Chapter 449

The crowd's piercing stares made Gary squirm, his face burning with humiliation.

"Myra's voice trembled with emotion, tears glistening in her eyes. "Evadne! You're safe—thank heavens!"

Emeric, usually unshakable in business negotiations, exhaled in relief at the sight of his unharmed daughter. His tailored suit clung to him, damp with cold sweat—a rare crack in his composed facade.

His gaze shifted to Thaddeus, who stood resolutely beside Evadne. The Abernathy Group president, whose every move was scrutinized, seemed indifferent to the risks. To him, Evadne mattered more than any crown.

For a fleeting moment, Emeric thought of Evadne's mother. He, too, had once been willing to sacrifice everything for love.

Yet life had taken a different path.

Now, society labeled him a playboy, heartless and disloyal. Rumors claimed his first wife died of heartbreak.

But only one person had ever truly understood him.

"Ms. Ashbourne, was I mistaken?" Gary's smirk held a venomous edge.

"You weren't wrong. The problem is, those poor creatures never had the chance to meet me."

Evadne's eyes sparkled with defiance. Despite her injuries, her smile remained radiant—confident, captivating.

"My hands can heal even the dying."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Such a bold claim would sound like arrogance from anyone else. But Evadne carried it with effortless charm, making people wonder what miracles she might conjure next.

Ford arched a brow, amused. "Quite the tall tale, isn't it?"

Glynnis crossed her arms, her sneer twisting her features. "You killed the horse yourself, and now you're spinning lies to deceive Mr. William Morris and his son?"

From behind her grandfather, Edith stifled a laugh. Evadne had nearly broken herself—and that million-dollar horse was finished. The Ashbourne Group project was lost, and now she'd earned William's scorn.

Perfect.

"Evadne treated Wind's injury."

Thaddeus's sharp tone made Glynnis flinch. "Dr. Chasel Bright provided his family's latest anti-inflammatory medication. It worked—on both humans and animals. Wind's infection was contained, and his life saved."

Cassius allowed himself a faint smile, recalling the tall figure in the white coat—the gentle gaze that lingered.

Meanwhile, Chasel was at home, furiously tapping his phone screen. His wallpaper? Cassius's striking profile.

"Damn it! He only calls when he needs something!"

The crowd gaped, their disbelief palpable.

"Mr. Abernathy, you're saying Evadne reattached a horse's leg?" Jeff's eyes bulged. "Is that even possible?"

"Of course, Mr. Chambers. Have you forgotten Evadne's other identity?"

Jareth's grin widened. "She's the renowned 'Dr. Eve.' Surely you knew?"

Evadne resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Why not declare her ruler of the universe while they were at it?

"Ah, yes!" Jeff smacked his forehead. "Evadne operated on my son Byron's leg after his accident. She's a miracle worker!"

Evadne sighed. This was exactly why she avoided revealing her identity—the endless chatter, the unwanted attention.

"Ms. Ashbourne is Dr. Eve?" William's eyes narrowed. The name carried weight—how could he not know?

"Mr. William Morris."

Evadne approached him, bowing respectfully. "Wind was injured before the race. I failed to notice in time, and pushing him worsened the wound. Though I've treated him, he'll never race again."

Her voice cracked.

Thaddeus's chest tightened. He knew her physical pain paled compared to her grief.

"What's the point now?" Glynnis scoffed. "A racehorse that can't run—that's crueler than putting it down."

"Mind your words," Frederic snapped.

Glynnis pursed her lips, silenced.

"Ms. Ashbourne, how did Wind get hurt?" Ford seized the moment.

All eyes turned to Evadne.

Edith, outwardly calm, clenched her fists.

Thaddeus didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Evadne's waist to steady her.

She trembled, her face pale, sweat beading her forehead. The fearless woman now leaned into him, fragile as a wounded kitten.

Ford frowned.

Just then, Avery approached, his heart splintering at the sight. The pain was unbearable—like a thousand arrows piercing his soul.

"Mr. Avery Chambers! Are you alright?" Harvey moved to support him but was shoved away.

"Don't touch me!"

Harvey retreated, his glare fixed on Thaddeus. He'd never resent Avery—only the man who'd shattered his happiness.

"Wind's injury was deliberate—a deep, precise cut." Evadne's voice hardened. "Our horses are worth millions, guarded by specialists. Yet someone still got close enough to harm him."

The crowd murmured. Only Edith stared daggers at Evadne. That cut should've been on her face!

"Ms. Ashbourne is right." Matthew stepped in, eager to deflect blame from the Chambers Group. "This was premeditated. We'll investigate thoroughly."

"My son speaks for me," Jeff agreed. "This is attempted murder!"

At "murder," Edith's heart lurched.

"One thing's clear," Evadne said. "The culprit had access to the stables. That narrows it down to staff, trainers, jockeys—or personal aides."

"Cassius." Emeric's voice was steel.

"Yes, Father."

"Investigate everyone connected to the stables. No exceptions."

Emeric turned to Jeff. "Would Matthew assist?"

"Of course! We'll get to the truth."

Matthew nodded. "I'll help however I can."

Thaddeus's icy voice cut through. "No need. I've already caught the culprit."

Gasps filled the air.

Evadne stared at him, stunned.

"Gordon. Bring them in."

Moments later, Duke was dragged forward—filthy, disheveled, a broken man.

"Duke?!"

The Fairhaven family froze. Edith turned ghostly pale, stumbling back.

An hour earlier, Jareth had pulled Thaddeus aside.

"Edith?" Thaddeus arched a brow.

"If she's innocent, I'll eat my hat," Jareth growled, cigarette trembling in his fingers.

"Spare me the theatrics." Thaddeus pocketed the unlit cigarette. "She's your family. Handle it—or I will. My methods might upset you."

"I think she's involved." Jareth's voice wavered. "But without proof..."

"Love's made you soft."

Jareth sighed. "I've got Mari now. I can't be reckless."

"I'll be the villain." Thaddeus's grip tightened on his shoulder. "Let the wicked destroy each other."