Chapter 443

The blatant favoritism was impossible to ignore—a display of partiality so bold it bordered on arrogance.

Thaddeus had eyes only for Evadne. Edith? She might as well have been invisible.

Avery's fists clenched, knuckles whitening, his entire body rigid with suppressed fury.

Why was he always a step behind?

Why did that insufferable bastard always manage to claim the spot beside Evadne?

Ford's smile turned icy, his expression darkening, though he maintained the polished veneer of a gentleman. "There's a saying in your country, Mr. Thaddeus—'cherish the fairer sex.' Your devotion to Ms. Evadne is admirable. Clearly, I've been too forward. Allow me to make amends with a drink."

With that, he drained his glass.

Thaddeus, his gaze unreadable, matched him without hesitation.

The tension in the room eased, replaced by forced laughter.

But Frederic's expression darkened.

"Father, what is Thaddeus thinking? President Morris clearly has his sights set on Evadne. Is he deliberately provoking him?"

Glynnis scoffed from the sidelines. "Sacrificing business over a woman? Hardly the behavior of a competent CEO."

She shot a venomous glance at Evadne. "Beauty has always been a curse. And that one? She's nothing but trouble."

Frederic silenced her with a sharp glare. "Must you always be so crass? Learn some decorum from Mari."

At the table, Evadne raised her glass again, her smile dazzling. "A toast to William and Mr. Ford's esteemed presence! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The room followed her lead, the mood lifting—except for Elspeth, who stood stiffly in the corner, her untouched glass trembling in her grip.

"Elspeth," Evadne called, her tone light but edged with challenge. "Not drinking? Is our champagne not to your refined taste?"

Elspeth's face paled, her forced smile brittle.

All eyes turned to her, noting her untouched drink.

The Chambers family exchanged disapproving glances. Bertha smirked. "Elspeth, as the lady of the Abernathy Group, you must be accustomed to finer vintages. Our humble offering must seem lacking."

Elspeth's nails dug into her palms.

Before she could respond, Thaddeus cut in. "Elspeth is hardly a stranger to celebrations. No need for restraint tonight."

Murmurs rippled through the room.

So even after all these years, the Abernathy heir still treated her with such disdain?

Elspeth's breath hitched, her carefully applied makeup failing to mask her fury.

Evadne nudged Thaddeus, her perfume teasing his senses.

His cheeks warmed.

She stifled a laugh.

So easily flustered—yet this same man had held her with the hunger of a starved wolf.

"Elspeth," Frederic warned, his voice low. "Don't spoil the evening."

With a stiff nod, she downed her drink, grimacing as if swallowing poison.

Glynnis winced in sympathy.

Avery watched the exchange, suspicion gnawing at him.

Ford returned to his father's side, scowling.

"Taken with Evadne, have you?" William asked mildly.

"From the moment I saw her," Ford admitted, his gaze lingering on Evadne.

William chuckled. "She's the only one here worthy of you."

Ford's lip curled. "The rest are beneath notice."

"But you have competition," William mused. "Thaddeus and that Chambers boy are both smitten."

Ford scoffed. "The Chambers are irrelevant. As for Thaddeus—strip away the title, and he's just the Abernathys' lapdog. Do you really think he'd choose love over power?"

William's expression sobered. "Regardless, our partnership with the Abernathys is crucial. Don't provoke him—for now."

Ford nodded grudgingly.

Meanwhile, Elspeth, her bladder screaming, bolted for the restroom.

Stalls occupied, she danced in agony.

Finally, one freed up—but too late.

Humiliated, she waited until the room emptied before unleashing her fury on the door.

Then, trembling, she dialed Victor.

It rang endlessly before he answered.

"Elspeth."

"Victor," she gasped, desperation clawing at her throat. "You promised me the medicine today. You won't break your word, will you?"

A dark chuckle. "Miss me that much?"

"Victor, please," she begged, tears spilling. "I need it. I can't—"

What she couldn't say: she needed the relief his "miracle cure" promised.

"After the races," he purred. "Track two's rest area. No one will be there."

"I'll come," she vowed.

The races began with fanfare.

Two events dominated the gala:

First, the Parade of a Hundred Steeds—a display of wealth as elites paraded their prized thoroughbreds.

Second, the races themselves, where fortunes were won and lost in a single bet.

The four families' horses stood ready.

"Emeric," Jeff teased, "how much are you betting on my Cyclone?"

Emeric wrinkled his nose. "That name alone is a bad omen."

Jeff pouted. "It's not Treasure anymore!"

"Cyclone? Does it spin in circles while the others race ahead?"

Laughter erupted.

Evadne rolled her eyes at Emeric's sharp tongue.

"You're no fun," Jeff grumbled.

Cassius stepped in smoothly. "I'll bet on Cyclone. A million, as a show of support."

Jeff beamed.

Emeric snorted. "Just watch him lose his shirt."

"Evadne," Avery asked gently, "who are you betting on?"

She didn't look at him. "I don't gamble."

Undeterred, Avery turned to Emeric. "I'll match President Ashbourne—a million on Wind."

Emeric's smile warmed. "At least someone here has taste."

Evadne and Cassius exchanged icy glances.

"Mind if I join?" Thaddeus strolled over, grinning.

Avery tensed.

Emeric arched a brow. "Feeling lucky, Mr. Thaddeus?"

"Wind caught my eye at Aetheria," Thaddeus said. "A million on him."

Cassius chuckled softly.

Evadne marched over and poked Thaddeus's chest. "Are you insane? Wind and Cyclone are evenly matched. You might as well burn your money."

The room fell silent.

Emeric and Jeff exchanged glances.

Thaddeus's smile softened. "Worried about my finances?"

Her cheeks pinked. "I just hate seeing you lose."

He leaned close, whispering, "If I lose to family, it's money well spent."