Chapter 439
The phone buzzed relentlessly, its screen lighting up with breaking news alerts. Once again, Thaddeus and Evadne dominated the headlines, their names blazing across every trending list. Their public appearances together—despite being exes—ignited fierce debates and captivated the nation's attention.
They were the perfect match, a power couple that could have ruled the business world together.
But Frederic's face darkened at the news.
"Oh, look at that," Elspeth sneered, scrolling through the gossip on her phone. "Chairman Emeric really hit the jackpot with a daughter like Evadne. She’s a media magnet. Everyone else just fades into the background when she’s around." She smirked. "Thaddeus and her aren’t exactly subtle. Frederic, why don’t you seize the moment and propose an alliance with Chairman Emeric? After all, Evadne’s secret marriage to Thaddeus left us all in the dark. It’s like we owe the Ashbournes a favor. Now’s the perfect time to make amends."
The Fairhavens had already taken their seats, and Mrs. Fairhaven sat just across from Elspeth.
She heard every word and grimaced in disgust. Elspeth’s words were nauseating.
Having such a matriarch was a curse that could haunt the Abernathys for generations. It was a miracle the family hadn’t crumbled yet, likely held together only by sheer stubbornness. The thought of her daughter, Edith, being tied to such a family made her head throb.
Thaddeus, the man Edith adored, had grown into an impressive figure under her watchful gaze.
But the Abernathys were a tangled mess, and Thaddeus—despite his current power—was still seen as an illegitimate son. With a half-brother looming over him and Mr. Hamilton’s failing health, how long could he hold on?
Mrs. Fairhaven wasn’t sold on this match for her daughter.
A second marriage at his age? Hardly a prize for Edith.
"Dad, Mom’s right," Glynnis chimed in mockingly. "Just look at Thad and Evadne, acting like lovesick teenagers. It’s like she’s scheming her way back into his life, and he looks ready to hand her the world. They’re clearly smitten. Daddy, why not play Cupid? Let’s give them their happy ending."
Glynnis knew Frederic’s temper well. If she played her cards right, pushing for Thaddeus and Evadne would only make things worse.
Frederic stared at the photos, his jaw tightening at the sight of his son’s submissive demeanor around Evadne.
"My son will not remarry a woman he divorced himself. I won’t allow such disgrace! Emeric’s daughter or not, no woman will control him!"
His words left no room for argument.
Elspeth and Glynnis exchanged smug glances.
Just then, the Chambers Group arrived. Matthew, the CEO, and his wife Elva were busy greeting guests, leaving Jeff to enter with Avery and Bertha.
"Barry, long time no see," Jeff said casually, not bothering to extend a hand.
Though both were patriarchs, Jeff, as the younger, should have shown respect first.
Barry didn’t stand either, replying coolly, "Indeed, it has been."
The tension between the tycoons was palpable.
"Avery, Mr. Ashbourne’s here. Go greet him. We can’t neglect our friends," Jeff said loudly, ensuring the Fairhavens and Abernathys heard.
His message was clear: only the Ashbournes mattered to the Chambers Group.
Frederic and Barry’s expressions darkened.
"Yes, Dad."
Avery adjusted his glasses, his face unreadable as he walked away.
He’d heard about Evadne and Thaddeus’s grand entrance, humiliating Edith.
If they announced a reconciliation today, everything would fall apart.
He couldn’t let that happen.
In a secluded hallway, Avery dialed Harvey.
"Mr. Chambers?"
"Is everything set with the media?"
"All ready. The press releases are prepped. Just say the word, and every major outlet will break the news."
"Good."
Avery smirked. "First, leak that the Abernathys and Ashbournes are at odds while the Ashbournes and Chambers are cozying up. Have someone take photos to back it up."
"Yes, sir. But isn’t this too soon?"
"The red carpet fiasco is already out. If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late." Avery’s grip on the phone tightened. "I won’t let that bastard steal Evadne from me."
The image of Evadne and Thaddeus arm in arm burned in his mind.
