognizable, and you know him?” Thaddeus held her hand tightly, his gaze


    filled with newfound admiration and reverence.


    “It’s not surprising you don’t recognize him,” Evadne replied. “For one, he’s not a political figure, and for


    another, he’s not part of the Elmsworth circles. He’s been studying abroad in Aetheria, probably just


    returned to the country not too long ago.”


    Evadne watched Edith and Alston, her eyes deep and profound, “Even though I took over the K Hotel


    from Emeric, I knew that sooner orter I would take charge of the entire K Group. Thus, I conducted a


    covert investigation to understand the ins and outs of Elmsworth’s political and business scenes.”


    She chuckled, “Back then, I was determined to trample the entire Abernathy Group under my feet, to


    challenge you head–on: That’s why I worked so hard to gather intelligence and make my mark in


    Elmsworth. But then, unexpectedly…”


    You ended up being thedy of the Abernathy Group,” Thaddeus said with a softugh, his warm


    breath caressing her cheek.


    “Speaking of which, it’s all your fault. I never got to realize my grand ambitions.” Evadne pouted prettily.


    “Evadne, all that I have is yours,” Thaddeus said, hisrge hand gently caressing her waist. “It’s not


    that you fail to realize your ambitions, it’s that you’ve already won me over without a fight.”


    Evadne slightly curled her lips, shaking her head, “Thaddeus, what’s yours is yours; they were earned


    through your hard work. As long as I have you, that’s enough. Besides, the happiest I can be is not


    when you blindly appeasing, indulging, or submitting to me, but standing at the pinnacle alongside


    you.”


    Thaddeus was deeply moved, eyes moistened with emotion.


    Seeing Jareth bring that idiot girl along, Edith was seething, her eyes turning a shade of green envy.


    “Edith, let’s go inside,” Alston said, his gaze on her could practically melt.


    “Hold on, I’ll introduce you to someone familiar.”


    Alston asked with puzzlement, “Who?”


    ying coy, Edith dragged him toward Jareth.


    “Jareth, Thad, I’m so happy to see you here,” Edith said with astonishing shamelessness, as if nothing


    had happened, truly a ck–hearted wonder!


    Thaddeus‘ expression was dark and foreboding, his fists clenched tight.


    Evadne’s soft hand enveloped his, gazing deeply into his reddened eyes. Her gaze, soft and tender like


    the spring breeze, soothing the tempest within him.


    “Let’s go, Thaddeus,” she whispered, her voice soft as thoughforting him.


    She had momentarily quelled his rage, knowing that one more nce at Edith could set him off,


    beating Edith to the point unrecognizable even to her own mother.


    This wasn’t Evadne trying to keep the peace, nor did she not want to settle scores with Edith


    It was simply that Jareth was present. He was the man with the final say in the Fairhaven family, and it


    was up to him to deal with Edith


    Thaddeus, with a look that could freeze hell over, escorted Evadne away, leaving Edith trembling with


    fear.


    Mari, upon seeing Edith, was reminded of the harsh words spoken in the auditorium. Her wounds,


    barely healed, felt freshly torn open, causing a dull ache.


    Suddenly, she paused, her gaze fixed on Alston.


    Memories, which were terrifying like a trapped beast viciously gnawed at her nerves, surged and


    caused her to shiver uncontrobly within Jareth’s embrace.


    Jareth was oblivious to Mari’s distress; his entire focus was on Edith at that moment.


    He was curious to see what tricks this venomous woman would try to pull right under his nose!


    “Big brother, allow me to introduce him. This is Mr. Bartley’s son, Alston,” Edith said with a smile.


    “Mr. Fairhaven, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Alston extended his hand with polished courtesy.


    Vareth towered over the man, his gaze icy and condescending.


    Alston’s throat tightened, his hand awkwardly suspended mid–air.


    Eventually, Jareth silently shook his hand, leaving Alston’s fingers sore and reddened upon retracting.


    Alston, guess who she is,” Edith nudged, her tone gentle but eyes mischievous.


    Mari felt a sting in her heart and bowed her head low.


    “This is?”


    Alston’s brow creased as he studied her delicate, fair face for a long while.


    Finally, recognition dawned on him, “Ah! It’s Mari. Women really do change so much as they grow.


    You’ve be so beautiful, I hardly recognized you!”