Chapter 112

Acacia received a brutal reality check.

"I've warned you repeatedly—keep your schemes to yourself and leave Glynnis out of it!" Elspeth's voice was sharp as shattered glass. "Push me again, and I'll make sure you regret it!"

"I was wrong. I acted without thinking. I swear it won't happen again!"

Acacia's pride burned, but she had no choice but to grovel before Elspeth.

Elspeth studied her with icy disdain.

If the Frost Group weren't stretched thin, she'd never tolerate a conniving, disobedient woman like Acacia near Thaddeus.

But tools had their uses. After years of investment, she wasn't about to discard this one now.

Tonight left a bitter taste, but necessity demanded she keep playing this game.

"That girl is Emeric Ashbourne's precious heiress now. You won’t lay a finger on her." Elspeth’s crimson lips twisted. "Your only focus is securing Thaddeus’s heart. Nothing else matters."

"But he’s already pulling away!" Acacia’s voice cracked. "Mr. Frederic said once Thaddeus decides to end things, no one can stop him!"

Tears spilled as her dream of wealth and status teetered on the edge.

"He hasn’t taken that step yet." Elspeth seized her shoulder, nails digging in. "Listen carefully. Stay home. Don’t contact him. Let everyone believe you’re heartbroken over him."

"Will that really work?"

"Sometimes, humiliation is necessary." Elspeth’s smile was venomous. "Remind him of what he’s losing. Make him remember why he chose you in the first place."

Thaddeus sat in his study, cigarette smoke curling around him like ghosts.

Evadne’s words echoed in his mind: "Nine tomorrow morning. Let’s finalize the divorce."

Sleep was impossible.

Meanwhile, Evadne had returned to her Elmsworth villa after visiting Cassius in the hospital.

She’d washed off the night’s exhaustion, eaten, and slept soundly—until her alarm blared at eight.

"You should’ve woken me earlier!"

She descended the stairs, earrings swaying, irritation clear in her frown.

Jason, still in his apron, admired her effortless beauty—flawless skin, bright eyes, lips like rose petals.

"You needed the rest," he said.

"Today’s not the day to oversleep!" She huffed. "If I’m late, that arrogant bastard will think I’m clinging to him."

Jason grinned. "Celebratory breakfast?"

"Pack it. I’ll eat in the car."

The Rolls-Royce glided through the city.

Evadne nibbled a sandwich while typing. "Any updates on Ada?"

"Her team’s stonewalling everyone," Jason muttered. "Abernathy hasn’t made progress either."

"Good. We’re still neck and neck."

"Every luxury hotel in the country is fighting for her wedding."

Evadne smirked. "She’ll choose between us and Abernathy. Keep pushing. When she arrives next month, I’ll close the deal myself."

Outside the courthouse, couples lined up at city hall, laughing and taking selfies.

The Rolls-Royce’s arrival turned heads.

"Thaddeus isn’t even here yet," Jason scoffed.

Evadne checked her watch. "Let him have his dramatic entrance. I’ve waited before."

Three years ago, she’d waited alone all day for him at their wedding registration.

Now, she wouldn’t waste another second on him.

Thirty minutes later, a taxi pulled up.

Jason gaped. "Did the great Thaddeus Abernathy take a cab?"

"Divorce isn’t exactly glamorous," Evadne drawled.

Thaddeus stepped out, impeccable in his gray-striped suit. The crowd buzzed—men envied, women swooned.

Evadne strode forward, drawing equal admiration.

"Mr. Thaddeus." Her voice was frosty.

His gaze locked onto hers. "Apologies. Traffic."

The lie hung between them, heavy as the past they were about to sever.