Chapter 451

Evadne's blood boiled with fury, her fingers curling into tight fists.

That venomous weasel! Twisting facts without shame. He was the one with murderous intent, yet now he dared to smear Thaddeus' name, driving a wedge between him and the Fairhaven Group to secure Barry's unwavering loyalty.

"Thaddeus, this concerns the honor of both our prestigious families. You must treat it seriously!"

Elspeth played her role masterfully, feigning concern while subtly manipulating the situation. "We understand you feel indebted to Ms. Ashbourne since the divorce. Naturally, you'd want to defend her after her... unfortunate incident."

"Defend her? Elspeth, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Gary's patience snapped, his brows furrowing in displeasure. "When has the Fairhaven family ever wronged Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy to warrant such hostility? Do you take us for fools? Don't push us too far!"

His words ignited a firestorm among the Fairhaven Group members, their glares burning into Thaddeus with undisguised hatred.

"Oh Gary, it's all a misunderstanding. Why would Thaddeus have any grievance with the Fairhaven Group? He and Jareth have been allies through countless battles."

Elspeth's lips twisted into a mocking smirk, her icy gaze flickering toward Evadne. "The real grudge holder is Ms. Ashbourne. All of Elmsworth knows about her feud with Ms. Edith Fairhaven—like fire and water, they are. Now that Evadne's had an accident and the Fairhaven Group nearly secured the contract, clearly she's still bitter. Is it any surprise Thaddeus wants to seek justice for her?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

While Evadne and Edith's rivalry was no secret, fabricating such accusations to tarnish the Fairhaven Group's reputation? Unthinkable! Emeric's face darkened, his lips pressed into a thin line. Such despicable tactics were beneath him. Even acknowledging this woman felt like an insult to his dignity.

Just as Thaddeus and Cassius prepared to intervene, another voice cut through the tension.

"Elspeth, after all these years, you remain unrepentant."

Myra, usually meek, stood firm, her eyes blazing with defiance. "Twenty years ago, you were a master manipulator, and it seems nothing's changed. You're still as vile and poisonous, unfit for decent company! But you've chosen the wrong target this time. Evadne, with her grace and kindness, has helped countless people. Her reputation in Skyrim is untouchable—not something your venomous tongue can tarnish! I'm not the same Myra you used to trample on. Attack me all you want, but lay a finger on Evadne, and you'll regret it!"

The crowd stood stunned.

This was the fiercest they'd ever seen Myra—gentle as a stream, now a roaring river. She wasn't defending herself but shielding Evadne from that wicked woman's malice.

"Myra." Evadne's voice trembled with emotion, fighting back tears.

"Ha! Mrs. Myra Ashbourne, when have I ever wronged you? Be careful with your accusations."

Elspeth feigned innocence, her words dripping with venom. "Everything I've said is true. Back then, it was you who couldn't control your urges, indulging in substances that led to your... unfortunate condition. No one forced you. Who wronged you? If you were truly innocent, why didn't you clear your name instead of hiding? Now you think you're untouchable, don't you? As the noble Mrs. Ashbourne, bearing Emeric's child, you think you can seek revenge? Hahaha! You call me unfit for polite society? What does that make you—a mistress?"

Silence fell like a guillotine. Even the Fairhaven family recoiled at Elspeth's audacity. Her words were beyond brazen!

Glynnis, watching Frederic's face darken with rage, broke into a cold sweat. Elspeth had gone too far, her agitation unnerving. Those last remarks were outright insults!

Myra trembled with fury, her entire body shaking. Then, Emeric's arm wrapped around her shoulders, his warm palm steadying her. Though silent, his presence was a fortress.

"Mr. Frederic Abernathy, as head of your household, can you control your foul-mouthed wretch?" Emeric's voice sliced through the silence, his gaze piercing Elspeth's soul.

The room gasped. Foul-mouthed wretch?!

If not for seeing his face, no one would believe these words came from the composed corporate titan! Elspeth's face flushed crimson, but under Emeric's glare, she shrank back.

Thaddeus blinked, momentarily stunned. "Chairman Ashbourne speaks his mind. Evadne, now I see where you get it from."

"He only shocks outsiders. At home, he's even more direct. You'll get used to it," Evadne murmured, her phone buzzing insistently. She glanced down, her demeanor shifting as a frosty smile curved her lips.

"Elspeth, you've crossed the line. Apologize to Mrs. Myra Ashbourne. Now." Frederic's voice was icy, his patience fraying.

Elspeth seethed, grinding her teeth. She'd underestimated Emeric's protection over Myra—something Frederic had never offered her. She dared challenge Myra but wouldn't risk Emeric's wrath. Reluctantly, she muttered, "I... apologize, Mrs. Myra Ashbourne."

"Is that all? A half-hearted apology?" Emeric's gaze burned with intensity. "Do you think my family is to be trifled with? That my woman can be bullied? And those vile words about my daughter—do you think I'm deaf? You think a pathetic 'sorry' fixes everything? The world doesn't work that way."

