Chapter 441

Evadne's piercing gaze locked onto Avery, her fingers curling into fists so tight her knuckles turned white. The polished charm he wore like armor couldn't hide the darkness she knew simmered beneath.

"Good boy," Emeric murmured, eyes twinkling with unspoken approval. His voice dripped with paternal warmth. "Plenty of time for you and Evadne to grow... closer."

Camera flashes erupted, capturing the moment. Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Emeric, a titan of industry, rarely showed such favor to anyone outside his inner circle. Yet here he was, treating Avery like a son—like family.

Whispers slithered through the guests.

"Chairman Emeric's practically matchmaking them, isn't he?"

"Obviously. Ice-cold to Thaddeus but sunshine for Avery? The Ashbournes and Chambers have been thick as thieves for generations. If Evadne hadn't been so stubborn, she'd have been engaged to Avery years ago."

A scoff. "Please. Since when do heirs in our world get a say in marriage? Emeric indulged her once. You think he'll tolerate defiance twice?"

Evadne couldn't stomach another second. Spine rigid, she turned on her heel and strode away.

"Evadne!" Avery caught her arm, concern etching his features. "Still upset about Edith?"

Silence.

"Tell me what you need," he pressed, stepping closer. "Name it. I'll make it happen."

She whirled on him. "Do you actually have proof Edith tried to ruin me? Or was that just another lie?"

Avery chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "A bluff. But she's hiding something. People like her always fear exposure."

"Edith's tougher than Glynnis. The Fairhavens' golden girl, coddled by Barry and Jareth—you really think empty threats would shake her?" Evadne's eyes narrowed. "Unless... you two have an understanding. Did she spare you as a favor?"

The barb struck true. Avery's smile didn't waver, but something dangerous flickered behind his lenses. "The only woman I answer to is you."

"Stop." She recoiled. "My heart belongs to someone else. Your obsession is pathetic."

His breath hitched as if she'd driven a knife between his ribs.

"Evadne, what I feel for you—"

"Mr. Chambers," she cut in, voice glacial, "indulge your fantasies elsewhere. And quit groveling to Emeric. No matter how hard you try, I'll never choose you over Thaddeus."

Miles away, Thaddeus was finalizing strategy with Gordon when the news hit.

Evadne. Edith. A public ambush.

By the time he raced to the scene, it was over. The crowd had dispersed. Only Gordon stood there, grim-faced.

"Edith apologized. The internet's crucifying her. Everyone's siding with Evadne now."

Thaddeus exhaled—until Gordon added, "But it was Avery who saved her. And with Emeric cozying up to him? Rumor has it the Ashbournes and Chambers might merge. Evadne could end up Avery's wife."

The words were a gut punch.

Thaddeus was halfway to finding Evadne when William Morris, chairman of Aether Dynamics, materialized with his entourage.

"Mr. Abernathy." William's smile didn't reach his eyes. "You stood us up. We assumed you'd resigned."

His son, Ford, smirked. "Honestly, we expected Chad. The real Abernathy heir."

Thaddeus's jaw tightened. Missing their meeting had cost him. The J Group's recent billion-dollar deal with Abernathy meant this rift couldn't stand.

"Disappointing you wasn't my intention," Thaddeus countered smoothly, extending a hand. "But since we're here—let's talk business. Sentiment has no place in profit, wouldn't you agree?"

William hesitated, then shook. "We'll hold you to that."

At the Fairhaven table, tension crackled.

Barry patted Gary's shoulder. "You handled Edith's mess well."

Edith seethed silently while Glynnis smirked at her humiliation.

Gary waved it off. "Family looks out for family."

The phrase soured Barry's mood—until Jareth arrived, hand-in-hand with Mari.

Bertha beamed. "What a stunning couple! When's the wedding?"

Mrs. Fairhaven's smile was frostier than a winter morning. "Marriage isn't a game, Jareth. Are you certain about this?"

Edith sneered. "After your parade of exes? Poor Mari doesn't know what she's in for."

Jareth's grip on Mari tightened. "I've never been more sure of anything. I'll give her everything."

Barry's cane thudded against the floor.

"In this life," Jareth declared, staring down his family, "I marry Mari or no one."

The room froze.

Evadne, watching from the shadows, felt tears prick her eyes. This was love—unshakable, defiant.

If only Thaddeus could—

Her thoughts shattered as ceremonial cannons boomed. Confetti rained down. The races had begun.

Thaddeus spotted Evadne instantly.

And the man beside her.

Avery.

His lungs constricted. This wasn't her choice. Emeric's doing.

Yet the sight carved a hole in his chest.

Somewhere, a starting pistol fired. But Thaddeus was already running—against time, against fate, against the invisible chains tightening around them all.