Chapter 476

The grand banquet hall buzzed with energy as the lavish dance party reached its crescendo. The spotlight swiveled to center stage, illuminating Alexander Kingsley and his son, commanding the room's undivided attention.

Tension crackled between members of the Abernathy Group and Fairhaven Group, their gazes locked onto Alexander. For Fairhaven, securing this deal meant salvation from financial ruin. For Abernathy, it was an opportunity to assert dominance—and perhaps settle old scores with Isabella.

But Emeric Ashbourne remained detached from the corporate frenzy. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by his daughter’s sudden disappearance. His beloved Isabella had vanished—was she tangled up with that Abernathy heir again? Their closeness had already raised eyebrows.

A flush crept up Emeric’s neck as his imagination conjured scandalous scenarios. He wasn’t a prude, and Isabella had once been married to the man. They’d even lived together under his roof, yet no grandchild had materialized—much to his conflicted relief.

But even thrill-seekers had their limits.

His thoughts shattered when he realized his usually obedient younger daughter, Natalia, was also missing. As confusion knitted his brow, a striking couple emerged, effortlessly stealing the room’s focus.

"Dad."

"Chairman Ashbourne."

Emeric’s stern expression softened at the sight of them. A smile tugged at his lips, pride swelling in his chest as he watched Isabella and Nathaniel together—their devotion palpable, their eyes speaking volumes.

Nathaniel, once the target of Emeric’s disdain, was growing on him.

"Where have you been?" Emeric chided, masking concern with playful reproach. Noticing her pallor, his tone sharpened. "You look unwell. Should I call your brother to take you to the hospital?"

Isabella’s face was shadowed. "I’m fine."

"And your brother? I called him—why isn’t he here?"

"He’s delayed. He’ll arrive soon." Her voice was flat, devoid of warmth.

Emeric frowned. "And Natalia? I haven’t seen her in a while."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened, his gaze glacial, while Isabella’s icy stare landed on Jeffrey.

"Oh, Emeric!" Jeffrey Chambers interjected, his tone jovial. "You must’ve forgotten. Natalia and Byron were deep in conversation during the dance. Young love—they probably slipped away for some privacy."

Jeffrey chuckled, buoyant. "I’ve watched Natalia grow up. She’s always been the quiet one. Who knew she’d find such chemistry with Byron?"

Isabella’s laugh was a blade. Jeffrey stiffened but forced a smile. "Isabella, you seem upset. Did someone offend you?"

"Mr. Chambers," she countered, eyes narrowing, "my sister has zero interest in your son. Are you blind, or just desperate?"

Jeffrey’s smile froze. This insolent girl!

Had Emeric spoiled her rotten? Or had Nathaniel and Avery’s attention inflated her ego? Did she truly think she could act so brazenly?

"Isabella!" Emeric snapped. "Mind your manners!"

Jeffrey feigned magnanimity. "As her godfather, I’ll overlook her rudeness. Without Isabella’s medical skills, Byron wouldn’t even be standing today."

The mention ignited her fury. "My greatest regret, Mr. Chambers? Saving your son."

Jeffrey’s face darkened.

"Enough!" Emeric barked. "Apologize!"

Nathaniel finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Chairman Ashbourne, don’t mistake her words for mere rudeness. There’s a reason behind them. Everything will make sense soon."

As Isabella met his gaze, the storm in her eyes stilled.

Jeffrey bristled. "This is a family matter, Abernathy. Stay out of it."

Nathaniel smirked, his silence more unnerving than words.

Nearby, Edith watched, jealousy gnawing at her. Nathaniel and Isabella looked like royalty together. What had they been doing all this time? Her imagination tormented her—until a strangled gasp escaped her lips.

Disdainful glances shot her way.

Frederic Abernathy suppressed a grimace. How was this scatterbrain related to Jareth?

Truthfully, Isabella was the better match for his son—graceful, sharp, formidable. Edith? An afterthought.

But Isabella was dangerous. A viper in silk.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Ford Morris announced, taking the stage. "Thank you for joining us tonight. Our partnership with Abernathy Group thrives, and for our Equestrian Hotel venture, we seek another formidable ally."

Eyes darted between Frederic and Jeffrey.

Emeric, an outsider, didn’t mind being overlooked. But Barry Fairhaven seethed. Were they truly so insignificant?

Ford yielded the stage to his father, William.

"After careful consideration," William declared, "J Group will collaborate with K Group for the Equestrian Hotel."

Silence. Then—applause.

Emeric, stunned, stepped forward, shaking William’s hand.

"The honor is ours," he said smoothly.

"Nonsense. Your victory at the races proved your mettle. A promise is a promise."

Unbeknownst to all, William had consulted Chad Abernathy earlier.

"Work with K Group," Chad had advised. "It benefits us both. Consider it my tribute to Isabella—I’d hate to see her efforts wasted."

Isabella’s composure cracked—just slightly—as joy flickered in her eyes.

Nathaniel’s hand found hers, warm and reassuring. "Congratulations. Victory was always yours."

Electricity sparked where their skin met. Her pulse quickened.

As Emeric basked in triumph, Frederic and Barry barely concealed their fury.

Jeffrey, though smiling, seethed. The Ashbournes shone while he gained nothing.

Frederic forced a smile and approached Emeric.

"Congratulations, Chairman Ashbourne."

"Thank you. The feeling is mutual."

Frederic’s grin turned razor-sharp. "Since we’re all gathered, I’d like to share some joyous news of my own."