He had to strike first. Their relationship couldn’t survive the light. If it couldn’t, it deserved to die in the dark.
Meanwhile, Barry checked his watch, frowning. "Where’s Jareth? Call him."
"Right away," Mrs. Fairhaven said anxiously.
"And where’s Edith? These kids are getting out of hand!"
Mention of his late eldest son—Edith’s father—made Barry’s heart ache.
Gary noticed, his fake smile masking tension as he crushed his cigar.
Thaddeus had matters to attend to and entered the field with Evadne. After a brief, tender moment, they parted.
Evadne walked alone, her heels clicking sharply in the empty hall.
"Hey, stop!"
Edith’s shrill voice cut through the silence.
Evadne didn’t stop.
She’d known Edith was following her but hadn’t cared enough to acknowledge her.
"Did you go deaf? I said stop!"
Edith, clutching her messy dress, rushed ahead, nearly tripping.
Evadne almost laughed.
"And why should I?"
"You—!" Edith’s face twisted with rage.
"Spit it out or get lost. I don’t have time for your nonsense." Evadne’s smirk was ice-cold.
Edith trembled, intimidated by her aura.
Evadne and Thaddeus were becoming eerily similar—even their gazes matched. Was this the so-called "couple’s look"?
"Nothing to say? Then move."
As Evadne turned to leave, Edith sneered, "You think Thad’s sincere? He’s just putting on a show because you’re the Ashbourne heiress now!"
Evadne laughed. "If that were true, you’d be quietly watching. Instead, you’re here, seething with jealousy. Pathetic."
Edith faltered.
"Know who the most pitiful people are?" Evadne leaned in, her voice dripping with scorn. "Liars like you, who deceive themselves into believing their own lies."
Edith’s face burned with humiliation.
She wouldn’t give up.
"Evadne, do you trust everything Thad says? I thought you were smarter, but you’re just another fool in love!"
"Save it."
"You’ll believe me soon enough." Edith stepped closer, her voice mocking. "Thad came to my room—you saw the footage. Want to know what happened? I was fresh out of the shower, completely bare. He held me so tight, his breath hot on my skin..."
Evadne’s eyes flashed with fury.
"His hands were all over me. He couldn’t get enough." Edith giggled. "Look at your face. He never told you, did he? Of course not. Men always hide their dirty little secrets."
"Edith."
"Upset? You said you wouldn’t believe me, but now you have no choice."
Seeing Evadne’s rage, Edith’s grin turned manic. "Hit me. You want to, don’t you? Do it."
Evadne clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.
She wouldn’t give Edith the satisfaction.
But then—
Snap!
The sharp sound echoed through the hall.
Evadne froze.
Edith stood in the grand hall, her cheek red from the slap she’d just delivered to herself. Her hair was disheveled, her face already swelling.
With a dramatic cry, she stumbled back through the open doors and collapsed on the floor.
The crowd outside—reporters, guests, staff—gasped. Whispers erupted.
"What happened? Let’s get closer—this is better than TV!"
"Did Evadne just slap Edith? Over what?"
"Must be over a man!"
"Probably Thaddeus. That guy’s a magnet for drama."
"Evadne didn’t hold back. Edith’s face is swollen."
"This is unacceptable. No matter how angry, you can’t just hit people!"
The crowd turned against Evadne, branding her the aggressor.
Edith, the perfect victim, trembled and sobbed. "Evadne, this is too much! Even if you hate me over Thaddeus, I’ve never wronged you. Just because you’re the Ashbourne heiress doesn’t give you the right to bully me!"
Her tears fueled the crowd’s outrage.
"Who does she think she is? This isn’t her kingdom!"
"Edith’s family is just as powerful. She shouldn’t take this!"
Evadne listened, then laughed—a cold, scornful sound that sent chills down spines.
Laughing?
Edith’s act faltered.
"Well, this is entertaining," Evadne said, her voice icy. "I did want to hit you. But you saved me the trouble. How convenient."
She smirked. "Guess it’s my lucky day."