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Chapter 476
Chapter 476
Chapter 476
Chapter 476
Inside the grand banquet hall, a lavish dancing party came to an end. The spotlight illuminated the center stage, drawing all eyes to William and his son
The tension was palpable among members of the Abernathy Group and Fairhaven Group, their gaze fixed on William. For the Fairhaven Group, winning this project meant salvation from their immediate troubles, while for the Abernathy Group, it was a chance to flex their corporate muscles and perhaps to vent some pent–up frustration over Evadne.
But Emeric appeared nonchalant amidst the business fervor His interest in the project paled in comparison to his concern for his daughter’s whereabouts. His darling Exadne had vanished surely she wasn’t off in some hidden comer with that Abernathy boy, their closeness raising more than just eyebrows?
A blush crept across Emeric’s cheeks as his mind conjured images better left behind closed doors. He may not be old–fashioned, and after all, Evadne had once been wed to that same Abernathy lad. They’d even lived together in Elmsworth, under his very nose, without producing a grandchild to his mixed relief and constemation.
Yet, even in the pursuit of thrills, there was a time and a place!
His thoughts were interrupted when he realized his usually obedient younger daughter, Nydia, was also missing. As he pondered in confusion, a striking couple emerged, commanding the room’s attention.
“Dad.”
“Chairman Ashboume.”
Emeric’s sharp eyes softened as he watched them, a smile instinctively curving his lips. There was a peculiar pride swelling in his chest upon seeing his daughter and Thaddeus together, their eyes for no one else, their affection palpable.
Thaddeus, once the object of Emeric’s disdain, was now increasingly endearing in his eyes.
“Where have you been?” Emeric chided affectively, masking concem with imitation. Noticing her pale complexion, he added in disquieted tone, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I can have your brother and Dylan take you to the hospital.”
Evadne’s face was a study in shadows as she shook her head, “I’m fine.”
“And your brother? I called him; why isn’t he here?”
“He got held up, but he’ll be here soon,” she replied, her voice a steady monotone.
Emeric frowned, “And Nydia? Haven’t seen her for a while.”
Thaddeus’s jaw was set, his eyes cold, while Evadne’s gaze was
Icy as it landed on Jeff.
“Ha! Oh, Emeric, you must have forgotten. Nydia and Byron were chatting away during the dance. Those youngsters probably found this too dull and sought a quiet corner to continue their conversation.”
Jeff chimed in, his spirit buoyant, “Tve seen Nydia grew up. She’s always been the shy, quiet one among her siblings. To think she’d find so much to talk about with Byron. It seems they’ve found common ground.”
Evadne’s cold laughter sliced through the pleasantries. Jeff stiffened, but for the sake of relations, he forced a smile, “Evadne, you seem upset. Has someone troubled you?”
“Mr. Chambers, it’s clear my sister has no interest in your lame son. Are you losing your touch, or can you not see the obvious?” Evadne’s narrowed eyes flashed dangerously.
Jeff’s smile froze, his ire rising. This insolent girl!
Had she been spoiled by Emeric or emboldened by the attentions of Avery and Thaddeus? Did she truly believe, manipulating Elmsworth’s two most eligible bachelors, she could act so haughtily?
“Evadne! What way is that to speak to Mr. Chambers? Show some respect!” Emeric scolded, bewildered by his daughter’s aggressive behavior toward the Chambers Group that evening.
ak to the
“As her godfather, I won’t stand allowing you to keep speak to the kid like that.” Acting how forbearing and affable as the elder, Jeff uttered with a tinge of gratitude, “Byron might not be able to even stand if it weren’t for Evadine’s extraordinary medical skills!”
I
At the mention of it made Evodne even more furious, “Mr. Chambers, do you know what thing I regret the most? Saving Byron.”
Jeff’s pupils contracted, his teeth gritted tight, the face finally darkened.
“Evadne! Will you stop?! Mr. Chambers has treated you as his daughter. How could you speak so rudely?” Emeric couldn’t tolerate it, feeling something was off with Evadne tonight. Was it the wine she had drunk?
“Chairman Ashbourne, please calm down,” Thaddeus finally spoke up, his voice calm and measured. Stretching to hold her slender waist, gently pulling Evadne closer, he continued, “Don’t consider her words as mere rudeness. There’s a reason for her outburst, and all will be clear after the banquet.”
As Evadne lifted her gaze to meet his, the storm of emotions in her eyes settled in the refuge of his reassuring presence.
“Mr. Abernathy, this is a family matter and doesn’t concern you” Jeff’s attitude toward Thaddeus was hostile, “Besides, what do you mean by that? What has Byron done to offend you such? Watch you words!”
Thaddeus remained silent, a sardonic half–smile playing on his lips as he fixed his gaze on Jeff, sending a shiver down the spine of the corporate titan.
On the other side, Edith’s gaze was a tempest of green envy as she watched her heart’s desire, arm– in–arm with Evadne, their figures paining as perfectly as wine and cheese at a high society soirée. Her features contorted as if a swarm of fire ants was feasting upon the tender flesh of her heart.
