Chapter 437

The grandest social event of the year had arrived, right on schedule.

Every year, the prestigious Horse Racing Gala wasn’t just attended by the elite families of the nation—it was also broadcasted live across all major platforms by the government. Even royalty from allied nations graced the occasion, making it an affair of unparalleled grandeur.

The honor of hosting rotated among the wealthiest families.

This year, it was the Chambers family’s turn.

The race took place at the newly constructed Central Park Racecourse, a project spearheaded by the Chambers family and completed in less than six months. The venue hadn’t even been officially unveiled yet, and here it was, hosting an event of this magnitude. Jeff Chambers was over the moon!

Could there be a more perfect opportunity for publicity?

A flawless victory!

Over at the Abernathy Group, Hamilton, now retired and rarely seen at public functions, had passed the baton to his son. Today, it was Frederic Abernathy and his wife, Elspeth, who arrived at the racecourse, while Thaddeus would make his entrance alone.

Just as they were about to leave, Glynnis rushed out in towering stilettos, clad in a scandalously tight pink mini dress.

Frederic shot her a disapproving glance, his expression icy. "The racecourse is an open-air venue. What exactly do you plan to do when the wind picks up in that ridiculous outfit?"

With that, he turned and stepped into the car, leaving Elspeth and Glynnis standing there.

Glynnis seethed internally but kept her composure. Opportunities like this were rare, and she couldn’t afford to anger Frederic again.

As Elspeth moved to enter the car, Glynnis grabbed her arm and whispered, "Mom, did you put it on?"

Elspeth’s face twisted with discomfort.

That morning, she’d spent far too long mentally preparing herself to wear the adult diaper. Even though it functioned like a sanitary pad, the humiliation was unbearable. She was the wife of the Abernathy Group’s tycoon! At her age, to resort to such a thing—it was mortifying.

"Mom, did you bring extras? One won’t be enough!" Glynnis fretted.

"And where exactly am I supposed to carry them?" Elspeth snapped, her cheeks burning. "The ladies here carry clutches, not oversized bags! One will have to do. I’ll just avoid drinking anything. Besides, after today, I won’t need this wretched thing ever again!"

With that, Elspeth climbed into the car, leaving Glynnis standing there, puzzled.

After today?

The realization hit her like a freight train.

At precisely 10 AM, the Central Park Racecourse buzzed with excitement.

This year’s attendance had doubled, far exceeding expectations.

The prime seats on the second floor were reserved for the four great families—the Abernathys, the Chambers, the Fairhavens, and the Ashbournes of Skyrim.

Socialites and heiresses peered through their binoculars, green with envy.

A few had tried sneaking into the exclusive section, but security was impenetrable. Unless you were a member of the four families or their invited guest, entry was impossible.

"Glynnis and Edith are only here because of their last names. When it comes to grace and elegance, they’re nowhere near the caliber of the Ashbourne heiress!"

"Exactly! Evadne Ashbourne is in a league of her own—CEO, world-renowned jewelry designer. What do Glynnis and Edith have? Just their family names."

"Even divorced, Evadne is still the Ashbourne princess. Some people are just bitter."

The whispers reached Edith’s ears, making her blood boil.

She’d spent weeks picking out her outfit, yet Evadne still outshone her effortlessly.

What stung even more was Thaddeus, who had already dismissed everything—and everyone—to stride toward Evadne.

The Chambers family, as hosts, entered first.

Next came the Abernathys. Frederic and Elspeth walked hand-in-hand, dispelling rumors of marital discord.

Glynnis trailed behind, preening for the cameras as if she were on a red carpet.

Unfortunately, no one was looking at her.

All lenses were trained on Frederic and Elspeth. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t outshine her own mother.

Any publicity is good publicity, she told herself.

At least she wasn’t as infamous as Elspeth.

Pathetic.

"Is Mr. Abernathy not coming? I’ve been waiting forever!" a reporter whined.

"Just wait a little longer!"

"All four families will be here today. This is going to be explosive!"

Journalists adjusted their cameras, eager for drama. "Evadne will definitely show, and so will Edith. The ex-wife and the rumored mistress—what a showdown!"

"Remember when Evadne held that funeral for the Abernathy maid? Thaddeus declared in front of everyone that he belonged to her. That was bold."

