The cocktail party was set once again at the Abernathy Hotel. Following a series of business meetings, the tycoons and elites of Elmsworth flocked here to continue their social engagements.


    Evadne, behind the wheel of her sleek ck Bugatti, zoomed through the city with Chasel, her passenger, clutching the door in a death grip, staring fixedly ahead, not daring to utter a single word.


    He feared if he did, he’d probably hurl out his dinner fromst night!


    Upon reaching the hotel finally, Evadne executed a swift, smooth drift that brought the car to a stop in the parking space.


    “Out,” Evadne, unfastening her seatbelt.


    Chasel remained motionless, pale as a ghost.


    Evadne blinked her almond–shaped eyes, waving a hand in front of him, “Hey, what’s happening? You’re not moving.<b>” </b>


    “I feel sick.” Chasel’s face turning a sickly shade of white.


    Evadne yelped, promptly kicking him out, “If you’re going to puke, do it outside! Not in my car!”


    The moment the car door opened, Chasel did exactly that.


    For a man of his high birth and noble upbringing, it was the first time he’d ever thrown up in such <b>an </b>undignified manner.


    Fortunately, Cassius wasn’t around, or else he would’ve wished he were dead.


    ”


    After emptying his stomach, Chasel weakly clung onto the car door, panting heavily as he red at Evadne, “Are all of you Ashbournes mad? Driving cars like they’re airnes!”


    “You’re a grown man and you get carsick?”


    Evadne crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head in disbelief, “My driving skills are on par with a race car driver, smooth as can be. If you can’t handle it, it’s clearly your problem.”


    With that, she handed him a bottle of water, showing a bit of consideration.


    Chasel rinsed his mouth, slowly regaining hisposure.


    “Hey, don’t forget what you promised me.”


    “I remember.”


    Evadne looked at him with a faint smile, “You cure Thaddeus, and I’ll introduce you to Dr. Eve. I keep my word.”


    If only Chasel knew, the beautiful woman who had been ragging on him was his idol, Dr. Eve, he might have a few choice words to say about that, and possibly feel a bit short–changed.


    Just then, a sleek ck Bentley glided past them.


    Evadne recognized the license te; it was vaguely familiar.


    The Bentley came to a stop not too far off, the driver stepping out to open the door.


    Out of the car stepped two people Evadne knew all too well–Het Uncle Bevis Ashbourne and her scheming cousin, Dolores Ashbourne.


    “Dad, how do I look tonight?” Dolores asked Bevis eagerly.


    She was wearing a one–shoulder pink evening gown, holding a silver clutch adorned with diamonds. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, making her look like a wealthy heiress.


    But Evadne could tell, the dress Dolores was wearing was a knockoff.


    Because that brand would never lend an original dress to someone like Dolores, who had neither the social standing nor themercial value. That would be like damaging their own reputation.


    “Looking fabulous! You’re as beautiful as a flower! You’ll definitely be the center of attention tonight!” Bevis showered his daughter with praise.


    Dolores, who hadn’t even entered the event, was already glowing with excitement.


    “Being the center of attention isn’t important. What’s important is if Mr. Abernathy likes.”


    Evadne heard Dolores‘ words loud and clear, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.


    Chasel looked at Dolores, her prétentious demeanor making his nausea resurface.


    “Sweetie, just be yourself, be considerate of Mr. Abernathy, and he’ll eventually fall for you.”


    Bevis didn’t miss the opportunity to throw a jab at Evadne, snorting, “My daughter, in any circumstance, is better than that ttern, Evadne. You need to have confidence. You’re no worse than Evadne. You justck a bit of chance with Mr. Abernathy. But that’s not important. It can be created. Evadne and Mr. Abernathy reallyck luck. Otherwise, why would they end up divorced?”


    Evadne listened silently to their self–serving speeches, her cool face betraying no emotions.


    Chasel stared in amazement as Bevis and Dolores left the parking lot.


    “Thaddeus is your ex–husband?”


    “Yep, should’ve mentioned it earlier, but it’s not exactly a secret.” Evadne responded, her expression neutral.


    “Well, you’re quite the exemry ex–wife.”


