Chapter 93

Who could believe Glynnis would be so cruel to her own sister, Mari? Had she completely lost her humanity?

"Alva, I understand. But you need to realize I'm no longer Mrs. Abernathy—I'm an outsider now. I can't interfere too much in their family matters." Evadne clenched her fists, torn between fury and helplessness.

"I know, but who else can I turn to? Who else would listen?" Alva's sobs were raw, her voice trembling.

"Alva, don't cry."

Seeing Alva's despair, Evadne's heart ached. She softened her tone. "I'll handle this. Just focus on taking care of Mari. If there's any way I can help, I will."

"Thank you, Mrs. Abernathy!" Alva's gratitude was overwhelming. Even after hanging up, her distress lingered.

Evadne stared at her darkened phone screen, exhaling deeply.

"That was Alva, the servant you've mentioned before?" Cassius set down his coffee cup, watching her carefully.

"Yes. She raised Thaddeus and was always kind to me when I was with the Abernathys." Evadne never forgot those who showed her kindness—or those who wronged her.

"If Alva reached out to you, the situation must be dire."

"It's about Mari." Evadne's chest tightened at the thought of the girl's fragile smile. "She's autistic, introverted. Despite being an Abernathy, her parents ignore her. When I was there, I protected her. Glynnis only held back because of me. Now that I'm gone, she's grown bolder."

"Even if the girl's suffering is tragic, it's still the Abernathys' internal affair." Cassius sighed, concern darkening his gaze. "You're divorced from Thaddeus. It's better to stay out of it."

"I know. I'll restrain myself." Evadne forced a lighter tone. "Weren't you supposed to be at the office? Did you miss me?" She slipped behind him, draping her arms over his shoulders.

"Of course I missed you." Cassius smirked, pulling an envelope from his pocket. "But I came because I received this. Thought we should discuss it."

"What is it?" Evadne frowned.

"An invitation to Mr. Hamilton's birthday. Delivered personally by Frederic Abernathy's secretary." His smile didn't reach his eyes.

"So they've finally dragged you into this." Evadne scoffed, seeing through the ploy instantly. "The Abernathys and Ashbournes have been business rivals for years. Why suddenly invite you to a birthday party?"

"Clearly, this wasn't Frederic's idea. Someone close to him orchestrated it." Cassius stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Evadne, their motives are unclear. This party won't be simple."

"Whatever they're planning, I'm not afraid. If I don't fear Thaddeus, why would I fear Elspeth, a washed-up actress?" Evadne sat beside him, her lips curling coldly. "Everyone has their schemes. The question is whether we play along. If Elspeth wants a game, I'll give her one."

"I could decline the invitation for you. Pretend you never saw it."

"No. I've decided to go." Cassius's voice was firm.

"Why?"

"Evadne, the Ashbournes don't back down from challenges. We face them head-on." His hand rested on her shoulder, his gaze tender. "I didn't know you were suffering before. I couldn't protect you then. Now that you're back with us, I won't let anyone hurt you again."

"Thank you." Tears welled in her eyes.

Cassius pulled her into his arms. "There might be trouble at the party. If you go alone, the Abernathys could corner you. I won't let that happen."

Evadne wiped her eyes, warmth flooding her chest.

Her life had never lacked love.

She'd just been too obsessed with making Thaddeus love her—and it had nearly destroyed her.

Loving someone meant risking heartbreak.

Thaddeus had broken her heart. It was time to move on.

Time flew, and soon, Hamilton's birthday arrived.

The Abernathys spared no expense.

Frederic purchased a historic manor as a gift and hosted the celebration there.

The guest list was a who's who of high society—tycoons, financiers, and Hamilton's old friends, each a luminary in their field.

For the occasion, Acacia and Glynnis had spent a week primping—dress fittings, facials, manicures.

They'd treated it like their own debutante ball, desperate to outshine every woman present.

Unfortunately, the traditional villa made their flashy gowns look garish. They couldn't even find a decent photo backdrop!

"Glynnis, what did you get for Mr. Hamilton?" Acacia asked sweetly.

"An antique vase. He adores history. He'll love it!" Glynnis preened, admiring her new pink diamond ring.

"How old is it?"

"Over three hundred years!"

"Wow, isn't that... a bit morbid for a birthday gift?" Acacia blinked innocently. "I heard Thaddeus bought a five-hundred-year-old relic for four million at auction. He's giving it to Mr. Hamilton. Doesn't that make yours seem... cheap?"

Glynnis flushed. "Thaddeus is the CEO. His gift represents the company. Of course it's grander."

"True, Thad is amazing!" Acacia sighed dreamily.

"Besides, I'm Mr. Hamilton's favorite granddaughter. He'll cherish anything from me." Glynnis snapped. "Enough about me. What did you get?"

"A rare treasure. Cost over a million at auction. You'll see." Acacia grinned, savoring her secrecy.

A million? Hadn't Elspeth said Acacia's family was bankrupt?

Marrying Thaddeus really changed fortunes. Acacia wasn't even officially part of the family yet, and she was already spending Abernathy money like water.

Glynnis's jealousy simmered. "I'm worried for you. Evadne will be here soon. Mr. Hamilton adored her. Won't it be awkward when you see her?"

"Why should I feel awkward? I'm Thaddeus's fiancée! She's the one who should be ashamed!" Acacia's eyes flashed.

"But Evadne isn't officially divorced yet. Today, she still outranks you." Glynnis smirked at Acacia's panic. "What if Mr. Hamilton introduces her as Mrs. Abernathy? What will you do then?"

Acacia paled, fury twisting her features.

"Relax, Acacia."

Glynnis jumped as Elspeth appeared, wineglass in hand.

Acacia clung to her arm like a lifeline.

Glynnis gritted her teeth. Since when were they so close?

Elspeth wasn't Acacia's mother! The audacity!

Elspeth patted Acacia's hand, her gaze icy. "Don't worry, darling. I'm here. If Evadne causes trouble, she'll regret it."