Chapter 436

Evadne Ashbourne juggled caring for her family while secretly executing her carefully laid plans.

Emeric's deteriorating health demanded immediate attention. After consulting with her three trusted companions, Evadne decided to summon Cassius and Arnold home. As the eldest sons, their presence was non-negotiable.

Simultaneously, Suri discreetly arranged for Chasel Bright to examine Emeric.

Though Evadne was a brilliant surgeon, neurology was Chasel's domain.

The Ashbourne family gathered anxiously as Chasel conducted his examination, hanging onto his every word. Only Cassius lingered at the periphery, his piercing gaze fixed on the doctor in the white coat.

Their eyes locked briefly—Chasel's knowing, Cassius's guarded—before the latter looked away, pulse racing.

"Chairman Emeric's condition has declined," Chasel explained calmly, "but it's manageable with proper medication and lifestyle changes."

Myra, the family's culinary expert, immediately began mentally revising Emeric's meal plans.

Arnold groaned. "He'll hate this. No more midnight cake raids."

"At sixty, he should know better," Evadne chided, though her heart ached seeing her father's frailty.

Chasel's tone turned grave. "Most critically, avoid emotional extremes—especially anger. It exacerbates his condition."

Everyone nodded—except Evadne, whose lashes shadowed her troubled eyes.

Later at Silverlake Harbor, Emeric protested Myra's bland congee. "Not even pickles?"

The family chorused: "Absolutely not!"

When Emeric announced plans to attend the Elmsworth Derby, Suri hesitated. "Should you be traveling?"

"This isn't optional," Emeric insisted. "K Group needs visibility among Elmsworth's elite."

Evadne saw her opening. "Take Myra this time."

The room stilled. Myra flushed. "I'm no good at these events—"

"You enjoyed the county fair," Evadne countered.

Suri, sensing Evadne's intent, supported the idea. "The media already speculates why I always accompany you."

Emeric turned to Myra, taking her trembling hand. "Have I misunderstood your wishes all these years?"

Tears welled in Myra's eyes. Evadne's chest tightened seeing her stepmother's fragility—the once-radiant star now shrinking from the spotlight.

Ultimately, Emeric ordered bespoke attire for Myra, ensuring she'd shine at the event.

Later, Evadne cornered Myra. "You can't hide forever. Remember who you were—the nation's dream girl."

"That was manufactured fame," Myra whispered.

"For Nydia's sake, reclaim your strength." Evadne leaned closer. "And prepare for my surprise."

Meanwhile at Elmsworth Manor, Thaddeus Abernathy monitored developments with calculated precision. His mother's killer remained under surveillance, while Ward's "death" had been convincingly staged.

Gordon delivered the warden's confirmation: "The bait's been taken."

Thaddeus absently traced his phone's screensaver—a makeup-free Evadne bathed in sunlight.

"Mrs. Abernathy's breathtaking," Gordon blurted.

Thaddeus's glare could freeze magma. "Eyes to yourself."

When Gordon suggested visiting Evadne, Thaddeus shook his head. "She deserves this time with her family. And Emeric wouldn't welcome me."

His jaw tightened. Patience—their future had decades to unfold.

Across town, Glynnis Abernathy danced through the mansion upon hearing of Ward's demise. She rushed to Elspeth's darkened bedroom.

"He's really dead!"

Elspeth rewarded her with a sealed envelope. "Your compensation."

Glynnis clutched it like the Holy Grail. Inside lay Mari's psychiatric evaluation—the Abernathy family's best-kept secret.

Her laughter turned manic. This would destroy Mari's engagement to Jareth Fairhaven.

Edith Fairhaven answered Glynnis's call with bored disdain. "What now?"

"Meet me tomorrow. I have something that'll obliterate Mari's wedding dreams."

Edith yawned. "Your obsession is pathological."

"Just wait." Glynnis's smile turned feral. "The derby will be... enlightening."