Chapter 468

Margaret's eyes gleamed with sudden realization.

Elvira was a household name among Elmsworth's elite, her psychic reputation drawing wealthy clients from across the country.

But behind her mystical facade, Elvira's hands were stained with shady dealings. For the right price, she'd arrange marriages between powerful families without hesitation.

"I understand completely. Father's always been superstitious, constantly consulting mediums," Margaret said smoothly. "I'll introduce Elvira to him. He'll be eager to meet her."

Her mind raced with schemes. "Then I'll pay Elvira to spin a tale about you and the Ashbourne heiress being destined soulmates. That marrying her would bring prosperity to Chambers Group."

"And if the Ashbourne girl ends up with our youngest brother instead," she continued, "it would mean disaster for the family. Father's superstitious enough to believe it. He'll move heaven and earth to make sure you marry into the Ashbourne estate."

"Perfect! Thank you, Margaret," Byron said, gripping his sister's hand gratefully.

"Byron, we've been through everything together since childhood," Margaret said earnestly. "With Mother gone and Father remarried to that cheating woman, plus our half-brother eyeing our inheritance - we must stick together. Who else would I support?"

As a married woman with a husband embroiled in political battles, Margaret barely kept up appearances. She often dipped into her own funds to support his shadowy maneuvers while maintaining her high society image.

If Avery's influence grew, she'd lose all standing in Chambers Group.

When inheritance time came, her brothers would take care of her. The youngest? He'd be lucky not to bury her alive. That's why she was determined to help Byron succeed.

"But remember, we're not in medieval times anymore. Parents can't dictate everything."

Byron rolled a cigar between his fingers, his expression troubled. "I've heard Nydia and Evadne's secretary are close, and Evadne supports them. You know Evadne's influence - she's Emeric's favorite and has Thaddeus's backing. If she opposes us, getting Nydia to the altar might be difficult."

A sly smile crossed Margaret's face as a dark idea formed. "The solution is simple, Byron. We need to play rough."

"What do you mean?"

"Force a binding commitment," she said with sinister undertones.

Byron was stunned.

Though no stranger to conquests, Nydia was Ashbourne's precious flower - not to be trifled with lightly.

"Even with Elvira's help, it's not guaranteed. Chairman Emeric might still refuse. So instead of waiting, why not secure the girl first? Force Emeric's hand to marry her to you, leaving Evadne no room to interfere. Even if you can't win her heart, claim her first."

Byron nodded fiercely. "You're right."

With their plan set, the siblings clinked glasses and opened champagne.

Unbeknownst to them, a small listening device under the table blinked ominously.

At The Velvet Haven, Avery lounged elegantly on a vintage sofa, swirling red wine as he listened to the siblings' plot. The more he heard, the more amused he became.

"My dear siblings are quite the comedic duo," he mused. "Mere jesters."

"Aren't you angry, sir? They're plotting against you," Harvey asked, bewildered.

"Why be angry? They're playing right into my hands." Avery peered into his wine with a chilling smile. "I'll even help my dear brother. Consider it my wedding gift to him and Ms. Nydia."

Thanks to Margaret's machinations, Jeff had a successful meeting with Elvira, who fed him exactly the story Margaret had scripted.

Deep down, Jeff wanted nothing more than for Byron to marry into the Ashbourne family. Despite Avery's efforts to please him, fifteen years of absence meant Byron remained his favorite.

But Emeric was proud. Even if Nydia wasn't his beloved wife's daughter, how could he marry such a radiant young woman to his disabled son?

Time passed, and soon the anticipated weekend arrived. News of J Group's William and his son hosting a top-tier business dinner spread rapidly through Elmsworth's elite circles.

That evening, an exotic castle resort outside Elmsworth was fully booked for the event. Luxury cars lined up outside while inside, security ensured complete privacy from the swarming media.

One by one, scions from the four major families arrived discreetly. Even the usually ostentatious Fairhavens kept a low profile, still smarting from the recent racing club scandal.

"Grandpa, do you really think Mr. Frederic will announce my engagement to Thad tonight?" Edith purred from Barry's arms. "Can he actually convince Thad? He's so stubborn."

"Convince him? Does he have a choice?" Barry scoffed. "Unless he wants to lose his position at Abernathy Group. I've settled everything with Mr. Frederic. With the wedding gift I've arranged, he has no reason to refuse!"

"But what if Chairman Hamilton objects?"

"How long can that old man pull strings? The Abernathy Group is Mr. Frederic's show now." Barry sneered. "Frederic made it clear - he won't allow someone like Evadne, who manipulates his son and causes trouble, into the family. That Ashbourne girl has outsmarted herself. Don't worry, Edith. She won't block your path any longer."

Edith's face lit up with excitement. She had planned to humiliate Evadne tonight, but if Barry had already secured the engagement, she could afford to be merciful.

Inside the banquet hall, enchanting music filled the air as high society glittered.

Thaddeus arrived not with his family but alongside Jareth, avoiding any appearance of partiality. Their entrance captured everyone's attention.

With no woman on Thaddeus's arm, the ladies present knew better than to covet - who could compete with the Ashbourne heiress?

But their gazes toward Jareth were different - full of desperate longing. Since his relationship with Mari had only been acknowledged once publicly, Jareth remained Elmsworth's most eligible bachelor.

To Jareth, these women held no appeal compared to Thaddeus's company.

"Why leave Mari at home?" Thaddeus asked coolly.

Jareth rolled his eyes. "Do I need to be castrated before you trust me?"

"Time will tell."

"Damn it, the moment these women heard I needed a date, they swarmed like vultures. If they weren't women, I'd have knocked them out!"

Jareth huffed, missing his wife. "Mari hates these events. Honestly, I didn't want to come either, but duty calls. I've taken my uncle's place helping Grandpa manage Fairhaven Group."

Thaddeus's lips curved slightly. "A toast to your ascent."

"Congratulate me when it's official."

"You're Barry's only grandson. It's inevitable he'd groom you." Thaddeus clapped his shoulder. "I'm happy for you, Jareth. Now that you're moving up, clean up those gray-area businesses. At least keep your public image clean. And I don't want Mari worrying about you. Straighten up, understand?"

Jareth's throat tightened. "Damn it, you're going to make me cry."

Truthfully, he'd been thinking the same - determined to build a secure future for Mari.

"The K Group has arrived!"

The announcement made Thaddeus stiffen. His calm heartbeat suddenly pounded as he straightened his bow tie, gazing toward the entrance with unwavering affection.

Jareth snickered. Anyone would think Thaddeus was awaiting his bride.

Moments later, Emeric and Cassius entered gracefully, followed by two stunning women - Evadne and Nydia.

One a breathtaking red rose, the other a pure white rose - the sisterly duo captured all attention, making other women present seem garish by comparison.

"No doubt the belle of the ball is still Ashbourne's eldest," someone murmured.

"The one beside her must be Chairman Emeric's adopted daughter. She holds her own next to Evadne."

"Marry one and your ancestors would rejoice. Both? Keep dreaming."

The men's imaginations ran wild.

Thaddeus's eyes darkened, fists clenching.

"Easy, brother," Jareth nudged him.

"You'd be just as forgiving if it were Mari."

Jareth had no retort.

Thaddeus took a deep breath.

As if sensing him, Evadne turned and gave him an endearing wink.

Thaddeus swallowed hard.

Just then, two figures approached.

"Chairman Emeric, what a pleasure," one said, with meaningful glances toward Evadne. "And your lovely daughters."