Chapter 128

The Abernathy Group's scandal exploded across the internet within hours, skyrocketing to the top of every trending list.

Footage of Elspeth being escorted off the golf course went viral, spreading like wildfire.

Normally, a corporate giant like the Abernathy Group could easily strong-arm the media into silence.

But Evadne had struck first. By the time they reacted, it was too late.

Their damage control efforts were futile—like trying to squeeze water from a stone.

The network airing World Wonders Weekly was backed by the powerful K Group. If Evadne wanted, they could loop the footage of Elspeth’s humiliation on repeat all day.

Internet users had already turned Elspeth and Glynnis’s disgrace into a meme collection, ripe for sharing.

Frederic scrambled to contain the fallout, running himself ragged trying to bail Elspeth out of the prosecutor’s office.

Meanwhile, Evadne, victorious, returned to the K World Hotel in high spirits.

She indulged in an extravagant afternoon tea, lounged in her office gaming, and video-called Cassius to recount the day’s triumphs.

"I’ve booked a private dining room at the hotel restaurant. We’ll meet Mr. Bartley the day after tomorrow. With any luck, we’ll finalize the Westguard deal by week’s end!"

Evadne grinned, gleefully mowing down enemies in her game.

"Elspeth is being interrogated by Arnold now. He may seem easygoing, but he’s ruthless when it comes to work. If she doesn’t give him something useful, she won’t walk out anytime soon."

On screen, Cassius sat in his CEO office, exuding quiet authority despite his smile.

"It won’t matter in the end. She’ll still be released." Evadne shrugged.

"Do you want her to stay locked up?" Cassius arched a brow.

"What can I do? We don’t have enough to pin on her."

Evadne smirked, chainsaw roaring in-game. "Elspeth didn’t climb this high just on Frederic’s favoritism. She’s cunning—her cousin Earl takes the fall while she stays clean. Her schemes are airtight."

Cassius nodded thoughtfully. "You’re right. It’s a shame."

"No shame in it." Evadne’s eyes gleamed. "As long as the K Group profits, that’s all that matters. I never intended to crush her in one move. I want her stripped of her vice-chair title and Frederic’s trust. I want him to blame her for losing this deal."

That would drive a wedge between them.

Even if she couldn’t destroy Elspeth yet, breaking her spirit was a start.

The coming days would feel like a prison for Elspeth within the Abernathy mansion.

"Evadne, know what I want most right now?" Cassius leaned forward, smiling.

"Hmm?"

"To retire immediately and hand the CEO title to you." He sighed. "No one’s more suited to lead the K Group than you."

Evadne’s mood dimmed.

The endless list of blind dates weighed on her like a tombstone. She was certain Emeric would bury it with her.

Just then, her sister Nydia called.

"Cassius, talk later. Nydia’s calling."

"Of course. She’s back in Elmsworth—spend time with her." His tone softened.

"I will. She’s my only sister. If I don’t spoil her, who will?"

Guilt gnawed at Evadne. As the youngest, Nydia should’ve been the family’s darling.

But Evadne had unwittingly stolen that spotlight. She owed Nydia, even if it wasn’t intentional.

Yet Nydia only shared good news, hiding her struggles. Evadne wanted to help but didn’t know how.

"Nydia, you’re back in Elmsworth?"

"Yes, at school." A pause. "Evadne… are you free tonight? Any plans?"

"Want to hang out?" Evadne guessed instantly.

"Yes!" Nydia’s voice brightened. "We haven’t had time since you returned. Let me treat you to dinner!"

"Just dinner? No drinks?"

"Fine, karaoke too! It’s been forever since I heard you sing."

"I’m a born diva. No one out-sings me."

Evadne cleared her throat dramatically—

Just as Frederic concluded the Abernathy Group’s emergency meeting with three directives:

First: Contain the Frost siblings’ damage, salvage the company’s reputation, and prevent a stock crash.

Second: Strip Earl of all positions and audit his department.

Third: Suspend Elspeth’s promotion to Deputy Chair pending investigation.

The executives filed out, burdened with dread.

"Thaddeus, stay." Frederic’s voice cut through the tension.

Thaddeus turned, face unreadable, and sat.

The air between them crackled.

"As president, how do you plan to handle this?" Frederic demanded.

"Business as usual." Thaddeus’s tone was ice. "Elspeth is being interrogated. Her only option is full cooperation."

"I’ll get her out!" Frederic’s voice was hoarse.

"Do you think you can?" Thaddeus’s gaze was piercing. "The prosecutor on Earl’s case is Arnold."

Frederic paled.

"Evadne planned every step. You should be worrying about tomorrow’s market crash." Thaddeus stood, done with the conversation.

"Wait!" Frederic leaned forward. "You’ve worked with Dr. Frade before. If we bring him on as a biotech advisor, it’ll stabilize our stocks. Contact him—get him here this week!"

Thaddeus arched a brow. "Fine."

Frederic exhaled in relief.

"On one condition."

"What?"

"I want to be Deputy Chair."

A slow smile curved Thaddeus’s lips.