Chapter 469
Emeric narrowed his piercing gaze, exuding an air of effortless authority as he clasped hands with William.
In every way, he matched the man’s stature.
"Regarding the incident at the racetrack, I hope my daughter hasn’t caused you any offense, Mr. Morris. She’s spirited, lacking worldly experience. If she overstepped, I trust you’ll overlook it." Emeric’s smile was polished, his voice rich with aristocratic refinement.
The crowd froze.
Had they heard correctly?
The heir to a centuries-old dynasty, the head of a financial empire, was extending courtesy to Emeric? The Ashbournes were wealthy, yes, but their influence was confined to Skyrim.
The Abernathy and Chambers Groups, however, were Elmsworth’s elite. Why would William bypass them for Emeric?
Frederic, Barry, and Jeff approached, expressions unreadable.
Frederic’s jaw tightened.
In Elmsworth’s circles, it was common knowledge that the J Group’s first domestic venture had gone to Abernathy. Yet here was William, indifferent to Frederic, favoring Emeric—a man with no prior business ties.
A silent power play.
"Chairman Emeric, you’re too humble."
William lavished praise on Evadne. "Your daughter is exceptional—stunning, with equestrian skills rivaling professionals. After the race, Ford couldn’t stop admiring her. They share a passion for horses; I’m certain they’d have much to discuss."
He gestured to his son, who adjusted his tie and strode forward.
Ford smirked at Thaddeus, a taunt in his gaze.
Thaddeus’s fists clenched, fury simmering beneath his skin.
"Damn it, Thad, that blond bastard’s provoking you!" Jareth growled. "We’re in Elmsworth, not his turf. Who does he think he is?"
"He wants Evadne," Thaddeus muttered, jealousy bitter on his tongue.
"My sister-in-law’s too dazzling. Any man who isn’t smitten should question his sanity." Jareth pitied Thaddeus—loving a woman like Evadne was a battlefield.
"Ms. Evadne, a pleasure to see you again." Ford extended his hand, gaze burning.
Thaddeus’s vision tinted red.
A polite gesture, but the intent was clear.
Jareth yanked him back. "Don’t. He’s just shaking hands. Losing your cool makes you look insecure—like you don’t trust her."
"I won’t let him touch her."
"And ruin Emeric’s business prospects? Evadne mentioned he holds grudges. Screw this up, and you’ll never join that family."
Evadne smiled coolly. "Mr. Ford, to honor your culture, allow me to greet you properly."
She curtsied, graceful as a queen, her red gown sweeping the floor. The men around her sighed in admiration—Ford most of all.
Only she knew the truth: she’d never let his hands near her.
Ford was worse than Jareth—a notorious playboy with a trail of illegitimate children.
Disgusting.
Thaddeus caught her ruse, lips curving in a private smile.
Ford, oblivious, preened under her "admiration."
"This gathering," William announced, "isn’t just for business. My son wishes to know Ms. Evadne better."
The implication was obvious: he wanted her as his daughter-in-law.
Cassius’s gaze darkened, flicking to his father.
Then Emeric dropped the bomb. "Mr. William, are you proposing to my daughter?"
Gasps erupted.
Evadne stiffened. Her father had no filter.
Thaddeus’s palms dampened. He trusted Evadne—but not Emeric.
If Emeric had bartered Nydia to Avery for business, what stopped him from accepting the Morrises’ offer?
Especially since he’d never approved of Thaddeus.
Ford, unable to contain himself, blurted, "Yes, Chairman Emeric. It was love at first sight."
The crowd buzzed with envy.
Evadne, a divorcee, was now the most sought-after woman in the room.
"Ms. Evadne’s elegance at the races captivated me. I’ve eyes for no one else. I humbly ask for the chance to court her." Ford’s words were humble, his demeanor anything but.
"Evadne—" Nydia gripped her hand.
Unfazed, Evadne arched a brow. "Mr. Ford, I’m divorced. Surely you’re aware?"
William and Ford faltered.
All eyes darted to Thaddeus, his expression stormy.
"That Ashbourne girl has no shame," Barry sneered to Frederic. "Flouting her disgrace publicly—she’s mocking the Abernathy name."
Frederic’s face darkened.
"For others, divorce is a stain. For Ms. Evadne? A badge of honor," Edith drawled. "She’s reveling in this—humiliating Thaddeus, proving her allure."
Frederic’s mood blackened.
"You flatter me, Mr. Ford," Evadne said smoothly. "But I’m unworthy of your standards. Surely you can aim higher."
A rejection, wrapped in grace.
Ford’s pride stung. He might’ve hesitated over her past, but her dismissing him? Unthinkable.
"Ms. Evadne, your past means nothing. You’re radiant—a star among dull stones. Your ex was a fool. I’d cherish you. Please, give me this opportunity!"
"I swear, I’m going to be sick," Jareth muttered.
"This is my fault," Thaddeus said hoarsely. "If I’d been better to her—"
The crowd gaped. Even William was stunned—his proud son, begging for a woman’s favor.
As Evadne prepared to eviscerate Ford, Emeric draped an arm around her shoulders.
"Gentlemen, my daughter is already engaged."
Silence.
Engaged?