Chapter 204

The morning after the K World Hotel debacle, Glynnis Abernathy arrived at the Abernathy Hotel’s presidential suite, dressed to impress.

Ada Fairhaven barely spared her a glance.

To Ada, Glynnis was nothing compared to Evadne—no charm, no wit, no presence.

If not for the Abernathy name, Ada wouldn’t have wasted her time.

"Miss Ada," Glynnis began, feigning concern, "I was devastated to hear about K World Hotel’s breach of contract. Their handling was disgraceful. Leaking client details? Unforgivable."

She didn’t notice Ada’s expression darkening. "Had you chosen us from the start, this wouldn’t have happened."

Ada set her coffee down with a sharp clink. "Are you implying I lack taste?"

Glynnis faltered. "N-No, of course not—"

"Ms. Glynnis," Ada cut in, voice icy, "just because I ended things with K World doesn’t mean I’ll settle for the Abernathy Group. Evadne is exceptional. Maybe she was sabotaged."

Glynnis stiffened.

A warning.

"But you did cancel the contract," she pressed.

"Because integrity matters." Ada’s smile was razor-thin. "Unlike some, I don’t need to tear others down to rise."

Humiliation burned through Glynnis.

She’d assumed the leaked photos would turn Ada against Evadne. Instead, Ada defended her. Was Evadne some kind of witch?

"Your wedding’s soon," Glynnis tried again, desperation creeping in. "If you sign with us now, we’ll expedite everything. Guaranteed perfection."

Ada toyed with her hair. "I’ll consider it—on one condition."

"Name it."

"Thaddeus Abernathy negotiates with me personally. He’s the only one I trust at your company."

——

Glynnis stormed out, fuming.

"Only trust Thaddeus?" The insult stung. She needed a damn exorcist—Evadne had clearly possessed Ada.

She called Elspeth, wailing. "Mom, she humiliated me!"

"That little actress dares disrespect you?" Elspeth hissed. "Go to your father. Thaddeus will comply if he orders it."

——

At Abernathy Group, Glynnis clung to Frederic, recounting Ada’s slights.

"You’re too naive, sweetheart," Frederic sighed, patting her hand. "The world isn’t kind. Learn from this—never let your enemies read you."

He video-called Thaddeus.

The screen flickered to life, revealing Thaddeus’s glacial expression. Glynnis clung tighter to Frederic, flaunting their bond.

Thaddeus ignored her. "What?"

"Ada’s deal is nearly sealed," Frederic commanded. "Finalize it."

Thaddeus smirked. "If Glynnis is so capable, let her handle it. I won’t steal her glorious victory."

Glynnis’s nails dug into her palms.

"She’s your sister!" Frederic snapped. "Help her!"

"No free rides, Father." Thaddeus’s gaze turned arctic. "If you care so much, you grovel to Ada."

He ended the call.

——

Meanwhile, the Fairhavens were in chaos.

Mrs. Jareth had lost the charity auction to Bertha Chambers—thanks to Alvin’s last-minute switch.

Edith Fairhaven seethed.

This was Evadne’s doing.

She called Glynnis. "I’m throwing a party tonight. Let’s drink our misery away."

"Ugh, don’t get me started," Glynnis groaned. "Ada played me. Evadne won again."

Edith smirked, selecting a slinky dress. "Ada’s just saving face. She’ll crawl back."

She twirled before the mirror. "I need a distraction. Got any fun ideas?"

Glynnis paused—then laughed. "Oh, I’ve got plenty."