Chapter 442

The Morris family's arrival sent ripples through the gathering, sharpening the air with unspoken tension.

Frederic and the Fairhaven estate members greeted them warmly. Though both families were affluent, the Fairhavens' hospitality was noticeably warmer than their usual polite indifference toward others.

Only Thaddeus remained aloof, his sculpted features impassive as he sat beside Frederic. His gaze, heavy with unspoken longing, never wavered from the woman who held his heart captive.

At that moment, Emeric was murmuring something to his daughter Evadne, their heads bent close in serious discussion. The young woman listened intently, oblivious to the scorching intensity of the stare that threatened to burn through her.

Then, like a storm cloud passing overhead, Thaddeus's expression darkened.

Avery had just lifted his champagne flute, leaning forward—deliberately blocking Thaddeus's line of sight.

A second later, Avery turned to face him, a taunting smirk playing on his lips as he raised his glass in a mocking toast.

Thaddeus's blood turned to ice. Shadows deepened across his face as his fingers tightened around the stem of his wine glass, threatening to snap it.

Avery arched a brow, taking a leisurely sip, his entire demeanor dripping with provocation.

CRACK.

The stem shattered in Thaddeus's grip, champagne splashing onto his clothes.

"Oh no! Thad, you've ruined your shirt!" Edith, ever attentive to him, sprang up like a jack-in-the-box and rushed to his side.

Then, to the shock of everyone present, she knelt and began dabbing at the wet spots on his trousers with her handkerchief.

The crowd fell silent.

This was beyond inappropriate. The Fairhaven heiress, debasing herself like this?

Barry and Mrs. Fairhaven turned ashen with fury. Gary, witnessing his niece's humiliation, didn’t seem ashamed—if anything, he looked amused, barely suppressing a chuckle.

Jareth caught that chuckle, his striking eyes narrowing.

But he didn’t intervene. In his mind, Thaddeus should let Edith make a fool of herself. Maybe then she’d learn not to chase after a man who wasn’t hers.

"Jareth." Mari tugged at his sleeve softly.

"Hmm?" He glanced down at her, voice gentle.

"I don’t know why, but looking at your uncle Gary makes me uncomfortable," Mari admitted, too honest to hide her thoughts.

Though she spoke quietly, Gary’s sharp ears caught fragments of the conversation.

"Then don’t look at him," Jareth said, deliberately raising his voice as he wrapped an arm around his petite wife’s waist. "Too much trash can hurt your eyes."

Gary stiffened, anger simmering beneath his forced smile.

Mari obediently shut her eyes, her expression adorably earnest.

Jareth ruffled her hair affectionately before pressing a kiss to her cheek. "In the future, we’ll have beautiful children. Too much trash might affect their looks."

Mari blushed, her cheeks blooming pink.

Gary choked on his drink, his face turning an ugly shade of red.

Evadne watched Edith’s shameless advances and felt fury coil in her chest. She leaned forward slightly—

Not that she’d actually make a scene. She wasn’t that desperate.

But her body moved on instinct.

"Evadne," Emeric’s stern voice cut through her thoughts. "You’re not planning to imitate Edith, are you? Making a spectacle of yourself over a man like some common brawler? Don’t disgrace the Ashbourne name."

Evadne bit her lip hard, the pressure turning her rosy lips white.

Avery overheard, his lips curling darkly as he sipped his champagne.

Just as Edith’s fingers nearly brushed Thaddeus, he stood abruptly, an icy aura radiating from him.

"Ah!" Edith stumbled, landing ungracefully on the floor.

Bodyguards rushed to help her up. Those who hadn’t noticed before certainly did now. Edith’s humiliation was complete.

"Ms. Fairhaven," Thaddeus said coldly, his voice like a blade, "conduct yourself with dignity."

Evadne smiled secretly, warmth blooming in her chest.

No other man in the world could make her feel this secure.

The crowd struggled to suppress their laughter, making Edith’s embarrassment burn hotter.

Barry was furious but couldn’t confront Thaddeus—not when his granddaughter had thrown herself at the man in front of everyone.

