Chapter 181

Time slipped through our fingers like sand. Three days vanished in the blink of an eye.

Ada's arrival in Elmsworth sent shockwaves through both local and international circles. The media frenzy was unprecedented.

For the grand banquet, Glynnis had meticulously selected an exquisite violet haute couture gown weeks in advance. Every strand of her hair was perfectly coiffed, her makeup flawless - she was determined to outshine everyone.

Elspeth had spared no expense either. Her upswept hair showcased a pair of rare emerald earrings that cost more than most houses. The massive jade pendant around her neck completed the extravagant look.

"Mother," Glynnis tilted her head, "why aren't you wearing the superior quality jade piece from Father's collection?"

Elspeth's face darkened instantly. "Don't remind me! That wretched Stirling family debt forced me to sell it!"

Glynnis gasped. "That was Father's birthday gift to you! I'd be devastated!"

"Trust me, I am," Elspeth hissed through clenched teeth. "Moonlit Treasures hasn't seen a single customer in two months thanks to those new regulations. What choice did I have?"

"But why help the Stirlings at all?" Glynnis frowned. "Shouldn't we let those disgraceful relatives sink on their own?"

Elspeth's lips twisted bitterly. She'd trained Acacia to seduce Thaddeus, never imagining her pawn would turn against her. Now Acacia kept demanding money like some parasitic leech.

Killing her was out of the question - for now. Instead, Elspeth had promised to bring Acacia back to Elmsworth soon, temporarily appeasing the greedy witch.

"How do I look?" Glynnis twirled excitedly in her violet gown. Seeing Jareth in purple recently had inspired her choice. "Tonight, I'll be unforgettable. The Fairhavens won't know what hit them!"

Elspeth adjusted her daughter's plunging neckline even lower. "Forget stealing the show from Ada. Focus on Jareth. What's the point of looking pretty if you can't secure your place in the Fairhaven dynasty?"

With Acacia useless and Mari hopeless, all Elspeth's ambitions now rested on Glynnis' shoulders. Only through her daughter's advantageous marriage could Elspeth gain real power in the Abernathy family.

"Don't worry, Mother," Glynnis preened. "I'll be the next Mrs. Fairhaven!"

Elspeth arched a brow. "Do you have a plan?"

"Jareth's sister Edith just returned from abroad!" Glynnis gushed. "She's agreed to help me. You know how Jareth dotes on her - with Edith's support, how can I fail?"

"Edith?" Elspeth recalled the porcelain-doll girl who used to cling to Thaddeus. "Nothing comes free in this world. What's her price?"

Glynnis grinned. "Edith wants Thaddeus for herself."

"Absolutely not!" Elspeth's shriek could shatter glass. "If Edith marries into the Abernathys, that bastard Thaddeus will become unstoppable!"

"But I'll be allied with the Fairhavens too!" Glynnis protested.

Elspeth's calculating mind whirred. "How serious is Edith about Thaddeus?"

"Hopelessly smitten," Glynnis scoffed. "Though apparently Thaddeus is still hung up on Evadne."

A wicked smile spread across Elspeth's face. "Perfect. This is our chance to drive a wedge between Jareth and Thaddeus!"

Glynnis blinked in confusion.

"Think, girl!" Elspeth tapped her daughter's forehead. "Jareth will inherit Fairhaven Enterprises. If we use Edith to create tension between the brothers, their bond will never recover! Thaddeus won't take what he doesn't want - whether Edith succeeds or fails, the damage will be done!"

Glynnis' eyes lit up with admiration.

A timid knock interrupted them.

Mari peeked in, clutching her teddy bear. "Mother... may I attend the banquet tonight?"

The request stunned both women. Mari never asked for anything.

Glynnis sneered. "Oh? Has my pure little sister finally decided to chase after Jareth again? Still dreaming about that ridiculous kiss in the bushes?"

"I've forgotten about Jareth!" Mari's face paled. "I just want to meet Ada! I love her films!"

"Liar!" Glynnis spat. "You're just another scheming-"

"That's enough," Elspeth cut in coldly. "Mari, you're staying home. And if you interfere with your sister's plans again, there will be consequences."

Mari stood frozen, tears welling. The rejection from her mother and venom from her sister crushed what little dignity she had left.

She was the sick one.

The family embarrassment.

The unwanted daughter.