Chapter 167

Jareth had vanished without a trace. His mother was still abroad, recuperating, with no sign of returning anytime soon. Glynnis's carefully laid plans to win over her future mother-in-law had crumbled—for now.

Still, the memory of Jareth accepting her gift sent her heart soaring. She doubted she'd get a wink of sleep tonight, too giddy with excitement.

That afternoon, Jareth and Edith lounged beneath the sprawling maple tree in the Jareth family's backyard, savoring the crisp autumn air and indulging in afternoon tea.

"When did you meet Evadne, Edith?" Glynnis fidgeted nervously, her dislike for Evadne simmering just beneath the surface.

"At my mentor's music concert the other day." Edith took a leisurely sip of her coffee, then arched a brow. "Sounds like you and Evadne have some... history?"

"History? I can't stand her!" Glynnis spat.

"That bad?"

"Edith, you've been away too long. You don't know half of it." Glynnis's voice dripped with venom. "Evadne is like some demon that crawled out of nowhere, wreaking havoc and making both our brothers dance to her tune! Because of her, the Abernathy family is in complete chaos!"

"What? My brother is interested in her?" Edith's eyes darkened.

"That witch has Jareth wrapped around her finger! She's a master manipulator, a real seductress!" Glynnis's face flushed crimson with rage. "Thankfully, they're not as close now. I bet she's already moved on to her next victim."

"My brother isn't some easy conquest. He's always been the one calling the shots, not the other way around." Edith scoffed. "Evadne was just a passing fling. He'd never seriously fall for someone like her. I know him better than anyone."

Noticing Glynnis's distress, Edith softened her tone. "But you're different, Glynnis. Our families have always been close. With me by your side, you'll win him over."

"Edith! You're a lifesaver!" Glynnis nearly wept with gratitude, clinging to Edith like a lifeline.

"So, what's the deal with Evadne and Thaddeus?"

That was the real question burning in Edith's mind.

"Ugh, don't even get me started!" Glynnis seethed. "She's his ex-wife!"

"What?!" Edith shot to her feet, her expensive teacup shattering on the ground. "Ex-wife? That's impossible! Thaddeus broke up with Acacia—he was never married. How could he have an ex-wife?"

"You didn't know? They had a secret marriage, officiated by my grandfather. They only divorced recently."

Seeing Edith's obvious crush on Thaddeus, Glynnis embellished the truth. "They're divorced, but he still has feelings for her. Acacia threw tantrums over it, but she couldn't make him let go of Evadne completely! And honestly, can you blame him? That witch has him under her spell!"

Edith's blood boiled.

No wonder Thaddeus had been practically drooling over Evadne that day!

Acacia had wasted over a decade on him and gotten nothing. What made Evadne so special? What right did she have?

Jealousy twisted Edith's heart. She clenched her fists. "Glynnis, you wouldn't mind if I became your sister-in-law, would you?"

Glynnis's eyes widened.

This girl really didn't hold back!

"Of course not! Compared to that cold-hearted Acacia, I'd much rather have you as my brother's wife!" Glynnis declared without hesitation.

"Since we both have clear goals, why not form an alliance?" Edith leaned in, her hands gripping Glynnis's shoulders. "I'll help you win my brother. You help me marry Thaddeus. Deal?"

"Edith, you know my family situation. Thaddeus and I are only half-siblings—we're not close like you and Jareth. I'm not sure how much help I can be..."

"But Frederic and Elspeth adore you. You can feed me information, be my inside woman." Edith's eyes gleamed with determination. "Together, we can take Evadne down. The benefits outweigh the risks!"

The moment Glynnis heard "take Evadne down," she was all in. "Deal! Let's see how that little witch struts around then!"

Edith crossed her arms, a smug grin spreading across her face.

From childhood, she'd been spoiled rotten by her mother and brother. She rubbed shoulders with royalty, collected international awards like they were candy. The spotlight had always been hers.

She never lost. She never settled.

"I'm saving my hand for my woman."

This time, she wouldn't let Thaddeus slip away. She would marry him.

His hand belonged to her.

Time flew, and soon it was time to return to Skyrim.

12:08 PM

To make it back in time for dinner, Evadne had been buried in work all day—approving documents, attending meetings, finalizing wedding plans. She was swamped.

But the results were worth it.

Under her leadership, Ada Ang's wedding plans were finally complete after ten grueling days and sleepless nights!

When Evadne gave the final "approved," the team erupted in cheers, their joy rivaling that of receiving a year-end bonus.

Working with Evadne demanded both mental and physical stamina—anyone weaker would've dropped out midway.

Yet, no one quit. No one gave up.

Despite her high status, Evadne was hands-on. Though an Ashbourne heiress, she never acted pretentious. She worked just as hard as everyone else, ensuring the team was well-fed with endless coffee and snacks.

A perfectionist with sky-high standards, she was also brilliant at problem-solving. Whenever the team hit a wall, she always had a solution ready, earning their admiration.

"Everyone, you've worked tirelessly these past weeks. Take three days off to recharge. Then grab some lavish buffet coupons from Food Services—my treat. I've been too busy lately to organize a dinner, but once we wrap up Ada Ang's project, bonuses, vacations, and even that overseas trip you've been dreaming of are on the table."

Evadne leaned against the oval conference table, her smile warm. "I'll foot the bill for all of it. And I never joke about these things."

"Thank you, President Ashbourne!" The room erupted in cheers.

Even though the goal wasn't reached yet, Evadne's promise filled them with anticipation.

The meeting ended at 5 PM.

"Ms. Evadne, your dinner dress is ready in the changing room. Would you like to change now?" Jason asked softly as he followed her.

"No need. Mr. Jeff watched me grow up. He and Emeric are old friends—he's seen me at my worst."

As the clock ticked closer to dinner, Evadne and Jason headed for the executive elevator.

Descending, she adjusted her hair in the mirrored doors, then carefully applied a swipe of lipstick—the final touch that brought her whole look to life.

Jason watched silently, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Who knew the formidable Ms. Evadne had such a girlish side?

Lost in thought, neither noticed the elevator reaching the ground floor.

Ding.

The doors slid open.

A familiar scent of violets enveloped them—warm, deep, intoxicating.

Only one man carried that fragrance.

Sure enough, Evadne looked up to meet Avery's intense gaze.

Her breath hitched. Her hand trembled. The lipstick smudged, leaving a bright red streak.

Avery's lips curved into a faint, affectionate smile as he took in her startled expression.

"Ms. Evadne," he murmured, voice low. "I'm here to take you home."