Chapter 252

The emerald-green Rolls-Royce glided smoothly along the winding road toward Skyrim.

Inside, laughter bubbled between the Ashbourne sisters.

Nydia's cheeks flushed pink as she clasped her hands together. "Evadne, I still can't believe you're Alea! The Alea!"

Evadne smirked, flipping her dark hair over one shoulder. "Save the hero worship. If you want jewelry, just ask."

"That's not it!" Nydia shook her head, eyes sparkling. "But... maybe Daryl could wear one of your pieces? Now that her husband is about to become President of Helgen, the First Lady should have something exquisite."

Evadne chuckled, pulling her sister close. "Alea might be a big deal to the world, but to us? Just a name. Go brag to your classmates—let them grovel at your feet."

Nydia's smile faltered slightly, thoughts drifting to the whispers at school, to Bernard's smug challenges. She bit her lip, forcing the sting away.

"I miss Daryl," Evadne murmured, resting her head against Nydia's. "Wonder if her husband's treating her right. If not, I'll turn him into mincemeat."

Nydia giggled. "No need. Cassius, Arnold, Bet, Elvis, Aaron—and Dad—would shred him first."

True. No man would be foolish enough to cross the Ashbournes.

A pause.

"Evadne... where's Jason?" Nydia finally asked, fingers twisting in her lap.

"Gave him the night off," Evadne replied airily, gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

The car rolled through the grand gates of Silveke Harbor.

As they stepped out, the Dempsey family approached—Dave and Myra with their three sons.

Evadne arched a brow. She hadn't expected Emeric to invite them.

Cedric's jaw tightened, eyes flashing with barely concealed resentment.

Jason stood slightly apart, shoulders slumped, lips pale. His voice was rough when he spoke. "Miss Evadne."

He took half a step forward—then stopped, remembering her cold dismissal days prior.

Evadne barely glanced at him.

Pitiful. Like a kicked puppy.

But hope would destroy him. Better this way.

"Mr. Dempsey," she greeted warmly.

Dave inclined his head. "Ms. Evadne. No need for formalities—though, given your position now, perhaps it's appropriate."

Evadne waved it off, but Dave insisted.

Myra studied the Ashbourne sisters—Evadne, radiant as a goddess; Nydia, demure and sweet.

Her heart ached for Jason.

Reaching for the stars, indeed.

Then her gaze settled on Nydia.

"Mrs. Dempsey!" Nydia curtsied, cheeks pink.

Myra smiled. "Ms. Nydia."

A backup plan, perhaps. Polite, gentle—though her illegitimate status was... unfortunate.

Nydia peeked at Jason, heart pounding.

His eyes, as always, were only for Evadne.

She knew that look.

She'd worn it for seven years.

Dinner at Silveke Harbor was lively—though Cassius was absent, Arnold and Aaron more than made up for it.

Emeric and Dave reminisced like old friends. Myra chatted brightly with the Ashbourne women.

But the younger generation?

Tension crackled.

With Arnold (prosecutor), Aaron (judge), and Evadne (plaintiff), the table felt like a courtroom.

Arnold swirled his wine, smirking. "Heard your firm's thriving, Cedric. Defending every high-profile criminal in Elmsworth?"

Cedric smiled thinly. "A lawyer's duty to his clients."

Aaron leaned back, assessing him like a suspect. "Strange how your clients are all wealthy or connected."

Cedric sighed dramatically. "Running a firm is expensive. I'm just trying to survive."

Arnold choked on his wine.

Jason's voice cut through, cold and sharp. "Survive? Your cheapest case this year was 200K. Highest? 1.5 million."

Silence.

Emeric and Dave turned.

Cedric's smile turned brittle. "My finances aren't dinner conversation."

Jason's laugh was icy. "Then explain why you took the Abernathy case—knowing they're Evadne's enemies."

The air froze.

Evadne finally looked at Jason, gaze piercing.

She didn't need him fighting her battles.

"Jason!" Ivan hissed, tugging his sleeve.

No use.

Cedric paled.

Dave stood abruptly. "Enough! Apologies, Emeric—my son forgets himself."

Emeric merely chuckled. "No offense taken. Jason's like a son to me. Honest, principled—qualities I admire."

A son.

The words elevated Jason—and crushed Cedric.