Chapter 497

The next evening, in a lavish nightclub drowning in neon lights and the scent of expensive liquor, Cedric Abernathy reveled in the company of stunning women and top-shelf drinks. Tonight, he was untouchable—a king in his own right.

Across from him sat Matthew Chambers, the golden heir and CEO of the Chambers Group. This invitation wasn’t just a social call—it was a stamp of approval, tying Cedric to the Chambers family’s empire.

Now he had both the Abernathy and Chambers names in his pocket. The Ashbournes? They didn’t stand a chance.

"Mr. Chambers, you flatter me. A small favor, really," Cedric smirked, his arm draped around a blonde who giggled on cue.

"A few drinks are nothing," Matthew replied, swirling his wine with a lazy smirk. "Not many would dare frame their own brother for assault. Clever move—hurts Byron, derails Jason’s little romance with Nydia. Your mother would never let her precious son marry the Ashbourne mistress’s daughter. One stone, two birds."

If he couldn’t strike Thaddeus and Evadne directly, he’d gut the people they loved.

Byron wouldn’t get the woman he wanted. And Jason? He’d learn the hard way.

"All thanks to your generosity, Mr. Chambers," Cedric chuckled, his eyes glinting with greed beneath the charm. "Considering the target was my own flesh and blood, your offer was more than fair. I’m happy to play my part in your grand design."

"No guilt?" Matthew arched a brow.

"He’s no brother of mine," Cedric spat. "Just Evadne’s lapdog."

Matthew tsked, sipping his wine with a smirk.

"Mr. Chambers, my reputation in the legal world speaks for itself. Byron’s case? A guaranteed win. And if your group ever needs… discreet assistance, I’m at your service."

Matthew’s gaze flicked to Cedric’s eager smile. "No wonder you’re so well-connected. A master of manipulation. Though I heard your unbeatable streak took a hit recently. Elspeth’s trial? Public outcry, open court—even the Abernathy name couldn’t bury it. Word gets around. Makes me wonder… can I trust your expertise?"

Cedric’s smile froze. Humiliation burned through him.

"Public or not, the courtroom is my stage. Elspeth won’t walk free, but she’ll get the lightest sentence possible." He downed his drink, teeth clenched. "Just watch."

"I’ll hold you to that," Matthew drawled. "Prove yourself here, and we’ll talk future collaborations."

Later, stumbling toward the parking lot, Cedric’s high had crashed into a suffocating weight.

It hit him—Matthew had played him. Empty promises from a viper’s nest.

"Damn it!" He ripped off his tie, spitting on the ground. "Once Elspeth’s trial is over, you’ll beg for my help. And I’ll laugh in your face!"

As he fumbled for his phone, four thugs materialized from the shadows, bats in hand.

"What the hell—?"

"We’re here to teach you a lesson," one grinned.

The first swing sent him crashing to the pavement.

"Do you know who I am?!" Cedric howled, pride warring with panic. "I’m the Abernathy Group’s legal advisor! The Chambers CEO’s associate! Touch me, and you’ll rot in prison!"

The thugs laughed. "Prison’s a second home to us. And you? You’re just a bottom-feeding lawyer."

The beating began.

Cedric curled into a ball, arms shielding his head as kicks and bats rained down.

"Mercy! Please!"

Minutes later, he was a broken mess—fractured, bleeding, begging.

Nearby, a luxury car idled.

Lionel leaned against the window, recording the scene with glee before sending it to Aviana.

[Miss Aviana, want me to make it worse? Maybe feed him something special?]

A teddy bear emoji followed—oddly innocent for the S-Star Group’s ruthless boss.

Aviana’s reply was swift:

[Disgusting.]

Then:

[I love it.]

Lionel grinned. [Your wish is my command.]

But she didn’t reply again.

He pouted, scrolling through her sparse messages. "Couldn’t even chat properly."

Five days passed.

Emeric had stormed to Evadne’s hideout, only to be "escorted" away by Cassius and Elvis. No matter how he threatened, the brothers stood firm—their sister was safest with Thaddeus.

Emeric, at sixty, realized one bitter truth:

His children were united—against him.

Meanwhile, Byron, fresh out of prison, replaced his missing teeth and threw a debauched party. Models, booze, pills—until an overdose sent him convulsing to the hospital.

Jeff fumed but swallowed his rage. The Ashbournes had dropped charges. He’d bide his time.

Cedric fared worse.

After the beating, Lionel’s men forced him to swallow something unspeakable.

For days, he retched, feverish, haunted by the memory of a red bird pin on one thug’s lapel.

The S-Star Group’s emblem.

He screamed into the night.

That evening, Elmsworth’s elite gathered for a high-profile reception.

Bertha Chambers, dressed like a queen, had spent weeks prepping for this—her husband Edgar was steps from the mayor’s office. Her dream of being First Lady was within reach.

As she adjusted his tie, her advice spilled out in a frantic stream.

Edgar shoved her hands away. "Enough! You’re worse than a nagging fishwife!"

"Ungrateful wretch! Without me, you’d be nothing!"

He stormed out—just as his phone buzzed.

Bertha unlocked it.

Affairs. Multiple.

She hurled the phone at his face in the bathroom. "You dare cheat on me?!"

"You snooped?!"

"I’m your wife!" She clawed at him.

Edgar shoved her back. She hit the door, gasping.

"You hit me? My family will destroy you!"

"Go ahead! Ruin years of work! But remember—if I fall, you crash with me."

Her face paled.

He straightened his collar, sneering. "Play the doting wife in public, and we’ll both win. Cross me, and it’s over."

He left.

Bertha sat numb, then forced a smile in the mirror.

"A few tramps mean nothing. I’ll be the mayor’s wife. Then… I’ll bury them all."

At the Hall, Elmsworth’s power players mingled under glittering chandeliers.

The Bartleys, the Gardners, Jeff and Matthew Chambers—all basking in the spotlight.

No one noticed the black van parked outside.

Inside, Thaddeus hauled Evadne onto his lap, his mouth claiming hers with possessive hunger.

"Mmm—enough!" She pushed him back, lips swollen. "We’re here to work!"

"This is work," he murmured, nipping her ear. "I’m insatiable when it comes to you."

"Thaddeus!"

"Admit it," he teased, fingers tangling in her hair. "You’re just as addicted."