    Chasel couldn’t help but tease her, “Most people who divorce can’t wait to strangle each other, but you’re going out of your way to cure your ex–husband’s illness? Is this a case of old mes dying hard, or does he have some sort of leverage on you?”


    “I just want to clear my conscience. Let’s go.”


    Evadne, expressionless, started walking towards the hotel.


    Chasel watched her retreating figure, strong yet icy. For a woman in her early twenties, she carried herself with the strength of a de that could cut through a storm, her auramanding and fierce.


    He couldn’t help but crack a smile, “Evadne, you’re bing more and more intriguing.”


    Bevis had struck up a conversation with some of his acquaintances on the way, leaving Dolores to make her way to the banquet hall alone.


    She walked up to the entrance with an air of arrogance, handing over her invitation to the staff at the door.


    “Miss Ashbourne, pleasee in.”


    “Thank you.”


    As Dolores stroke her long hair and was about to step in, she heard the confident click of high heels behind her.


    She turned around in surprise, her pupils contracting at the sight.


    Evadne and Chasel were strolling towards the banquet hall side by side.


    Dolores clenched her teeth, her eyes darkening.


    Why was this witch here all of a sudden? There was no hint of hering before!


    And who was that tall, handsome man who looked like an international supermodel beside her? Was he her toy boy, or her new lover?


    “Hey, cuz! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Dolores‘ expression shifted in an instant, as she greeted Evadne with feigned warmth.


    Chasel snorted dismissively. Had he not witnessed the arrogant exchange between Bevis and his daughter in the parking lot earlier, he might have believed they had a good rtionship.


    That was why he wasn’t willing to return home. The rtionships within these wealthy families were tooplicated, too hypocritical.


    “What’s so strange about me being here? You’re here. Why can’t I be?” Evadne didn’t look at her, her red l*ps curling into a smirk, her aura intimidating.


    “Well, you’ve always been so low–key, sis. You never attend these kinds of public events.”


    “Oh, well you better get used to it.”


    Evadne’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze towards Dolores intriguing, “From now on, I’ll be appearing in public more often. I expect we’ll be seeing each other quite a bit.” Dolores forced an awkward smile. Inside, she was seething with fury.


    “Miss, could you please show your invitation?” A staff member politely asked Evadne.


    “I don’t have any invitation.” Evadne admitted freely.


    “Pfft!”


    Dolores couldn’t help but cover her mouth andugh, delighted at the opportunity to regain some dignity, “Oh sis, have you been out of the loop for so long that you forgot you need an invitation to get in? You’re causing trouble for these poor staff members.”


    The staff member looked diforted, “I’m sorry miss, but without an invitation, you can’t enter.”


    “I’m Evadne.” Evadne said simply, her eyes calm.


    The name “Evadne” was like a shockwave, leaving the two staff members dumbfounded!


    In the past, to make things easier, Evadne might have said “My father is Emeric“.


    But now, since she had caused quite a stir in Elmsworth, her name alone was enough to make an impact. She no longer needed to drop her father’s name. “Ah, Ms. Ashbourne! My apologies!“–


    “That’s alright. I had somest–minute business with Mr. Abernathy. It was an oversight on my part.”


    Evadne was surprisingly humble, offering a smile, “Since I don’t have an invitation, I understand that I can’t go in. Could you please let him know I’m here?” “No need! Ms. Ashbourne, pleasee in!” The staff members were eager to please, their attitudepletely different from how they treated Dolores.


    “Thank you. This is Mr. Bright, my friend. May we enter together?” Evadne asked with a smile.


    “Of course! Please,e in!”


    Evadne and Chasel were respectfully led into the banquet hall.


    Dolores was left alone, her face red with anger, stomping her foot in frustration!


    It had always been this way. No matter when, no matter where, no matter how hard she tried, as soon as Evadne showed up, all of her spotlight was stolen!


    Meanwhile, Thaddeus and Jareth were heading towards the banquet hall.


    “How’s Mari doing at your ce<b>?</b>” Thaddeus asked, his face emotionless but his heart worried for his sister.


    “She’s doing well. I’m nning to take her for a vacation after I finish up some business.”


    Jareth’s eyes dripped with warmth and anticipation for future at the mention of Mari, “I’ve found a psychologist who can help Mari ovee her autism and psychological trauma.”