"Tsk. The Fairhavens’ upbringing is truly lacking," Jeff muttered beside Emeric. "If that were my daughter, I’d discipline her daily. Evadne’s grace is unmatched. How can those nouveau riche girls compare?"

"Hmph. Grace? Don’t flatter her. She’s a wild monkey," Emeric scoffed, glancing at his daughter. "Remember how many windows she broke as a child?"

Evadne pouted, annoyed he’d bring up old stories just to tease her.

"Hey! She’s spirited! I’ve always loved that about her," Jeff defended, the epitome of a doting father-in-law. "A few broken windows? If it made her happy, I’d bulldoze the whole house!"

Thaddeus excused himself to change, following Gordon out.

Meanwhile, Elspeth sat curled up, her back hunched, legs clamped together, trembling violently.

Things were dire. The pain was excruciating. Thank God she’d drunk little—otherwise, it would’ve been a disaster.

Evadne had been discreetly observing Elspeth since arriving.

Just as Victor predicted, prolonged events like this were torture for her condition.

A mischievous glint flashed in Evadne’s eyes as she stood, champagne glass in hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice smooth and commanding, "it’s an honor to celebrate this splendid occasion with you all. Today, I’ve had the privilege of meeting esteemed elders, dear friends, and legends of the corporate world—Mr. Morris and Mr. Ford. A true delight."

With a radiant smile, she raised her glass to William and his son. "A toast to these distinguished gentlemen. Welcome to Elmsworth."

Her lips met the rim of the glass as she drank with effortless elegance.

Among all the women of high society—perhaps in the entire nation—Evadne shone like a pearl in the sea.

From the moment she appeared, Junior Morris had been utterly captivated, unable to tear his gaze away.

"Pfft. Who does she think she is?" Glynnis muttered, sneering. "Acting like the hostess when nobody even knows her!"

Before she could finish, William nodded approvingly, raising his glass in return.

"Alea," he said warmly, "I had no idea you were the daughter of K Group’s chairman. What a pleasant surprise. No need for formalities—we’ve met before."

The crowd gasped.

Frederic’s pupils dilated in shock. Evadne had personal ties to the nation’s top business moguls?

The realization unsettled him.

When she’d married into the Abernathy family, she’d hidden her true identity, never revealing her capabilities—never assisting them.

Now, not only was she causing trouble for the Abernathy Group, but she was also radiant, unafraid to display her brilliance.

Had she been playing them for fools all along?

"Mr. Morris, I’m touched you remember me," Evadne replied graciously.

Ford stared at his father in amazement. "This lady is the renowned jewelry designer Alea? When did you meet her?"

"Two years ago," William explained. "For your mother’s birthday, I commissioned a blue diamond necklace. Miss Alea crafted it herself."

"Oh! The one Mother wears to every important event? She adores it!"

"Exactly."

William turned back to Evadne. "I’m truly grateful."

"The honor is mine," Evadne said, neither arrogant nor falsely modest.

Emeric watched with quiet pride. His daughter, usually wild and untamed, never faltered when it mattered.

Edith and Glynnis seethed as Evadne once again commanded attention, their envy turning their eyes red—but they were powerless.

In the presence of true brilliance, their schemes were dust in the wind.

Caged songbirds could never rival a phoenix.

"Ms. Evadne," Ford boldly approached, his gaze burning with admiration, "our meeting must be fate. Let’s toast to serendipity."

Evadne’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold laugh echoing in her heart.

Avery’s expression darkened, patience wearing thin. He was about to intercept—

But before he could move, a figure stepped in front of Evadne, shielding her.

Thaddeus.

Avery’s jaw tightened, his gaze icy.

"Thad." Evadne’s heart warmed at the sight of his tall silhouette.

"Fate has gathered us all here—not just you and Ms. Evadne," Thaddeus said smoothly, signaling a waiter for champagne.

He raised his glass, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Ms. Evadne is a lady unaccustomed to strong drink. Mr. Ford, allow me to toast on her behalf."