What had they been up to, disappearing for so long? Could they have been tangled in a lover’s tryst, igniting passion in some secluded comer unseen by prying eyes?
“Ah” The intrusive Imagery in her mind’s eye was too much, and Edith let out an inadvertent shriek!
The surrounding guests cast disdainful glances her way, their eyes dripping with condescension.
Frederic couldn’t help but frown. Who would have thought this scatterbrained girl was of the same blood as Jareth?
In truth, Frederic had to admit, whether it be grace or lineage, Evadnie was by far a better match for his son. Edith, by comparison, didn’t even register on the scale – she was an afterthought!
But Evadne, with her cunning schemes and mercurial temper, not only manipulated his son but also wreaked havoc on the Abemathy family.
Such a clever, heartless woman was a ticking time bomb; should she marry into the family, catastrophe would surely follow.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the business elite, I’m delighted you could take time from your busy schedules to join us for J Group’s Inaugural banquet here in Elmsworth. On behalf of my father and the Morris family, I extend our deepest gratitude,” Ford took to the stage with the confidence befitting a CEO.
Applause thundered through the hall.
“As you all know, we’ve already embarked on a fruitful first round of strategic collaboration with the Abernathy Group. The project is advancing rapidly, the communication seamless, and the results are promising. For our upcoming Equestrian Hotel venture, we continue to seek out a partnership with a formidable financial consortium.”
Some eyes tumed to Frederic, while others sought out Jeff.
Emeric, a newcomer to Elmsworth and not from a local powerhouse, didn’t mind being overlooked. It was Barry, however, who seethed with indignation.
Was it not blatant that everyone considered the Fairhaven family to lack the clout of the other contenders? A lifetime of effort, seemingly for naught!
After Ford delivered his opening remarks, he stepped into the shadows, ceding the spotlight to his father.
William surveyed the assembly with a calm authority, his gaze lingering on faces like Frederic’s and Barry’s.
Finally, he drew his eyes back and, with a voice resonant and full, announced, “I declare that for the upcoming Equestrian Hotel project, J Group will enter into a deep collaboration with K Group!”
K Group? The Ashbourne family?|
The crowd was stunned, and after a brief silence, a fervor of applause filled the hall!
Emeric, bathed in the brilliant spotlight, initially paused, then his handsome features relaxed into a smile of genteel composure as he stepped forward and shook hands with William.
“It is an honor for K to partner with your esteemed group.”
“Chairman Ashbourne is too modest. The honor is ours to be collaborating with you.”
Now allies, William’s demeanor towards Emeric warmed considerably, his praise generous, “At the horse races, you already proved your mettle, showcasing your overwhelming strength to us all. Furthermore, I’ve made it clear before: the victor of the race would be our preferred partner. A promise made is a promise kept.”
Unknown to all but William and his son, a pivotal conversation had occurred just an hour earlier. They had called Mr. Chad Abemathy, half a world away.
“As your friend, if you truly value my advice, I suggest you choose to collaborate with the K Group.”
Ford was still smarting from Evadne’s rejection, and even William furrowed his brow
–“And why might that be? Continuing our partnership with the Abernathy Group would benefit both you and your father, would it not?”
Chad’s voice was clear, his mirth cryptic as he chuckled.
–“Working with K will benefit you, and of course, it will benefit me as well. If I must say, consider it a sign of my admiration for Ms. Ashbourne, a reluctance to see her efforts come to naught.”
Despite her calm facade, Evadne’s eyes sparkled with joy for her father’s triumph. Suddenly, she felt her hand enveloped in a comforting
warmth.
“Evadne, congratulations to you, and to Mr. Ashboume.”
Thaddeus’s hand naturally found hers, his broad, warm palm intertwining with her slender fingers, his touch caressing her knuckles, “i told you, success was yours to claim.”
A current seemed to pass through her at their entwined fingertips, her heartbeat quickening, her ears blushing at the intimate contact
As Emeric basked in the glory of the lucrative project, Frederic and Barry could barely conceal their dismay.
Particularly Barry, who felt played for a fool, coughing in frustration while Edith patted his back in an attempt to soothe him. Jeff, a close friend of Emeric’s, would surely get benefit from the Ashbourne family.
The Abernathy Group had already laid a foundation with J Group through previous collaborations.
But what had he gained? He was nothing more than a punchline to a drawn–out joke!
As the Ashbourne Group shone resplendently, Frederic’s lips twitched with suppressed rage, a sense of humiliation at having been outmaneuvered welling up within him. He took a deep breath, forced a
carefree smile, and strode towards Emeric and Andrew
“Chairman Ashbourne, Mr. Morris, congratulations.
“Thank you, Mr. Frederic Abernathy. It is indeed a time for mutual congratulations, Emeric let out a faint smile.
Frederic raised an eyebrow, Indeed, for tonight, I too would like to seize this grand occasion, where we’re all gathered, to announce a joyous piece of news.”
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