Chapter 224

Glynnis's voice cut through the air like a siren's call, commanding everyone's attention. The bombshell she dropped sent shockwaves through the crowd.

She made it crystal clear - the blame rested solely on K Orld Hotel's shoulders. Ada had been wronged in this entire fiasco.

With surgical precision, she pointed out Evadne's failures as general manager. The woman couldn't even manage her own hotel properly, yet rushed to host high-profile events despite contractual obligations.

Her accusations painted a damning picture - negligence in client services, security breaches, and overall incompetence from K Orld Hotel's leadership.

The unspoken comparison hung heavy in the air. Abernathy Group's properties clearly outclassed K Orld in every conceivable way.

Reporters fired questions at Evadne like bullets, their pens poised to document her downfall.

This was a calculated public execution, masterminded by the mother-daughter duo barely concealing their smug grins beneath layers of makeup.

How utterly predictable.

Just then, two industry powerhouses made their entrance - Ada and Iris, fashion and entertainment royalty respectively.

They arrived just in time to witness Evadne being torn apart by Glynnis and the media frenzy.

Behind her designer sunglasses, Iris remained unflappable as she observed Evadne's composure. She nudged Ada. "You might want to reconsider cutting ties with Ms. Evadne."

"Why's that?" Ada arched a perfectly sculpted brow.

"Because her brother Cassius is absolute perfection." Iris's voice took on a dreamy quality, her eyes sparkling behind the tinted lenses. "I'm serious - he's the most breathtaking man I've ever seen. Total husband material."

Ada blinked. "And this relates to my business decisions how?"

Iris adopted a conspiratorial whisper. "As your future sister-in-law, couldn't you give Ms. Evadne another chance?"

Ada nearly choked. Was this emotional blackmail?

Meanwhile, unnoticed on the second-floor balcony...

Thaddeus stood like a sentinel, his dark gaze tracking the drama below before settling on Evadne's unreadable expression. The ghost of a smile touched his lips.

He knew better than to underestimate her.

Ms. Ashbourne didn't just weather storms - she thrived in them.

"Mr. Thaddeus!" Gordon fretted beside him. "Mrs. Abernathy's being crucified down there! Shouldn't we intervene before the press destroys her reputation?"

"No." Thaddeus's jaw tightened. "Even if this is a setup, my involvement as Abernathy Group's CEO would only complicate matters. She's got a plan - I won't disrupt it."

Understanding dawned on Gordon. Mrs. Abernathy played by her own rules. Interfering would be unwise.

Besides, Thaddeus's standing with Evadne was already precarious. Any intervention now would only earn her contempt.

"Two tasks," Thaddeus commanded in that voice that brooked no argument.

"Sir?"

"That loose-lipped reporter? Ensure he never works in journalism again."

"Consider it done."

"Second - mobilize Abernathy Group's PR team. Monitor all online chatter. Any negative mention of Evadne or K Orld Hotel gets scrubbed immediately."

Gordon nodded and hurried off.

Alone now, Thaddeus's gaze softened as he watched Evadne's defiant posture.

"No worries, darling," he thought. "Let them have their little show. I'll be your safety net."

Downstairs, the spectacle continued.

"Ms. Evadne," Elspeth purred, unable to resist twisting the knife, "we at Abernathy Group do regret this unfortunate situation with Miss Ada. But you're young - mistakes happen. What matters is learning from them."

Evadne's smile remained inscrutable. "Indeed, I underestimated certain... malicious elements this time. Consider it a lesson learned."

Elspeth barely suppressed a sneer.

"Are you suggesting you were framed, President Ashbourne?" a reporter blurted.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Evadne smoothly redirected, "the charity auction begins shortly. Shall we proceed?" She glided toward the event space without so much as a backward glance at her detractors.

The mother-daughter duo seethed, their anticipated victory feeling hollow.

"That little witch," Elspeth hissed, watching Evadne's retreating figure. "Does she really think vague insinuations will save her?"

Glynnis squeezed her mother's arm excitedly. "She didn't even defend herself! After this, we'll have every paper run stories exposing her incompetence!"

"Elspeth! Glynnis!"

Edith chose this moment to make her entrance, skirts swishing gracefully. "Darlings!"

"Edith!" Elspeth embraced her warmly. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"

"Mom, it's all thanks to Edith we secured Ada's signature," Glynnis gushed.

Edith waved a modest hand. "Oh please, it was nothing."

"Sweet girl," Elspeth cooed, stroking Edith's hand with calculated affection. "Remember - anything you need, just ask."