Chapter 466

The tension in the study was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Emeric Ashbourne had everything a man could desire—power, wealth, and a legacy that stretched back generations. Yet beneath the polished veneer of success, he carried a loneliness only his longtime confidant, Dn, truly understood.

"Dn, the situation is more complicated than it appears," Emeric murmured, rubbing his temples. "While Evadne was abroad, Cassius managed the consortium, and it drained him. When she returned, he stepped aside without protest, knowing his limits. But Cassius and Arnold…"

His voice trailed off, his expression darkening with unspoken thoughts.

Dn remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on Emeric, waiting.

"After careful consideration, Evadne is the best successor. Even if I don’t particularly care for Thaddeus, I can’t deny how much she loves him. He’s in a precarious position within the Abernathy Group, constantly under his brother’s shadow. But he’s sharp, decisive—reminds me of myself in my younger days. If he can’t secure his place there, he’d still be a formidable asset to Evadne and our company."

Dn smirked. "Mr. Emeric, you worry too much. Thaddeus isn’t the type to be a trophy husband. The man has too much pride—and a military background. He’d never be comfortable living off his wife’s fortune."

Emeric waved a dismissive hand. "Just speculation. If he succeeds, all the better. If not, he can help Evadne absorb the Abernathy Group. Consider it an engagement gift."

Dn exhaled, shaking his head.

Outside the door, Evadne clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Emeric, your ambition knows no bounds.

"But before any of that, I need to stabilize the chaos around us," Emeric continued, his voice hardening. "Jeff saved my life—that debt can’t be ignored. But if this marriage falls through, the Chambers Group will become our enemy."

His head throbbed at the thought. "After the last race, our feud with Fairhaven is set in stone. Frederic has always opposed me, and even with Hamilton’s support, he’s aging. How long can he protect the Abernathy Group? If we move against Elmsworth, we’ll face retaliation from both Abernathy and Fairhaven. And if the Chambers Group turns on us too…"

Dn’s frown deepened.

The Ashbourne family was untouchable in Skyrim, but in Elmsworth, if the other families united against them, it would be like wolves circling prey. Evadne was still inexperienced—how would she handle that?

"Which is why Nydia must marry into the Chambers family."

Evadne’s breath hitched, her ears ringing.

"Avery is capable—less aggressive than Thaddeus, but just as firm. After observing him, I believe he might even surpass Matthew." Emeric’s lips curled. "Who will ultimately control the Chambers Group? That remains to be seen."

"Avery is cunning," Dn admitted. "After fifteen years in exile, he returned and completely changed Jeff’s opinion of him—enough to arrange this marriage. That speaks volumes."

"So Nydia marrying him is a fair exchange. It strengthens our alliance, and when Evadne takes over, having her sister as the wife of the Chambers Group’s CEO will be invaluable."

"But Nydia loves Jason!"

The mention of the Dempsey family made Emeric’s blood boil. "Dave has lost his mind, letting his eldest son run wild. Cedric, with his mediocre talent, dares cozy up to Frederic and provoke Evadne under Abernathy’s protection! And his wife dares look down on Nydia? The Ashbournes’ least is still leagues above them!"

"You’d force Nydia to marry that scheming snake Avery? Have you no shame?"

The door burst open. Evadne stormed in, her face flushed with fury.

Emeric and Dn jolted in their seats.

"Evadne," Emeric snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Have you forgotten how to knock?"

"Knock?" She scoffed. "Since when did Silverlake Harbor require formalities? Or are you just feeling guilty?"

Her hands trembled. "Emeric, who do you think you are—some emperor trading daughters for power? First you play the field, now you’re selling Nydia to the Chambers Group? What kind of father are you? I thought you were just reckless, but you’re heartless!"

Emeric nearly choked.

His voice turned icy. "You don’t understand the weight of leadership. The Ashbourne empire supports thousands. Before I took over, I endured humiliation and sacrifice to build this. Every decision is for stability."

"Stability?" Evadne’s laugh was bitter. "By destroying Nydia’s happiness? Who’s next? Debby escaped early—are you regretting not having more daughters to auction off?"

"Evadne!"

He stood abruptly, towering over her.

The air between them crackled with tension.

Dn wiped his brow, distressed.

"So what’s your grand plan?" Evadne seethed. "Make enemies of every major family? Do you really think you can withstand their combined force?"

"Don’t underestimate me!"

"Avery is a viper!" she shot back. "He’s sabotaged Debby, Thaddeus, and my brother! While you’re counting his coins, he’s plotting your downfall! And you’re handing Nydia to him?"

Emeric’s eyes narrowed. "Since when did you become such a convincing liar?"

"You think I’m lying?" Her voice cracked. "Emeric, has Avery bewitched you?"

"Miss Evadne," Dn interjected carefully, "do you have proof?"

"I’ll get it," she hissed. "But I need time."

She couldn’t reveal everything—not without risking their plans.

"Then bring me evidence," Emeric said coldly, turning away. "Until then, my decision stands."

Dn followed him, casting a worried glance back at Evadne.

"Emeric!" she shouted after him. "You greedy, heartless bastard! I hate you!"

The words struck like a blade.

Emeric froze, pain flashing across his face.

The last time she’d looked at him like this was after her mother’s death.

He had given her everything—sacrificed for her future.

And all it earned him was her hatred.

"You want to marry Thaddeus, don’t you?" His voice was glacial. "Love blessed by all is rare. Those who oppose will always interfere. My actions secure your happiness, stabilize the family, and give Nydia prestige. Isn’t that worth it?"

Evadne’s shoulders slumped.

For the first time, she saw him clearly—terrifying in his ruthlessness.

Exhausted, she retreated to her room, her mind racing.

She couldn’t let this marriage happen.

Her phone buzzed—Thaddeus.

His voice, warm and teasing, soothed her frayed nerves. "You sound down. Miss me?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Yeah. And you know it."

He chuckled. "Then stop missing me. Come see me."

But as she hung up, guilt twisted inside her.

This was her fault.

Her love for Thaddeus had set this disaster in motion.