Chapter 111

Thaddeus's voice was ice-cold, devoid of emotion.

But to Acacia, it felt like a knife twisting in her gut.

She froze, her cheeks burning as if she'd been slapped repeatedly.

Frederic and Elspeth were stunned, while Glynnis smirked in triumph.

Tonight had exposed Acacia's true nature. This woman, who treated her like a pawn, wasn't fit to be an Abernathy. She needed to be crushed—permanently.

"Thaddeus, are you really giving up on me?" Acacia clutched his arm desperately, tears streaming. "Just because Evadne is an Ashbourne? You're throwing away everything we had?"

"Evadne has nothing to do with this." Thaddeus wrenched his arm free, his gaze frigid. "I warned you to leave her alone. Yet you slandered her, dragged her into the spotlight. What's your problem with her?"

"That's not true! I just wanted you to see her for who she really is!"

Acacia lunged for him, but he stepped back, leaving her stumbling forward, nearly falling.

"She's been manipulating you from the start! And for her, you'd throw away ten years? Doesn't that hurt?"

"She lied, but she never hurt me." Thaddeus's eyes darkened with regret. "We're done. This isn't working."

Acacia watched him walk away, her throat tightening like invisible hands were choking her.

How had it come to this?

Her dream wedding—gone? No. She wouldn't let Evadne ruin this.

"Thaddeus isn't blind. He knows right from wrong." Hamiltion scoffed, his face red with anger. "You played yourself, twisting the truth, bullying Evadne."

"Her name is Evadne now," Mr. Murray corrected quietly.

"Same difference!" Hamiltion waved him off.

Acacia's nails dug into her palms, humiliation burning through her.

Glynnis laughed openly beside her, relishing every second.

"Let's go, Mr. Murray! I need a drink!"

"You've had enough."

"Today's a celebration! Don't ruin my mood."

Hamiltion left, still muttering.

The room was thick with tension.

"Darling, you have to talk to Thaddeus!" Elspeth gripped Frederic's arm. "The engagement's been announced—he can't back out now!"

Frederic scowled. "Since when does Thaddeus listen to anyone? He didn't even tell me about the divorce."

"But this is different! He never loved Evadne, but he and Acacia have history!"

"If their bond was so strong, why did she keep provoking Evadne? She embarrassed us tonight. I won't help her."

Frederic stormed off, leaving Elspeth seething.

Acacia's eyes were swollen, her breath ragged.

"Serves you right!" Glynnis sneered. "You used me, then stabbed me in the back. Did you really think you'd win?"

"I never used you!" Acacia shot back. "You chose to go after Jareth on your own. That mess is on you!"

"You're blaming me now?" Glynnis's face twisted with rage. "I'll tear that lying mouth apart!"

She grabbed Acacia's hair, yanking out a diamond pin and a fistful of strands. Acacia shrieked in pain.

Elspeth watched the brawl, disgusted.

"Enough!" she roared.

The women froze, still gripping each other.

"Let go. Now."

They released each other, panting.

"Glynnis, leave. I need to speak with Acacia."

Glynnis glared but obeyed.

Acacia stood trembling, her dress crumpled.

A real lady wouldn't act like this. But what choice did she have?

Elspeth only saw her as a pawn.

"About tonight—"

Slap!

Elspeth's palm struck Acacia's cheek with brutal force.