Chapter 706
Chapter 706
“Mari.” Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy were both stunned in disbelief.
A smile graced Evadne’s lips, a touch of gratitude in her gaze as she looked towards Mari, warmth
blooming in her chest.
“My wife is right. Spreading rumors and causing trouble in front of Mr. Thaddeus and Ms. Evadne–do
you think the Abernathy Group and our legal department are here for nothing?”
Jareth’s arm barred Mari’s shoulder, as he red coldly at the gossipmongers, “If you think you have
the guts, go ahead, try saying that again. The Fairhaven Group won’t mind ying your little game.”
The busybodies, already embarrassed by the young woman’s reprimand and further intimidated by Mr.
Fairhaven’s menacing presence, huddled together like quails, not daring to utter another word.
recognize you; you’re Avery.”
Mari lifted her dress gracefully as she walked over, her slender figure shielding Evadne, her eyes
bravely meeting those of the stranger for the first time, “Mr. Avery, are you a friend of my sister–in–
Evadne’s lips curled coldly.
Friend? That word had been dirtied by him.
But she didn’t me Mari. How could the innocent Mari know the bloodshed and darkness thaty
beneath? And she didn’t want her to understand.
“Ms. Mari, what are you trying to say?” Avery asked, his smile seemingly cordial.
“If you are my sister–inw’s friend, you should’ve been the first to stand up to rify for her right
away, instead of watching her being misunderstood and doing nothing.”
Mari’s straightforward nature took over, her frustration directed squarely at Avery, “A true friend
wouldn’t be as cold–blooded as you are. You’ve really let her down.”
Evadne quickly took Mari’s soft hand, pulling her into an embrace to keep her away from the viper.
Avery’s face darkened, his forced smile freezing at the corners of his lips.
Sincerity was always the ultimate weapon. With just a few words, Mari had not only extricated
Evadne from the murky rtionship but also painted Avery as the heartless viin.
“Thad, she’s really starting to show the qualities of a Fairhavendy,” Jareth joked, elbowing his
brother–inw as he watched his defiant and pretty wife,ughing foolishly.
He was head over heels in love!
“When you two get home, make sure you thank Mari for me,” Thaddeus said, with a warm feelings
flow in his heart.
Jareth’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his gaze intensifying, “I’ll do more than thank her, I’ll make sure she’s
well taken care of.”
Thaddeus shot him a look, whispering a reminder, “You’re not getting any younger, and your work is
taxing. For Mari’s happiness in the long run, you should take care of yourself and not overindulge.”
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“Damn, I’m not the least bit weak; my quality is top–notch!” Jareth retorted with a pout, “Besides, I’m
living a nd life these days, barely remember what a nightclub looks like. It’s the little pleasures with
my wife that keep me going. Don’t be so cruel to me, Okay?
Thaddeus just shook his head.
Keeping Jareth from his dearest wife would be as cruel as asking a tiger to nibble on lettuce.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the banquet hall.
Edith’s fingers gripped around the balcony railing, tightening as she red down at Mari with eyes
twisted in seething red.
That idiot, bolstered by Jareth’s backing, had learned to show off!
The happier she acted, the quicker she would fall. Her days were numbered!
“Who would’ve thought? Mari, who used to be so timid, now became sharp–tongued, aplete
different person,” Alstonmented, sipping his red wine beside her
His meaningful gaze deepening as he looked at Mari’s blooming, enticing face.
“Hmph, what, the more you look, the more you like her?” Edith sneered at him, scoffing mockingly.
“Edith, don’t be like this.”
Alston wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, his breath of wine lightly sprayed on her
cheek, his hands wandering over her bare back, “My heart has always been with you over the years.
Aside from you, no one else catches my eye. How can Maripare to you? Edith, you’re simply
amazing, addictive.”
Of course, Edith knew what he meant–it was all about the bedroom antics.
Alston had chased her for years, calling him an ultimate loyal dog wouldn’t be an exaggeration. But
back then, with Thaddeus in her heart, she never spare a second nce for such a man..
After various events, shepletely gave up on Thaddeus andpromised to be with Alston.
He intended to marry her, but she only ever saw him as a tool to satisfy her needs. After each
encounter, Edith, having had her fun, could ignore him for days or even a month, not feeling anything
wrong with it.
But now, Edith needed to keep him close.
Because this man was crucial to her n; she was keeping him for a significant use.
“Alston, I know. In this world, you’re the one who treats me the best, the one who loves me the most.”
Edith wrapped her arms tenderly around his neck, her barely concealed chest pressed against his,
pouting pitifully, “I’m in trouble, and I know you’ll do everything you can to help me, right?”
Alston, stirred by her and felt a fire ignite in his lower part, struggling to hold his wine ss steady,
nearly ready to press her against the railing right there and then, “Do you even have to ask? Edith, I’m
yours, whatever you ask, I’m willing.”
“You saw how Jareth treated me, his own sister, tonight,” Edith’s voice quivered with a sobbing tone.
“Yes, I saw it, it was utterly outrageous!”
“He can treat me that way, but he was also sofr er
o you, it truly breaks my heart.”
Edith caressed his face, “It’s all because of Mari. She’s the one who has driven a wedge between my
brother and me, making me an outcast in the Fairhaven family. Alston, please help me, will you? I really
need you.”
“Edith, how can I help you?” Alston’s breath grew heavier. “Just tell me, for you, I’m willing to do
anything!”
Edith’s voice was syrupy sweet as she teased, “Really, anything?”
“Yes, anything!”
A wicked glint passed through Edith’s eyes as she tiptoed closer and whispered something into his ear.
Alston stood there, stunned, his eyes wide with shock.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere downstairs grew tense.
Avery didn’t offer much in the way of exnation. He just adjusted his gold–rimmed sses; watching
Mari, his lips curled ever so slightly upward.
Mari’s heart raced. This man before her, pallid and sinister, with his ominous presence, said nothing
yet made her feel an inexplicable chill!
“Avery.”
The stern, deep voice of Jeff broke the silence. Avery turned slowly to face him.
‘Dad”
It was in this moment that Mrs. Chambers noticed Jeff approaching. She trembled violently as if struck
by lightning, panic–stricken, she sought refuge in Avery’s embrace!
Her Alzheimer’s was advanced, often she couldn’t even recognize her own son.
Yet, at the sight of Jeff, all her painful memories came flooding back, overwhelming her mind!
“Mom, don’t be scared, I’m here, you don’t have to be afraid,” Avery embraced his mother, patiently
“Mr. Avery,e on over, it’s time for the family photo,” Matthew urged coldly.
“All right. Avery then turned to his mother with a tender tone, “Mom, let’s take the family photo
together.”
Jeffe expression turned extremely cold.
“Hah, Mr Avery you must be joking. Matthew sneered with a disdainful gaze. “Thisdy is no longer
part of the Chambers Group What right, what face does she have to stand beside Dad for a photo?”