Chapter 446

The arena buzzed with electric energy as the final countdown began.

Jockeys mounted their powerful steeds, making a dazzling entrance under the floodlights.

Rose petals rained down like crimson snow as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Each rider stood tall—warriors ready for battle.

The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing each competitor and their prized horses. Spectators cheered for their favorites, but a hushed anticipation lingered for one particular rider.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen!"

The announcer paused dramatically, scanning his notes. The crowd held its breath.

"Please welcome the daughter of Chairman Emeric Ashbourne—Ms. Evadne Ashbourne!"

Gasps rippled through the stands. The Ashbourne heiress herself was competing? Could this society darling truly hold her own in such a brutal sport?

Jewelry designer. Hotel tycoon. Fashion icon. Esteemed doctor. And now—a jockey? What other hidden talents did she possess?

But not everyone was impressed.

"Can't the Ashbournes afford a professional rider? Sending their precious gem to get dirty—how desperate for attention."

"Honestly, the track is filthy. I'd never set foot there."

"And horses? They're unpredictable beasts. What if one throws her? Tramples her? Seems the Ashbournes will do anything for a headline."

Evadne strode into the arena, leading her stallion, Wind, with effortless grace.

The murmurs died instantly.

Dressed in sleek black and white riding gear, she was a vision—her lithe frame accentuated by the tailored outfit, her confidence radiating like sunlight.

Her sharp eyes gleamed with determination.

Thaddeus's grip tightened on the railing, his knuckles white. His heart hammered as he watched her, pride and fear warring inside him.

"Evadne," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Edith rolled her eyes and took a long swig of bourbon.

Stare all you want. Maybe this is the last time you'll see her.

Frederic scowled, irritated by his usually composed son's obvious infatuation. He turned to Glynnis instead.

"Where's your mother? The race is starting, and she's nowhere to be found."

Glynnis bristled. "How should I know? She's your wife."

Frederic's frown deepened. Elspeth had been acting strangely lately—secretive, distant. It wasn't like her.

"Dennis."

"Yes, Mr. Abernathy."

"Find my wife. Tell her to return immediately."

Dennis nodded and hurried off.

Glynnis's stomach twisted. What if Mother's meeting Victor right now? Panicked, she fired off a warning text.

[Mom! Dad's looking for you. Be careful!]

Meanwhile, Jareth whooped loudly as Evadne took her position.

"Go, Evadne! You look incredible! Show them what you've got!"

Mari, beside him, didn't seem annoyed. Instead, her eyes sparkled with excitement, her fists clenched in anticipation.

The Fairhavens pretended not to know him.

Thaddeus shot Jareth a glare. "Must you act like a baboon?"

"Come on, I'm just hyping her up!" Jareth grinned. "If Mari were racing, I'd be sprinting alongside her, cheering my lungs out!"

Thaddeus scoffed. As if you wouldn't.

"You're too uptight, man." Jareth nudged him. "I know you're dying to cheer for her too. Why hold back?"

Thaddeus smirked. "Oh, I'll show her. Just not here."

Jareth waggled his eyebrows. "Ah, private celebrations. Got it."

The race was about to begin.

The horses lined up, muscles coiled, ready to explode forward. The crowd leaned in, breathless.

Ford Morris adjusted his binoculars, his gaze lingering on Evadne's figure. A slow smirk curled his lips.

Perfect.

Myra Ashbourne noticed his stare and tensed. "Cassius, that Morris boy is eyeing Evadne."

Cassius's jaw tightened. "I saw."

"What if he proposes an alliance through marriage? You know how Father feels about expanding overseas."

"Father would never agree," Cassius said firmly. "Ford's nearly forty—Evadne deserves better."

But doubt gnawed at him.

Emeric, oblivious, beamed as he snapped photos of his daughter.

Evadne focused ahead, her grip steady on the reins.

The starting gun fired.

Fourteen horses surged forward like arrows loosed from a bow. Wind shot ahead, his powerful strides eating up the track.

The crowd roared.

Thaddeus's pulse raced as he watched Evadne streak across the field, her form flawless, her determination unshakable.

You've got this.

Wind blazed ahead, but Thunder—Barry Fairhaven's prized stallion—soon overtook them.

Barry whooped, slamming his cane on the ground. "That's my boy! Thunder's unstoppable!"

Gary, ever the sycophant, chimed in. "Your judgment was impeccable, sir!"

Jareth sneered. "Kiss-up."

Avery adjusted his glasses, unfazed. "It's early yet, Mr. Fairhaven. Celebrating now is premature."

Gary smirked. "Oh, I get it. You're rooting for Ms. Ashbourne—because you're in love with her."

Avery's jaw clenched.

Jareth cackled. "Look at his face! Priceless!"

Thaddeus ignored them, his eyes locked on Evadne.

The race intensified.

Thunder led, Wind close behind, with Dragon—Abernathy's entry—nipping at their heels.

A burly jockey from Fairhaven sneered as he passed Evadne. "Nice try, princess."

Evadne's eyes flashed.

I'll win this—or never ride again.

She urged Wind faster, closing the gap.

Below, Edith watched, her lips curving into a sinister smile.

Let's see how long you last.