Chapter 433

The annual horse racing event in Elmsworth was the most anticipated social gathering of the year.

Noble families gathered at the prestigious racecourse, their smiles masking the ruthless power plays beneath the surface.

For the elite, this was more than a sporting event—it was a battleground of alliances and betrayals.

Deals worth millions were sealed with handshakes in the VIP lounges. Many would kill for an invitation, hoping to climb the social ladder.

Glynnis had been fuming ever since Frederic banned her from attending. The stress had given her mouth ulcers, making it painful to eat.

She couldn’t fathom why her father would punish her so severely over a few harsh words to the servants.

Was her disgrace somehow tied to Elspeth’s fall from grace?

Men. All the same—heartless beasts.

Her only solace was the hope that Jareth would discard Mari once he grew bored.

Then, she’d make sure everyone knew Mari was nothing more than a temporary plaything.

A knock interrupted her bitter thoughts.

"Glynnis, your mother wants to see you."

She found Elspeth in a state of agitation.

"Mom, what is it?"

The moment she stepped inside, a foul odor assaulted her senses.

"What is that smell?" Glynnis wrinkled her nose, moving cautiously toward the bedroom.

The sight that greeted her was shocking.

Elspeth, disheveled in a wrinkled nightgown, was on her knees, desperately scrubbing a yellowish stain on the floor.

"Mom, what—"

"Who told you to barge in?!" Elspeth snapped, her voice sharp with humiliation. "Knock next time!"

"You—you called for me," Glynnis stammered, realization dawning. "Mom... you didn’t—"

"Not another word!" Elspeth cut her off, eyes blazing. "Do you hear me?"

Glynnis nodded quickly.

"You have to stop taking that drug!" she pleaded, worry etched on her face. "It’s destroying you! Victor is poisoning you—look at what it’s done!"

For once, Glynnis spoke with genuine concern.

Elspeth exhaled shakily. "I know. But I can’t stop. Without it, I feel like I’m dying."

Glynnis had never experienced addiction, but the agony in Elspeth’s twisted expression was unmistakable.

"Did you take care of Ward?" Elspeth suddenly demanded, her tone dark.

Glynnis hesitated. "I arranged it, but... no news yet. It’s not easy inside a prison."

Elspeth’s eyes burned with fury. "Useless! All of them!"

"Mom, be patient. The man I hired is limited in what he can do. We’ll hear something soon."

"Patient?!" Elspeth’s voice cracked. "Every second Ward breathes, I can’t sleep! Evadne and Thaddeus have probably already gotten to him!"

Glynnis understood the danger but had no solution.

A sharp knock made both women jump.

"Who is it?" Elspeth called, moving to the door.

Dennis’s voice came through. "Ma’am, Mr. Abernathy sent me. He requests your presence at the horse races this weekend."

Elspeth’s face transformed. "Frederic wants me there? He’s not ignoring me anymore?"

"It’s tradition for you both to attend," Dennis replied smoothly.

"Yes, yes! I’ll be there!"

The moment the door closed, Elspeth nearly collapsed with relief.

After weeks of isolation, she was finally free. Did this mean Frederic had forgiven her?

But then reality set in. Without her medication, she had no control over her body.

If she had an accident in public, the humiliation would be unbearable. Frederic would never look at her the same.

Yet refusing to go would insult him further.

Glynnis saw her dilemma. "Mom, are you worried about... your condition?"

"What choice do I have?" Elspeth sank to the floor, defeated.

"I can’t function without that poison. I hear voices, see things... I’m losing my mind!"

The hallucinations were getting worse. Only Victor’s drugs brought relief.

"Wear adult diapers," Glynnis whispered. "No one will know but me."

Elspeth recoiled at the suggestion. But Glynnis was right—this was her only chance.

"Fine," she muttered.

"Now, my turn," Glynnis said, seizing the moment. "Convince Father to let me go too."

Elspeth glared. "You’re pushing it."

"Mom, listen! If I’m there, I can help you. Plus, all the eligible bachelors will be there. Don’t you want me married into power?"

Elspeth considered it, then nodded. "I’ll try."

Glynnis hugged her, a sly smile curling her lips.

That night, Evadne soaked in the bath with Thaddeus.

Later, wrapped in a robe, she sat before the mirror as he dried her hair.

"You’re surprisingly good at this," she mused. "If the CEO gig falls through, you could be a hairstylist."

"Only for you," he murmured, kissing her neck. "Do I get a tip?"

Evadne laughed, swatting him away. "Give me a break. I need energy for tomorrow."

Thaddeus relented, holding her close in bed.

"Evadne," he said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Could you make me another suit?"

She turned to face him. "You really like my designs?"

"I always did," he admitted. "I was just too proud to say it."

Evadne smiled. "I’ll make you one when I’m back."

The next morning, Cassius’s car arrived to take her home.

Thaddeus watched until the Rolls-Royce disappeared, already missing her.

Alva approached, dusting her hands. "Found a weird rock by the gate. Nearly gave me a heart attack."

Thaddeus flushed. "That’s... Lover’s Lookout."

Back in Silveke Harbor, Evadne found the house empty. Bored, she napped until her phone rang.

Victor’s voice was eager. "Elspeth contacted me. She’s desperate for more medication."

"Withdrawal symptoms?" Evadne yawned.

"Severe. Incontinence, hallucinations. She’s attending the horse races with Frederic and wants me there."

Evadne smirked. "Perfect. Tell her you’ll deliver it at the event."

A plan formed in her mind.

This weekend just got interesting.