Chapter 102

Cassian's eyes widened in shock as he swiftly greeted the newcomer.

"What brings you here?"

His gaze involuntarily flickered toward Isabella on the stage.

"Well, if you can be here, why can't I?" Emeric replied with a hint of displeasure. "You could've at least given me a heads-up so we could arrive together, father and son."

He then turned with a cheerful laugh and raised his glass to Alexander. "Mr. Kingsley, long time no see! You're looking more vibrant than ever!"

"Emeric! What a pleasant surprise!" Alexander immediately stood and clasped Emeric’s hand warmly.

Frederick, Eloise, and the other young guests followed suit.

Thaddeus stiffened at the unexpected appearance of Chairman Emeric, his brow furrowing.

He had meticulously reviewed the guest list before the party—neither Cassian nor Emeric had been on it. And judging by Alexander’s reaction, he hadn’t known either.

Frederick must have personally invited them.

But if that were the case, something felt off.

"I just landed and rushed straight here. My apologies for the delay!" Emeric said smoothly, his manners impeccable.

Thaddeus exhaled sharply. In this distinguished man, he saw not just Cassian’s shadow but also Isabella’s.

He was losing his mind—just a little.

What kind of spell had Isabella cast?

Emeric chatted warmly with Alexander, showing no trace of their families’ former enmity.

But the tension between Emeric and Frederick was palpable—if one knew where to look.

With such an esteemed guest present, the younger generation naturally yielded their seats. Thaddeus and Jareth rose to move to the back, making space for Emeric at the head table.

"Mr. Kingsley, Jareth and I will excuse ourselves," Thaddeus said with a polite bow.

"It’s been years since I last saw you two," Emeric remarked, glancing at Thaddeus before addressing Alexander. "Mr. Kingsley, I hear Thaddeus is getting married?"

At the mention of the wedding, Alexander’s smile dimmed slightly.

"Chairman Emeric, Thaddeus is engaged to Seraphina from the Sterling Group. The wedding is next month—we’d be honored if you could attend," Frederick interjected smoothly.

"The Sterling Group? Never heard of them," Emeric said flatly.

Frederick and Eloise exchanged uneasy glances.

"Seraphina is my niece. She and Thaddeus grew up together," Eloise added hesitantly.

The recent furniture scandal had already strained relations between the Ashbourne and Sterling groups. Bringing it up now would only make things worse.

But Emeric’s dismissive tone irked her. If Seraphina was slighted, so was she.

"Ah. Well, Mr. Kingsley, let’s toast!"

Emeric had already moved on, indifferent to Thaddeus’s marital prospects—as long as it wasn’t Isabella.

Thaddeus wasn’t worthy of her.

On stage, Isabella had just finished her song when Emeric’s gaze landed on her.

Her heart pounded so violently she feared it might leap from her chest.

Thankfully, the heavy stage makeup and distance masked her identity. After a brief pause, Emeric looked away.

Seizing the moment, Isabella bolted offstage, her dress damp with sweat.

Just then, Cassian’s message lit up her phone:

[Isabella, Dad’s here. Lay low for the rest of the night. I’ll handle things. Stay in touch.]

[Got it.]

Meanwhile, Emeric turned to Alexander. "That young lady who just sang—she was remarkable. Where did you find her?"

Alexander chuckled proudly. "She’s not just anyone—she’s my granddaughter!"

"Excellent! If you claim her as family, she must be extraordinary indeed."

Thaddeus glanced back at the stage—only to find it empty.

Isabella had vanished.

His jaw tightened, emotions churning in his eyes.

Near the tea room, chaos ensued as staff hurried in and out.

A maid bribed by Giselle slipped inside unnoticed.

She avoided the cameras, uncorked two bottles of sedative-laced champagne, and poured them into glasses. "One for Cassian, the other for Jareth. Got it?"

Giselle’s orders were clear—her future depended on this.

Nerves getting the better of her, the maid suddenly dashed to the restroom.

At that moment, a girl in white—Mari—sneaked in unnoticed.

Her bright eyes darted around before she snatched a glass and downed it in one gulp.

Mari had a secret: she loved alcohol. She often raided the wine cellar at night. Tonight was no exception.

"Ahh, delicious!" She licked her lips, poured another, and scurried off like a mischievous squirrel.

Meanwhile, with Emeric’s unexpected arrival, Isabella avoided Alexander entirely.

The banquet table overflowed with delicacies, but Thaddeus had no appetite. He prowled the hall, his expression stormy.

"To you, Cassian." Jareth raised his glass, his gaze complex. "You’re lucky to have someone like Isabella. Treat her right—cherish her, love her. Don’t break her heart."

Cassian met his eyes, lifting his own glass. "I intend to."

Jareth’s chest ached. He pulled out a business card and handed it to Cassian.

"My contact information."

Cassian arched a brow. "I know who you are, Jareth."

"But you might not know this—I have feelings for Isabella too."

Jareth’s honesty hung heavy in the air.

Thaddeus’s grip on his glass turned white-knuckled.

"Is that so?" Cassian remained unruffled.

"Winning her is one thing; keeping her is another. Many would kill for a chance with her. If you ever tire of her, just say the word—I’ll take her off your hands." Jareth’s tone was deadly serious.

"Noted. But that day will never come." Cassian smirked, amused by the absurdity.

Thaddeus couldn’t take it anymore. He stood and stalked out, his face icy.

Every word between them felt like a knife twisting in his gut.

The moment he stepped outside, Seraphina flung herself into his arms. "Thad!"

Then he spotted a familiar figure walking past—Isabella.

His throat tightened.

Seizing his distraction, Seraphina pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips.

Isabella’s bright eyes darkened. She turned and walked away as if she hadn’t seen a thing.

"Ah!"

Thaddeus recoiled, shoving Seraphina back so hard she stumbled.

"Thad! How could you push me?"

He wiped his mouth roughly. "I hate being forced."