    “Psychological trauma? What trauma?” Thaddeus stopped, asking in puzzlement.


    “I’m not sure. Lily told me about it. She thinks Mari must have endured some psychological trauma in the past. I suspect it has something to do with that awful Glynnis. -After all, Mari was always bullied by that witch sister in your family. It’s no wonder she has psychological trauma.”


    Jareth’s eyes narrowed, a cold light shing in them, “But it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve taken my revenge for Mari. If Glynnis ever tries to hurt my woman again, I’ll pluck all her teeth, pull out all her hair and make her suffer!”


    “Did you do something to Glynnis?” Thaddeus asked, his voice cold.


    “Why? Are you worried?”


    “Just curious.”


    “I didn’t do much, just disfigured her a bit.”


    Jareth grinned uncontrobly, remembering the abject sight of Glynnis crying out in the warehouse.


    “Oh, that exins it. I was wondering why I haven’t seen her aroundtely. She must be too embarrassed to show her face.”


    Thaddeus, mused, before looking seriously at Jareth, “Mari has been staying with you for a while now. You haven’t done anything to her, have you?”


    16.05


    Jareth’s heart skipped a beat, images of their intimate moments together at the bathroom the previous night flooding his mind, causing heat to rise from the lower party of his b*dy.


    Before he was struggling to find words to respond, Gordon rushed over from the other end of the hallway.


    “Mr. Abernathy! Ms. Ashbourne is here<b>!</b><b>” </b>


    Jareth’s eyes widened at Thaddeus, while Thaddeus seemed a bit dazed at the news, asking again, “Who’s here?”


    “Ms. Ashbourne! Evadne! She’s in the banquet hall right now!” Gordon said, unable to contain his excitement.


    He’d been missing Mrs. Abernathy for a while now.


    He wasn’t sure if Mr. Abernathy felt the same, but he definitely missed her.


    “Is Evadne here to see you? Damn, you lucky dog! The day finally came.” Jareth excitedly tapped Thaddeus on the shoulder.


    “A lot of Elmsworth’s elites will be here tonight.”


    Thaddeus suppressed the fluttering in his heart, his voice deep as he said, “She might just be here to expand herwork. After all, she’s going to inherit the Ashbourne family business in the future.”


    “You old rascal, why the devil can’t you think positive for once! I’ve had enough of you!”


    Jareth then turned to ask Gordon, “Did Evadnee alone? Or did shee with Cassius?”


    Gordon replied, “Neither. Ms. Ashbourne came with a mah,”


    “Please don’t tell me he’s from the Chambers family?” Jareth thought of Avery and was immediately filled with anger.


    “No, it isn’t. He’s a man of exceptional beauty, like a woman.”


    Gordon had only caught a glimpse of Chasel from afar, but his attractiveness left a strong impression.


    Upon hearing this, ripples of emotions stirred in Thaddeus‘ deep, starry eyes.


    This man wasn’t one of Evadne’s brothers, not Avery, and even Gordon didn’t recognize him.


    Thaddeus had thought he had given up on Evadne. But any slight disturbance concerning her still drew his attention, despite his efforts to ignore it.


    Thaddeus quickened his pace towards the banquet hall.


    Upon entering, his eyes instantly fell on Evadne, who stood in the crowd, radiant as the morning star.


    She was still dressed in a sleek, tailored ck suit, looking alluring, her red l*ps, seductive but not vulgar, blooming like poppies before his eyes.


    At this moment, his heart, which he had been forcefully suppressing, began to beat more fiercely.


    Jareth quickly retreated to the side, avoiding bing the third wheel.


    In the past, he enjoyed making a grand entrance at such events, but ever since he got his sweet wife, he avoided public ces, especially those with many women, maintaining his moral integrity.


    Once he fell in love, it would take eternity for him to quit loving.


    At that moment, Evadne noticed Thaddeus too.


    To her, he was like a small me in the dark night. Even if she closed her eyes, she could not ignore the intense heat radiating from his b*dy, making her shiver.


    It was truly irritating.


    What would it take for this man topletely disappear from her heart?


    The room was teeming with people.