"Men say anything to save face. What about his late-night hotel rendezvous with Edith? If Evadne takes him back after that, she’s a fool."

As the Abernathys entered, the Fairhaven motorcade arrived.

A sleek line of black cars rolled in, the epitome of the Fairhaven Group’s extravagant style.

Gary stepped out first, followed by his mother and Edith.

"Dad, take it slow."

"Grandpa, let me help!"

Gary and Edith played the perfect grandchildren, supporting Barry between them.

Barry, unusually, was in good spirits—until he paused, scanning the crowd. "Where’s my eldest grandson? Why isn’t he here?"

"Jareth must be tied up with something. He’ll be late," Mrs. Fairhaven said quickly.

"Or someone," Gary teased.

Barry frowned. "Who?"

"Who else? Elspeth’s second daughter, Mari."

Edith chimed in, feigning innocence. "Lately, my brother barely comes home. He and Mari have their own little love nest. When Mom was hospitalized last week, I was the one who accompanied her."

She sighed dramatically. "They say a son forgets his mother when he finds a wife. My brother isn’t even married yet, and he’s already forgotten us."

"Edith, enough," Mrs. Fairhaven chided softly—not defending Mari, but fearing Barry’s wrath.

Gary chuckled. "Mari must be something special. Jareth’s never been serious about anyone before."

"Elspeth’s daughter, stealing my grandson’s heart? Never!" Barry’s cane struck the ground. "Living together without marriage? Is this how a proper lady behaves? Elspeth’s reputation is in tatters, and clearly, her daughter is no better!"

"Don’t worry, Dad," Gary said slyly. "We Fairhavens have a son. We won’t be at a disadvantage."

Mrs. Fairhaven exhaled in relief.

A sinister smile flickered in Edith’s eyes.

No matter how much Jareth loved Mari, as long as she was Elspeth’s daughter, she’d never set foot in the Fairhaven mansion.

Suddenly, the crowd erupted.

"Mr. Abernathy is here!"

"It’s Thaddeus!"

Cameras flashed wildly.

Edith’s heart raced as she turned toward the red carpet.

There he was—Thaddeus Abernathy, standing alone in his black suit, his chiseled features as cold and unreadable as ever. His presence commanded attention, his dominance undeniable.

This aloof, untouchable aura was what drove women mad.

Including Edith.

"Edith, let’s go," Mrs. Fairhaven urged.

"He’s so handsome," Edith murmured, transfixed. "I want him so badly."

"Compose yourself. This isn’t dignified."

"Dignity?" Edith muttered. "Who needs dignity when I can have him?"

"Edith, what did you say?"

"Nothing. You go ahead. I’ll wait for Thaddeus. I want to enter with him."

She wasn’t about to miss this chance. If she walked in beside Thaddeus, the media would go wild.

Thaddeus never brought dates to events—not even his ex-wife. If she could secure this moment, she’d prove to the world she was special to him.

Actions spoke louder than words.

This misunderstanding would drive a wedge between him and Evadne, and she’d be there to capitalize on it.

As Thaddeus approached, her heart pounded. "Thad—"

But he walked right past her, as if she were invisible.

Then, a voice rang out.

"The Ashbournes are here!"

Thaddeus’s entire demeanor shifted. His eyes lit up, his posture straightening as he turned eagerly.

A sleek Lincoln glided to a stop.

Cassius Ashbourne stepped out first, impeccably dressed, before offering his hand to his sister.

The crowd gasped.

Even knowing they were siblings, the sight was breathtaking—a vision of elegance and nobility.

Thaddeus’s world narrowed to one person.

Evadne.

Dressed in a stunning sky-blue chiffon gown and matching floral hat, she looked every inch the aristocratic princess.

Her almond eyes sparkled, warm and bright.

"She’s breathtaking! Like royalty!" reporters murmured.

"This is how you dress for a horse race. The Ashbournes understand tradition. Unlike Glynnis and Edith—their outfits are all wrong."

"Evadne wins this round."

Edith’s nails dug into her palms.

She’d planned her outfit for weeks, yet Evadne still outshone her effortlessly.

Worse, Thaddeus was already striding toward Evadne, his gaze fixed on her like she was the only woman in the world.