"Chairman Ashbourne, what do you want?" Frederic's patience snapped. While displeased with Elspeth's antics, Emeric's attitude toward the Abernathy Group infuriated him.

"The wretch slaps herself twice—once for insulting my woman, once for my daughter. For Mr. Hamilton Abernathy's sake, I'll let it slide." Emeric's calm demand detonated like a bomb.

The room erupted. Make Mrs. Abernathy slap herself? Might as well ask her to grovel in the dirt!

"You're insane! I'm a tycoon's wife! Frederic's wife! How dare you demand this?!" Elspeth shrieked, stomping like a petulant child.

Frederic's expression darkened, but he didn't comply. Emeric, however, was done waiting. "Damon!"

"At your service, Mr. Ashbourne!"

Damon—Emeric's right-hand enforcer—materialized before Elspeth. Before anyone could react, his arm swung, delivering two sharp slaps across her face.

"Ah!" Elspeth screamed, her cheeks flaming red, swelling instantly.

Damon, a former black belt, ensured she felt every ounce of justice. As Elspeth staggered, no one moved to help—not even the Fairhavens who'd defended her earlier.

No one dared provoke Emeric further. Mari, frozen in shock, was swiftly pulled away by Jareth. Glynnis, witnessing her mother's humiliation, cowered like a frightened mouse.

Bullies and cowards—mother and daughter were cut from the same cloth.

"Elspeth, I apologize, but this is the consequence of your actions. Let it be a lesson." Damon returned to Emeric's side, expressionless.

Elspeth wanted to lash out, but realizing she stood alone, she played the victim, clutching Frederic's arm. "Frederic! I'm your wife! How can you let them treat me like this? In front of everyone, I'm ruined! Frederic!"

She knew men prized their pride. Even if Frederic didn't care for her, he'd care for his reputation. Surely he wouldn't stay silent.

As expected, Frederic helped her up, his eyes blazing at Emeric. But before he could speak, the massive screen opposite lit up, capturing everyone's attention.

"Look! What's that?!"

"It's surveillance footage—crisper than usual."

"Wait... isn't that woman familiar?"

"My God! It's Elspeth!"

The video laid bare every movement, every word. Crystal clear.

Elspeth injecting something into her veins. Seconds later, laughing uncontrollably, dancing wildly. Then writhing on the ground, moaning obscenely. Soon, she was fully nude on screen, her hands roaming shamelessly.

"What the hell?! My eyes!"

"That's a drug reaction! She injected narcotics!"

"Record this! It'll be gone soon!"

"An adult film starring the Abernathy chairman's wife—uncensored! Save it for posterity!"

Thunder seemed to roar in Elspeth's ears, her world collapsing. Her face drained of color, her gaze vacant as she stared at her naked self on screen, shaking her head in denial. But the nightmare remained.

It wasn't an illusion. It was the end.

"What... is this?" Frederic's pupils trembled violently, his face purpling with rage.

He didn't want to believe the repulsive woman on screen was Elspeth, his wife of over two decades. But he couldn't lie to himself. It was undeniably her.

The Ashbournes, Fairhavens, and Chambers—including William and his son—were transfixed, forgetting to breathe.

Jareth, sensing disaster, pulled Mari's head to his chest and bolted.

Edith nudged the petrified Glynnis, smirking. "Wow, your mom really lets loose behind closed doors, huh? Like mother, like daughter?" Glynnis, humiliated, trembled violently, cold sweat dripping down her pale cheeks.

Thaddeus's eyes widened, shock and delight surging through him. His body radiated heat, his blood boiling with excitement.

He pulled Evadne close, his large hand caressing her waist. "Why didn't you tell me?" he murmured huskily.

Evadne tilted her chin, her fiery gaze meeting his. "Surprise. Where's the fun in spoiling it? Do you like it?"

His breath warmed her nose before his lips captured hers in a searing kiss. Their tongues danced as her fingers playfully tugged his tie, reveling in his instinctive response.

While everyone was distracted by Elspeth's scandal, the couple stole a passionate moment.

When they parted, Thaddeus's lips were stained with her lipstick, his eyes burning with affection. "You're wicked. I love it."

The racetrack buzzed anew with the unfolding drama. Surprisingly, the Chambers family, as hosts, didn't shut off the screen, letting the scandal escalate.

Elspeth was finished. Might as well use her downfall to fuel publicity for their racetrack! She could never have imagined her lifelong schemes would leave her with nothing but infamy.

"Frederic! Let me explain! I was set up—drugged! That's why I acted like that! I'm the victim! Believe me!" she stammered, clutching his arm.

Suddenly, uniformed officers approached. "Elspeth Abernathy, you're under arrest for drug trafficking, possession, and use."

The handcuffs snapped around her wrists, their chill striking terror into her heart. "No! I didn't—!"

Then, to her horror, warmth trickled down her thighs. Under everyone's watchful eyes, she'd lost control.

The ultimate humiliation.