Chapter 116

Suri was prepared to shoulder all the blame if it meant protecting Myra and Aviana from exposure.

Emeric jabbed a furious finger at her. "Why didn't you tell me?! She's just a child—she doesn't know any better! And you went along with it?! You watched her grow up! How could you stand by while she suffered in this mess?!"

"I messed up, Emeric." Suri lowered her head. "This is entirely my fault."

She rose slowly, the once-proud heiress of the Bright family now humbled. "Don't blame Evadne. Blame me. I failed her."

Evadne's chest tightened. She opened her mouth to defend Suri, but Aviana suddenly shot up from the couch. "Emeric, don't take it out on Suri! I'm just as responsible! I knew about Evadne's marriage situation ages ago!"

"What?!" Emeric staggered as if struck.

"And me too." Myra hesitantly raised her hand. "I was aware of it as well."

"Myra?! Even you?!" Emeric clutched his chest. "You've been corrupted by them!"

Evadne bit her lip, eyes stinging.

At this point, Emeric's anger was pointless.

"Dad, calm down." Arnold stepped in, handing him a cup of coffee. "They kept it from you for your own good. The less you knew, the better!"

"I don't want to hear another word from you!"

The usually composed Emeric now resembled a warlord on the verge of explosion.

"Wait—you two knew as well?!" He whirled toward Cassius and Arnold.

The brothers exchanged glances, clearing their throats.

This family was full of liars.

He had been played. The only one left in the dark.

Emeric, a titan of the business world who had spent his life outmaneuvering others, had been fooled by his own family.

With a roar, he stormed upstairs.

"Emeric, aren't you staying for dinner?" Myra called after him, but he didn't respond.

"Aviana, you should talk to him. He listens to you," Suri sighed.

"I don't dare." Myra wrung her hands. "I'll make his favorite dishes and send them up later."

Aviana gasped. "When Emeric's upset, he always goes to his treasure room. Oh no—"

A scream echoed from upstairs.

"Call the police! My ten-million-dollar Dante Chair is gone!"

Dinner ended in chaos.

If not for everyone's intervention, Evadne was certain Emeric would have charged straight to Elmsworth to reclaim his precious chair.

The older he got, the more volatile his temper became. The antique world required thick skin, and Emeric had grown increasingly short-fused over the years.

At this rate, no woman would want him—even if he paid them.

That night, Evadne and Nydia chatted happily, sharing a bath, blow-drying each other's hair, and applying skincare before curling up in bed.

"Did you like the birthday gift I gave you?" Nydia propped her chin on her hands.

"I adore it. It's hanging in my Elmsworth study. When Jason saw it, he thought it was a 3D-printed photo of me! He never compliments anyone, but he couldn't stop praising it."

Evadne took Nydia's delicate hands in hers. "Your talent should be declared a world heritage. Or at least insured for millions. You're our family's pride!"

"Sis, stop flattering me. I'm nowhere near Mom's level." Nydia bit her lip, dimples appearing as she blushed.

Evadne's praise thrilled her, but Jason's approval made her heart race. She doubted she'd sleep tonight.

"You inherited Mom's skill and vision. I'll introduce you to a top designer. Collaborate, make waves, and I'll ease you into the fashion industry. What do you think?"

"Thank you, but I want to act. I studied at Elmsworth Film Academy. After graduation, I want to prove myself as an actress." Nydia's voice was soft but determined.

Because Myra had suffered in the industry, Emeric had vehemently opposed Nydia's dreams. She'd dropped out of school in Britain, secretly enrolled in Elmsworth, and only told him after six months. He'd reluctantly agreed but issued an ultimatum: after graduation, she either obeyed the family's plans or was disowned.

To succeed, she had to shine brightly enough to change his mind.

"A dream is worth fighting for. I'll support you all the way." Evadne squeezed her shoulder. "But the industry is ruthless. Without connections, no one will give you a second glance. So when you audition, just write one line on your résumé: 'My father is Emeric.' I guarantee you'll soar."

Nydia laughed weakly. "Dad already hates this path. If I use his name, he'll disown me faster. Besides, shortcuts don't feel rewarding. I want to earn this myself."

"Birds are cherished for their wings, people for their ambitions. You truly are our family's pride." Evadne pinched her cheek gently. "I just worry you'll be taken advantage of."

Nydia was exceptional, but her gentle nature mirrored Myra's. In the cutthroat entertainment world, Evadne feared she'd be devoured.

"Sis, can I ask you something?" Nydia hesitated.

"About my ex-husband?"

Nydia nodded. "Why did you divorce? Was he unkind?"

"He wasn't cruel. We just weren't compatible." Evadne's tone turned icy.

"As Abernathy Group's CEO, he must have been too busy for you. That's why it ended, right?"

Evadne arched a brow. "Why not assume he cheated?"

"Impossible." Nydia waved a hand.

"Why?"

"He's filthy rich. Why risk dying before spending it all?"

Evadne burst out laughing.

Her phone rang. Thaddeus Abernathy's name glared from the screen.

Her expression darkened. Not wanting Nydia to misunderstand, she slipped on her slippers and stepped into the living room.

"What?"

"You answered faster this time." His voice was deep, smooth.

"Remember to leave a five-star review," she deadpanned.

Thaddeus coughed. "I'm being discharged tomorrow. Come to Windermere Estate."

"Discharging so soon? Eager to do something reckless?"

"Just come. I'll be waiting."

"No." Her refusal was instant. "I'm busy, and I won't set foot there again. Don't contact me. Goodbye."

A pause. Then, quietly: "You left belongings here. Don't you want them back?"