<b>Chapter </b><b>443 </b>
The favoritism was as clear as day, an unapologetic disy of partiality.
It was ringly obvious that Evadne was the apple of Thaddeus’s eye. Edith? She might as well have been a ghost.
Avery clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, his b*dy stiff with barely <b>contained </b>rage.
Why was he always one step behind?
Why was it that the spot by Evadne’s side was always upied by that contemptible bastard?
Ford’s smile turned grim, his expression darkening, but he maintained the polished facade of a gentleman. “You know, there’s a saying I’ve picked up in your country, ‘to cherish the fairer S**! Mr. Thaddeus, your tender care for Ms. Evadne truly marks you as a gentleman. Seems I’ve been too brash, not considering Ms. Evadne’s feelings. I shall penalize myself with a drink.”
With that, Ford drained his ss.
Thaddeus, his eyes deep and unfathomable, didn’t show any weakness as he too downed his drink in one go.
Apuse filled the room, dissipating the awkward tension.
But Frederic’s face had turned stormy with anger.
“Dad, what on earth is Thad thinking? It’s clear as day that President Morris has his sights set on Evadne. Isn’t he just asking for trouble by stepping in between them?”
Glynnis couldn’t help but sneer from the sidelines, “To risk the big picture over a girl, Thad’s really not showing the steadiness expected of a CEO.
Beauty has always spelled trouble from time immemorial, and that Evadne, she’s nothing but trouble.”
“Why can’t you be more like Mari, quiet and demure? What kind <b>of </b><b>aristocratic </bdy airs her family’s d*rtyundry like you <b>do</b><b>?</b>” Frederic reprimanded Glynnis sharply, silencing her immediately.
At that moment, Evadne raised her ss again, her smile contagious, “Come on, everyone, let’s raise a toast to William and Mr. Ford’s esteemed presence! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Under the charm of Evadne’s radiant smile, the atmosphere lightened again, and everyone lifted their sses to drink to the toast.
Only Elspeth stood in the corner<b>, </b>gripping her ss so tightly, yet not daring to take a sip.
“Hey, Elspeth, why aren’t you drinking?”
Evadne suddenly turned her gaze towards a pale–faced Elspeth and said with a light, unbothered smile, “In such a joyful moment, and with such -distinguished guests, won’t you join us <b>in </b>celebration? Or perhaps, the million–dor champagne provided by the Chambers Group doesn’t suit <b>your </b>
taste<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Elspeth felt a tightness in her chest, her face frozen in an embarrassed smile, her eyes reddening with barely contained fury.
All eyes turned to her, and indeed, her ss remained untouched.
The Chambers family looked displeased, and Matthew gave Bertha a knowing look. The ever–loyal sister of the family sneered, “Elspeth, as thedy of the Abernathy Group, you must have had your fill of the finest spirits. It’s understandable that our humble offerings don’t appeal to you.”
Knowing full well the animosity between her and the Chambers family, especially Bertha, who had tripped her up more times than she could count at social events, Elspeth braced herself for the onught.
“I <b>didn’t </b>mean <b>it </b>that way, please don’t misunderstand. It’s just. I’m a lightweight when ites to alcohol,” Elspeth managed to say,
Before she could finish, Thaddeus cut in, “Elspeth, you’re too modest. At every family gathering, you’re always the life of the party with a drink in hand. There’s no need for restraint on such a celebratory asion<b>.</b><b>” </b>
The room filled with murmurs and mixed expressions.
So after all these years wing her way up in the Abernathy family and finally securing her ce, Elspeth still hadn’t won the approval of the Abernathy heir? One had to wonder if Thaddeus always addressed her in such a manner–if so, <b>it </b>was trulyughable!
Elspeth was shaking, her heavy makeup struggling to hide the deep anger that seemed to weigh more than a poltergeist.
Well, well, usually so tight–l*pped, now suddenly so eloquent when it mattered.
Evadne’s eyes narrowed slightly, and as the others were distracted, she bumped the man beside her with her shoulder.
A wave of her delicate fragrance drifted by, causing Thaddeus’s heart to flutter, his cheeks warming as he pursed his l*ps.
Evadne caught the flush on his handsome face and stifled a giggle.
Oh, what a bashful man he was.
But this so<b>–</b>called bashful man, who held her <b>in </b>his armste into the night, taking what he wanted with the fervor of a starved wolf<b>, </b>was anything but
timid.
“Elspeth, have just one drink, you don’t need to overdo <b>it</b>.”
