Chapter 236

The entire city was buzzing about Glynnis Abernathy again.

And as usual, it wasn’t for anything good.

She had single-handedly wiped billions off the Abernathy Group’s stock value in one day.

A record-breaking disaster.

That same night, Ada publicly announced the termination of her collaboration with Abernathy Hotel.

By morning, the scandal had exploded.

The Abernathy stocks kept plummeting.

Online, the backlash against Glynnis was relentless.

"Some heiresses are born with grace. Others? Well, let’s just say they’re not even fit to be compared to poultry. Take Ms. Evadne—beautiful, kind, brilliant. She runs hotels, designs jewelry. A true gem."

"Then there’s Glynnis. Scheming, deceitful, rotten to the core. Ada’s first visit to Elmsworth was a complete humiliation!"

"Stop comparing Ms. Alea to Glynnis. It’s an insult!"

"Honestly, did anyone expect better from Glynnis? Like mother, like daughter."

"Is there a single decent person left in the Abernathy family? Shouldn’t the authorities investigate this circus?"

Three days after the scandal broke, Thaddeus called an emergency board meeting.

Frederic wasn’t even informed.

Glynnis’ seat remained empty.

She had been "sick" for days—too ashamed to show her face.

Thaddeus leaned forward, his piercing gaze sweeping the room.

"Let’s not waste time. By now, everyone knows what happened at K Hotel’s charity event."

Silence.

No one dared to disagree.

"On behalf of the Abernathy Group, I’ll announce the decision."

He nodded at Gordon, who immediately produced a document.

"Effective immediately, Glynnis Abernathy is stripped of her board position. All hotel project rights are revoked. She will fully cooperate with the police investigation."

"The damages caused by her misconduct are her personal responsibility. The Abernathy Group will not provide any legal or financial support."

The room erupted.

Glynnis was Frederic’s daughter. Thaddeus’ half-sister.

This wasn’t just punishment—it was a public execution.

"I won’t accept this!"

Elspeth stormed in, dripping with diamonds and fury.

Thaddeus didn’t even blink.

"Gordon. Remove the uninvited guest."

"Yes, sir."

Gordon stepped forward, blocking Elspeth.

"Ma’am, this is a private meeting. You need to leave."

"How dare you!"

She grabbed his collar, nails digging in.

"I’m the chairman’s wife! This entire company belongs to the Abernathy family! Who are you to throw me out?"

The executives exchanged glances.

Thaddeus smirked.

"The Abernathy Group doesn’t have a position called ‘Frederic’s wife.’"

Elspeth’s face flushed crimson.

A few stifled laughs escaped.

"The decision stands. It’s already been circulated company-wide."

Thaddeus leaned back, eyes sharp as a blade.

"This isn’t a negotiation, Elspeth. Your opinion is irrelevant."

She staggered back, rage turning her eyes venomous.

How dare he humiliate me like this?!

The executives’ stares grew colder.

"Even as CEO, you can’t unilaterally dismiss a board member!" Elspeth spat. "This should be the chairman’s decision!"

Thaddeus arched a brow.

"Are you suggesting Frederic would condone fraud? Commercial theft? Billions in losses? Just because she’s his daughter?"

His words cut deep.

Elspeth’s spine prickled under the weight of their scrutiny.

"Fairness in business is an illusion. But as long as I’m CEO, I won’t let parasites like Glynnis thrive."

He didn’t curse.

Yet Elspeth felt flayed alive.

The room erupted in applause.

By afternoon, the news had spread.

Elspeth’s tantrum. Glynnis’ dismissal.

Employees gossiped mercilessly.

"Finally! Justice!"

"Justice? More like Thaddeus being a legend. I’m framing his photo on my desk."

"Isn’t this basically disowning his sister?"

"Please. They don’t even share a mother. This is called accountability."

"Good riddance!"

Back in his office, Gordon was practically bouncing.

"Sir! Watching that witch get destroyed was better than a spa day!"

Thaddeus shot him a look.

"Do I stress you out that much?"

"No! I—It was just a metaphor!" Gordon flailed.

"The investigation?"

"Elspeth’s secretary handed everything to the police. Glynnis can’t run."

Thaddeus nodded.

Truthfully, Evadne had orchestrated their downfall.

He’d just… helped.

"Also, Mrs. Abernathy was hospitalized that night. Severe stomach spasms."

Thaddeus’ jaw tightened.

"Should we send flowers? Or—"

"Why?"

His voice was rough.

"She has Avery. Her brothers. She doesn’t need my pity."

Gordon winced.

"Sir… your current favorability with her is in the negatives. If you don’t act now—"

A lethal glare silenced him.

"We’re divorced. It’s over."

Thaddeus turned away, throat burning.

"Some things can’t be fixed."

——

Elspeth returned to Windermere in hysterics.

She collapsed into Frederic’s arms, sobbing.

"How could Thaddeus do this?! Glynnis is his sister! And now—"

Frederic pushed her off, irritated.

"I authorized the dismissal."

Elspeth froze.

"You—what?"

"Did you expect me to ignore fraud? Billions in losses? My credibility as chairman matters!"

"Our daughter matters more!"

Frederic stood abruptly, sending her stumbling.

"Clean up your messes, Elspeth. I’m done covering for her."

The door slammed.

Alone, Elspeth’s tears turned venomous.

"Cynthia… even dead, you haunt me."

Her laughter was unhinged.

"But your precious son? I’ll ruin him."

Meanwhile, the Abernathy estate descended into chaos.