Chapter 126

Mr. Bartley and his wife froze like statues when they heard the revelation.

The K Group of Skyrim? Emeric’s daughter?

"Are you truly the chairman’s daughter?" Mr. Bartley stammered, his voice laced with disbelief.

"Indeed. You can verify with these two gentlemen."

Evadne gestured toward Thaddeus and Frederic, her lips curving into a confident smile. "I’ve had some prior dealings with the Abernathy family. They can confirm my identity."

Thaddeus’s gaze darkened.

She hesitated to call them "acquaintances"—because she certainly didn’t consider them friends.

"Gentlemen, it seems Ms. Evadne is familiar with you."

The moment Mr. Bartley, the government official, learned she was Emeric’s daughter, his demeanor shifted instantly. "I had no idea of your background. My apologies."

He extended his hand, shaking hers firmly.

"Mr. Bartley," Evadne said smoothly, her eyes gleaming with quiet assurance. "Now that we’ve established my credentials, may we discuss a potential collaboration?"

Mr. Bartley faltered slightly.

There was something about this young woman—an unshakable presence that demanded attention.

Thaddeus clenched his fists, irritation flaring.

Now that she had the Ashbourne name behind her, did she think she could waltz in and dictate terms?

Did she believe business was some casual game she could join whenever she pleased?

"Ms. Evadne," Frederic interjected, his smile polite but his eyes icy. "A pleasure to meet you, but Mr. Bartley and I have pressing matters to discuss. This isn’t something you can simply interrupt. Would you kindly excuse yourself?"

Glynnis seethed, but Elspeth held her back.

Frederic would handle Evadne. There was no need for Glynnis to intervene.

"I understand you have important discussions," Evadne replied calmly, "but if not for Westguard, I wouldn’t be here. I don’t see why I can’t participate. The Ashbourne Group is just as capable as the Abernathy Group—in resources, funding, and execution. Shopping around for the best option is standard practice. I’m merely offering Mr. Bartley an alternative. What’s wrong with that?"

Mr. Bartley blinked. She wasn’t playing around.

Frederic and Elspeth’s expressions darkened.

"Ms. Evadne." Thaddeus finally stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. His voice was low, edged with warning. "The Abernathy Group has already reached a preliminary agreement with Mr. Bartley. Every detail has been finalized to meet Westguard’s development requirements. You barging in now, attempting to derail our deal—do you truly find that ethical?"

Evadne tilted her head up, her striking features illuminated by a faint, knowing smile. "Derail? You’re right. I am here to disrupt your deal."

"Evadne!" Thaddeus’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing.

"But you’re mistaken about ethics," she continued, stepping back to escape his oppressive aura. "In business, ethics are defined by the victors. Had the Abernathy Group already signed the contract, then yes, I’d be crossing a line. But as it stands, no agreement has been finalized. The game is still open."

Thaddeus narrowed his eyes, frustration simmering.

She was right. Until ink met paper, anything could happen. He’d lived by that rule for years, crushing countless competitors.

Now, the tables had turned—and his opponent was his ex-wife.

"Ms. Evadne," Elspeth sneered, her patience wearing thin, "I doubt Mr. Bartley will choose to work with you. The Abernathy Group and he have years of trust and collaboration behind them. That’s something a newcomer like you can’t compete with. Crashing our meeting uninvited? That’s not just rude—it’s unprofessional."

"Exactly!" Glynnis muttered under her breath.

Evadne sighed theatrically. "I admit, my arrival was abrupt. But I had no choice. I feared if I delayed, Mr. Bartley might regret his decision."

"Regret? What are you implying?" Elspeth snapped.

Ignoring her, Evadne turned to Mr. Bartley. "Are you truly unwilling to consider the Ashbourne Group? Or is it because I’m a woman with no apparent influence? Let me assure you—I’m here with the full authority of my brother, Cassius, president of the K Group. If you doubt me, I can arrange a meeting with him immediately."

"Ms. Evadne, it’s not a matter of trust," Mr. Bartley said diplomatically. "The Abernathy Group and I have a long-standing partnership. This project is in Elmsworth—their stronghold. Perhaps another time?"

Frederic and Elspeth exchanged smug glances.

Did this woman really think she could swoop in and steal their deal?

"Very well. I understand loyalty to old partners." Evadne’s smile turned enigmatic. "But if you choose the Ashbourne Group, I can promise you one thing—you won’t regret it."

A chill ran down Thaddeus’s spine.

That look in her eyes—she was planning something.

"Ms. Evadne," Elspeth demanded sharply, "what exactly are you suggesting? Is there some issue with working with the Abernathy Group?"

"Mr. Jason," Evadne said suddenly, "what time is it?"

"Three in the afternoon, ma’am."

"Perfect. Pull up the latest broadcast from World Wonders Weekly and show Mr. Bartley."

Jason obeyed, tapping on his phone before turning the screen toward the group.

The reporter’s voice rang out clearly:

"Breaking news—Earl Frost, deputy general manager of the Abernathy Group, was arrested this afternoon on charges of bribery. He stands accused of manipulating bids for IT equipment and irregularities in project contracts, securing illicit gains. Sources confirm Earl is the cousin of Elspeth Abernathy, wife of the chairman, and they have jointly overseen multiple ventures. The extent of her involvement remains under investigation. Stay tuned for updates."

Frederic’s face drained of color. Elspeth swayed, her vision blurring.

"What the hell?!" Glynnis shrieked. "How could Uncle Earl be arrested?!"

Thaddeus’s gaze locked onto Evadne’s composed expression, his brow twitching.

Elspeth’s cousin had been detained two hours ago—yet the news had been suppressed until now.

No doubt, her brother Arnold Ashbourne, the prosecutor, had orchestrated this.

"Elspeth!" Frederic hissed, panic creeping into his voice. "What is this?"

"I don’t know! There must be some mistake!" Elspeth’s denial was desperate. "This is all lies!"

But Mr. and Mrs. Bartley’s faces had turned grim.

"Elspeth," Mrs. Bartley said coldly, "Earl is your cousin. And you were involved in those projects, weren’t you?"

"I had no idea!" Elspeth protested weakly.

Just then, commotion erupted across the golf course.

A group of stern-faced men in suits approached swiftly—badges glinting on their chests.

The prosecution.

"Ms. Elspeth," the lead investigator announced, "your cousin is under investigation for multiple commercial crimes. You’re required to accompany us for questioning."