Frederic nced at Elspeth, his gaze heavy with warning, “Don’t spoil everyone else’s fun.”
Elspeth’s heart tightened, and with an arm as rigid as if it were nailed in ce, she lifted her ss and emptied it.
As she grimaced like she had swallowed poison, Glynnis secretly winced on her behalf.
Avery watched the subtle intery between Evadne and Thaddeus, sensing they were up to something he couldn’t quite grasp.
Ford returned to his father’s side, his expression sullen.
‘Son, have you taken a fancy to Alea?” William asked coolly.
“Yes, I was smitten with Evadne at first sight,” Ford said, his gaze fixed on Evadne’s lovely features, his affection was straightforward
Indeed, of all the distinguisheddies here, only Alea seems a match for you.”
“The rest are mere jesters.”
Ford thought of the woman who had attempted to wipe Thaddeus’s trousers and curled his l*p in disdain.
“But my boy, you have quite the array of rivals.”
William pped Ford on the back with a half–smiling jest<b>, </b>“Man, Thaddeus and that young buck from the Chambers family are head over heels for Alea. It’s clear as day to anyone with eyes. And you? First time meeting her and you think you stand a chance?”
“The Chambers? They don’t hold a candle to us. As for Thaddeus,” Ford snorted with disdain, “all polished up, he’s Mr. Abernathy, CEO of the Abernathy Group Strip away the shine, and he’s just apdog for the Abernathy family. Does he really think he’s got a lock on the heir’s seat at the Abernathy Group? If we decided to back someone else, we could yank him from that CEO chair in a heartbeat. I don’t buy it. When ites down to love or power, he’ll pick power every time. True love? Heard of it, never seen it.”
William grew serious, cautioning, “Even so, we should prioritize our interests. Our coboration with the Abernathy Group is crucial right now. Try <b>not </b>to rock the boat, at least for the moment.”
Ford nodded in resignation. “You’re right, as always. I’ll keep a cool head.”
Elspeth, having been coerced into downing a stiff drink, felt the alcohol ze a trail straight to her dder, and the urge to visit thedies‘ room hit her like a freight train.
Excusing herself from Frederic, she left the table. Once out of sight, she hunched over, knees together, sprinting toward the restroom with urgency.
The stalls were all upied, and Elspeth trembled with the effort of holding <b>it </b><b>in</b>, nearly hopping from foot to foot in desperation.
Finally, a stall freed up. She dashed in but before she could lift her skirt, disaster struck, and she was left in a state of utter mortification.
Now she waited, agonized and alone, until the restroom emptied before she cried out <b>in </b>frustration, pounding on the door.
After her tantrum subsided, Elspeth calmed down and sat on the toilet, dialing Victor’s number.
It rang for an eternity before he picked up, “Elspeth.”
7
“Dr. Victor<b>. </b>you promised you’de to the races today with my medication, remember?” Her bloodshot eyes pleaded for confirmation. “You won’t break your <b>word</b>, will you? I’ll see you today, right?”
-Augh came from the other end, devoid of any warmth, mocking even. <b>“</b>Missing me, are you<b>?</b>”
“Dr. Victor, Victor!” Elspeth’s voice broke, tears welling up. “I miss you. I’m going out of my mind missing <b>you</b>!<b>” </b>
But what she missed more was the promise of relief his “miracle cure” held for her:
“For the medicine,” she had cast aside all shame.
“After the races,e alone to the rest area by track two. Everyone will be at track one by then, and I’ll wait for you there.“”
Her response was an eager nod, her eyes shining with hope. “I’ll be there. I’ll definitelye to you!”
After <b>a </b>thrilling opening ceremony, the races began in earnest.
Two events at the annual horse racing g always drew the most attention:
First, the Parade of a Hundred Steeds. The elite showcased their wealth by parading their imported, high–priced horses.
Magnificent thoroughbreds of rare lineage galloped across the track, a spectacr sight.
Second, the races themselves.
The betting stakes for this single event often soared to billions!
Some bet on social standing, others aimed to win a fortune, while a fewpeted for glory alone, not for riches but to im the crown.
The four major families had brought their prized steeds, already waiting <b>in </b>the stables, ready topete.
“Emeric, how much are you betting on my Treasure today?” Jeff asked, peering through his binocrs at the track and nudging Emeric beside him.
“Your Treasure? When are you going to get over that name?”
Emeric frowned in distaste. “A fine horse reduced to such a fate by your whims. Just hearing that name, I wouldn’t bet on it. Sounds like a loser<b>.</b>”
“Hey, hey, I’ve changed it! It’s not Treasure anymore, it’s Cyclone!”
