Chapter 37
The Sterling Group was drowning in a crisis of both reputation and finance.
Customers were abandoning Sterling products en masse. What had once been Ives' crowning achievement—a retail empire boasting over 500 stores nationwide—had collapsed to barely a hundred in just seven days. The remaining stores were barely clinging to survival, slashing prices to unload inventory, even at a loss.
As the financial hemorrhage worsened, the already fragile Mr. Sterling collapsed under the strain. In desperation, Una turned to her sister for help. But Elspeth, still reeling from past consequences, could only watch helplessly from the sidelines.
"Hamilton has made it clear—anyone who aids the Sterling Group will face his wrath. I'm living under someone else's roof now, sister. You can't imagine the struggle," Elspeth sighed, squeezing Una's hand in sympathy. "Though the Abernathys can't intervene, I've urged Frederic to finalize Acacia and Thaddeus' wedding date. Perhaps the weekend after Mr. Hamilton's birthday?"
"His 80th birthday?" Una's voice cracked with panic. She could wait—but the Sterling Group couldn't!
"I'd marry them off tomorrow if I could. But Mr. Hamilton insists on waiting. There's nothing I can do."
Elspeth leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Rumor has it that after leaving Thaddeus, Ms. na became involved with the president of The K Group. She was whisked away by President Ashbourne the very day she left the Abernathy estate. Half the household witnessed it."
Una had heard whispers from her son, and jealousy burned through her. Why couldn't her daughter be as cunning? Acacia still hadn't secured Thaddeus' devotion, while his ex-wife had already landed another wealthy suitor.
"Do you think The K Group's assault on the Sterling Group was influenced by something na said to President Ashbourne?" Elspeth mused, stirring her tea with feigned innocence.
Una's eyes flashed with realization. She shot up from the sofa, fury igniting in her gaze.
"That witch! First, she sabotages Acacia's wedding, and now she's destroying our business—even after divorcing Thaddeus! Does she think she's untouchable now that she's latched onto a richer man?"
"Touching her is difficult," Elspeth sighed. "Ms. na is now President Ashbourne's lover. The Ashbournes operate on a level beyond our reach."
"Worthy of the Ashbournes? That common gold-digger?"
Una's jealousy twisted into something darker. Then, an idea struck. "na plays the devoted ex-wife for Mr. Hamilton, pretending she still loves Thaddeus. But she's already moved on—publicly. If we exposed her deceit at his birthday celebration..."
Elspeth sipped her tea, a knowing smile curling her lips. "A brilliant thought. But remember—you conceived it. I said nothing."
In the manager's office of The K World Hotel.
The screen blazed crimson, screams echoing from the speakers.
Evadne, sharp-eyed and quick-fingered, had already reviewed the documents and now indulged in her favorite pastime: obliterating novice players in her favorite game. As another character fell to her blade, blood splattering dramatically, Jason entered—then immediately recoiled, shielding his eyes.
"Speak or leave," Evadne commanded, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
"Two updates, ma'am." Jason covered the screen with one hand and slid a file toward her with the other before retreating hastily.
"You're pathetic," she laughed, executing another kill. "How will you protect your girlfriend with nerves like that? Next time, I'm dragging you to a horror escape room!"
Jason forced a weak smile.
When the game ended—no survivors—Evadne tossed aside the controller and picked up the file. "Ashbourne Pawnshop records? Why bring these to me?"
"Acacia's mother pawned these jewels at our shop," Jason smirked. "Just as you predicted—with the Abernathys refusing aid, the Sterlings are scrambling for cash."
"I expected them to sell property. Pawning jewelry? They must still have some reserves."
"Burning through their last coins to keep the company afloat," Jason sneered. "Serves them right for crossing us."
Evadne flipped through the records idly—then froze.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at Ruby Enigma listed among the items. Mockery and bitterness twisted inside her.
This was the pendant Thaddeus had gifted Acacia—the one Evadne had coveted two years ago when she saw him admiring it under the light. She'd dreamed of receiving anything from him, even a pebble.
But dreams were just that.
Thaddeus only gave gifts to those he loved. And he hadn't loved her.
Now, Acacia had sold his "priceless" affection for a mere $700,000. Evadne's lips curled in amusement, but her eyes held something darker.
"I wonder how Thaddeus would feel about this."
"What was that?" Jason asked.
"The Sterlings have no appreciation for value. This pendant is worth millions—and they pawned it for pennies? We robbed them blind."
Her phone rang. Cas sius.
"Brother!" Her playful tone vanished, replaced with sweetness.
"Evadne, how are you? Not overworking?" His voice was warm.
"I'm fine. You're the one who needs rest."
After pleasantries, he cut to the chase. "There's a charity auction this weekend. I'm scheduled to bid on a Dante Chair—budget, $10 million. But I'm lecturing at the church. Could you attend in my place?"
"Me? What's my role? K Group President's dazzling girlfriend?" She popped chocolate into her mouth.
"However you like. Perhaps the Ashbourne family's mysterious heiress?"
She chewed thoughtfully.
Cas sius chuckled. "You've avoided the spotlight long enough. Elmsworth's elite won't recognize you."
"Fine. But $10 million is chump change. What if I spot something else?"
"Buy it. Our family rule: if we attend an auction, we dominate it."
"Ah, the Ashbourne motto: Leave no treasure for the unworthy," she laughed, flicking her fingers.
"Good luck. Don't forget the Dante Chair."
After hanging up, Jason frowned. "Miss Evadne, if we're representing Mr. Cas sius, we should bring a donation. But preparing something now—"
"It's already handled."
Evadne's smile turned sly, eyes glinting with mischief.
Weekend. Parkray Auction. Elmsworth.