Chapter 108

The piercing gazes of the crowd pinned Glynnis like a butterfly under glass.

"Glynnis, is this true?" Hamiltion's voice trembled with disbelief.

Jareth remained impassive, his cold stare fixed on her panic-stricken face.

If not for Mari accidentally sipping that tainted wine, she would have fallen victim to this deceitful trap.

Evadne stood composed, her lashes casting delicate shadows. A knowing smirk played at the corner of her lips—she saw through the charade.

"You vile creature! How dare you accuse me?" Glynnis shrieked, lunging forward, only to be yanked back by Elspeth. "I'm the Abernathy heiress! Do you comprehend the consequences of slandering me?"

Her bravado was hollow. Inside, her pulse raced like a cornered hare.

Betraying Acacia wasn't an option—it would be confessing her own guilt.

Sweat slicked Glynnis's palms. Only now did she grasp Acacia's cunning ploy.

"Such malice! The Abernathys treat staff generously, yet you drugged men to seduce them! Caught red-handed, you drag Glynnis into your filth? Over a mere scolding, you'd ruin her? Pathetic!"

Elspeth clung to Frederic's arm. "Call the police immediately! This wretch must pay for defaming our daughter!"

Frederic, certain of Glynnis's innocence, barked, "Restrain her! Notify the authorities!"

"It wasn't me! Glynnis ordered it! She promised me wealth—no more servitude! Glynnis, speak! Admit it!" The maid's furious screams echoed.

Elspeth signaled guards to haul the woman away. No evidence meant no threat.

Evadne controlled the narrative, yet suspicion gnawed at her.

Three years among the Abernathys taught her Glynnis lacked the cunning for such schemes. This reeked of Elspeth's machinations—or worse, Acacia's.

A glimpse of Acacia's smug smirk confirmed Evadne's theory.

Rage simmered, but she schooled her features.

Accusations without proof were reckless. She wouldn't hand Acacia ammunition.

"The Abernathys' negligence allowed this viper into our midst, causing you distress," Frederic told Emeric stiffly. "Our deepest apologies."

Emeric's smile didn't reach his eyes.

Thaddeus, unsatisfied, countered coldly, "This was clearly—"

"Since Mr. Frederic has apologized and the culprit is dealt with, let's end tonight's unpleasantness," Evadne interjected. "Father, Cassius and I are unharmed. The Ashbournes and Abernathys are esteemed families. A public scandal benefits none. Forgiveness serves us best."

Thaddeus studied her, baffled.

This wasn't the Evadne he knew.

The Evadne who'd once raged like a storm to protect Cassius wouldn't surrender so easily.

Unless... she was orchestrating a deadlier strike.

Hearing Evadne address Emeric as "Father" stunned Jareth into silence.

How had he missed that Evadne now had a powerhouse father?

This widened the chasm between them irreparably.

"At Evadne's request, I accept your apology," Emeric said icily, though resentment simmered beneath.

Glynnis sagged against Elspeth, who swiftly escorted her away.

The grand birthday gala crumbled into disgrace.

Hamiltion's celebration was ruined. Emeric and Evadne took their leave.

As the Abernathys bid farewell, Thaddeus lingered beside Evadne, words lodged in his throat.

Emeric's glare could have vaporized Thaddeus on the spot. This man had married his precious daughter? Unforgivable luck.

"Chairman Emeric!" Acacia fluttered forward, doe-eyed. "About tonight—I'm so sorry! I never realized Ms. Evadne was your daughter. I misunderstood her relationship with Mr. Cassius—"

Emeric didn't break stride. "Ms. Acacia, are you suggesting it's acceptable to slander women unrelated to me?"

"N-no! That's not—" Acacia blanched.

Thaddeus recalled her venomous accusations earlier. Disgust curdled in his gut.

"Advice, Ms. Acacia: judge not lest you be judged. Words scar deeper than blades. Imagine if your target lacked means to defend herself. Shameful behavior."

Emeric quickened his pace.

Acacia watched the group depart, Thaddeus ignoring her. Ice slithered down her spine.

Outside, a fleet of luxury cars awaited. Jason and bodyguards stood at attention.

"Evadne! Wait!" Hamiltion clutched her hand, tears glistening. "Why hide your identity? Why serve as my nurse?"

Evadne sighed. "The Ashbourne-Abernathy feud barred our union. My true name would've exiled me from your side."

Emeric and Frederic exchanged glances. Thaddeus's chest constricted.

"Silly girl! Ancient grudges mean nothing! If you love each other, be together! I bless your marriage!"

Evadne chuckled softly.

"Mr. Hamiltion, I'm no saint. I deceived you. And Thaddeus and I... we never loved each other. Our divorce proceeds as planned."

Thaddeus's breath hitched.

"Though I'll no longer be Evadne Abernathy, you'll always be my dear Mr. Hamiltion. Live long and well."

They embraced tightly, Hamiltion weeping openly.

As Evadne turned to leave, Thaddeus finally snapped.

"Answer me one thing."

She paused, expression frosty.

"Did you marry me under false pretenses solely because of our families' history?"

His lips trembled. His gaze burned into her.

"Yes." Her reply was curt, dismissive.

"Why?" His voice cracked. "You're Ashbourne royalty. You didn't need this marriage. You knew it was temporary. Why agree?"