‘Cyclone? What, does it spin in ce while the others race ahead?” Emeric couldn’t help but rib him.
Jeff’s face fell as the surrounding families snickered.
Eyadne had enough of Emeric’s sharp tongue, more toxic than herbicide.
“You’re getting stingier with age, Emeric! You rag on me and <b>won’t </b>even ce a friendly bet. What, we can’t be friends anymore?” Jeff pouted like an old grump.
“Not betting. Winning <b>or </b>losing on my own horse, I’d be happy. Betting on someone else’s? I’d lose sleep. I’m petty like that.”
Cassius stepped up then, smiling warmly. “Mr. Chambers, I’ll bet on your Cyclone. I believe in <b>your </b>horse. Just a modest personal bet to show my
support, if you don’t mind.”
“Dear Cassius<b>, </b>you’re too kind. Your faith in my Cyclone makes me happy!”
But still, Jeff couldn’t help but probe, “How much you thinking of betting?<b>” </b>
Cassius‘ eyes curved with a gentle smile, raising a slender finger.
“A hundred thousand?”
“A million.”
Whoa! The Ashbourne family’s eldest son clearly had a different take on “modest.”
“Wow, thank you for the support!” Jeff beamed with pride.
“Pfft, just watch you bet your pants off,” Emeric scoffed, his words to his own son even rougher.
“Evadne, who are you betting on?” Avery asked gently, a smile in his voice.
Evadne didn’t even nce his way, her words icy. “I’m betting on no one. Love life, stay away from gambling.”
Avery knew she still resisted him, but he didn’t mind, instead turning to Chairman Emeric with a smile, “Mr. Emeric, I’ll join in the fun. I’ll bet on the K Group’s Wind, same as President Ashbourne–one million.”
Jeff nodded in approval, clearly pleased with his younger son’s efforts to curry favor.
“Not bad, Avery. You’ve got <b>a </b>good eye, better than <i>my </i>own son,” Emeric grinned, Avery’s actions hitting the spot.
“Entertainment is all about the fun, after all.”
Evadne and Cassius might have kept their cool on the surface, but their icy stares at Avery were enough to send shivers down one’s spine, hostility churning beneath the calm.
“Chairman Emeric, mind if I <b>join </b>the fun?” Thaddeus’s voice, light and teasing, interrupted the tense silence as he strolled towards the group with a carefree grin.
Avery adjusted his sses, his b*dy tensing up with caution.
“Oh? Mr. Thaddeus, are you feeling lucky today?” Emeric’s tone was cool, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
The lines of allegiance were clear as day.
“A little wager can be quite refreshing. Besides, I’ve taken a fancy to your horse, Wind. Ever since it was at the Aetheria Royal Stables, it caught my eye,” Thaddeus said with a charming <b>tilt </b>to his l*ps.
Cassius let out a soft chuckle, his longshes fluttering.
-Anyone who knew Thaddeus was aware of the lengths he’d gone to win Evadne’s heart. The ttery he now so easily dispensed was something his
former pride would have never allowed.
Now, he swallowed that pride, humbling himself for the sake of salvaging his tarnished reputation.
Even if it was a drop in the ocean, he was willing to try.
Emeric’s eyes narrowed, perhaps a touch impressed by Thaddeus’s knowledge of his beloved steed. He was about to respond when Evadne swiftly moved to Thaddeus’s side, poking him in the chest with a mix of annoyance and affection.
“You’re such a fool and your money must burn holes in your pockets. Why would you bet on this one? Just because it belongs to Emeric? Thaddeus’s smile was undeniably sweet as he covered the spot she had touched, “That’s not the only reason. I genuinely believe in Wind’s potential.” “You don’t know the first thing about horses! Wind and Mr. Chambers‘ Cyclone are n*eck and n*eck. Are you trying to gamble away your shirt on that bet?” Evadne stood with hands on hips, shaking her head in disbelief, “You’ve got poor judgment and no investment savvy. How on earth are you still a CEO?”
The crowd went silent.
Emeric and Jeff exchanged nces, speechless.
Evadne’s favoritism was indeed quite unique.
Thaddeus blinked, the soft light in his eyes flickering with affection as he Winded near her ear, “Evadne, are you worried about my finances?”
Her cheeks flushed, she muttered under her breath, “It’s not just the money. I hate to see you lose.”
His indulgent smile deepened, and he longed to embrace her, “If I must lose, let it be to a family member. I’d consider it money well spent.”