Chapter 750
Evadne felt a tightness in her chest, signaling to Jason to walt before questioning closely Arnold, “Is this true? Are you certain?!”
“Mr. Bartley has always been cautious over the years. He wouldn’t spread rumors without solid evidence. That’s why he’s managed to navigate politics so smoothly for so long.”
Arnold’s tone darkened, “So, I believe it’s true. Evadne, Ms. Marilla Abernathy is facing an arranged marriage, isn’t she? To wed without love, will she be content? Can she find happiness?”
Marilla, of course, was far from willing! There must be some deep, dark secret behind it all!
“Grandpa and Mr. Frederic Abernathy disapprove of Jareth, and they despise the entire Fairhaven Group. But Marilla mustn’t marry Alston Bartley either!”
“Evadne, you know Mr. Bartley’s son?”
Evadne clenched her fist, her knuckles cracking, “That man, shallow as a puddle, with his sly, slim eyes the spitting image of a conniving weasel!”
Both Arnold and Jason were silent.
“Arnold, thanks for the important info. I’ll cook up some pork knuckles for you when I get home, your favorite.”
After hanging up, Evadne took a deep breath to calm her nerves and turned to Jason.
“Jason, what’s happened?”
“Ms. Ashbourne, as you instructed, I’ve been keeping tabs on Glynnis. Our people followed her to the airport in country Z, where she was whisked away upon arrival and is now safely in country M.”
Jason’s eyes flashed with intensity, “Country Z is a backwater, a melting pot of all sorts. But country M is a
developed nation, a dazzling world. Surely someone couldn’t bear to see Glynnis suffer and b Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
moved her to country M.”
secretly
“It must be Frederic’s doing. Not only because he can’t bear to see Glynnis in hardship but also to trouble Thaddeus,” Evadne was visibly distracted, her thoughts with Marilla, who was trapped in dire straits.
“Don’t forget who’s in country M, Ms. Ashbourne,” Jason reminded gravely.
A faint chill flickered in Evadne’s attractive eyes, “You mean, Chad Abernathy?”
“He’s been out of sight for years, and we’ve had no clue about his standing within the Abernathy family, his character, or his relations with the rest. I’m afraid that with Glynnis in country M, she might enjoy Chad’s favor. If so, wouldn’t Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy’s efforts be in vain?” Jason’s face was etched with concern.
Evadne’s rosy lips were pressed slightly, “I doubt it. Chad hasn’t had contact with the rest of the Abernathy family members for years. Only recently has he been in touch with Thaddeus, and he’s had no interactions. with his half–sister Glynnis. If he wanted to help Glynnis, he would’ve done so openly, not sneak around like
this.”
Jason nodded thoughtfully.
“Besides, I’m not concerned with whether Chad will help Glynnis. What interests me more is her current condition,” Evadne’s lips were curled up faintly, her sarcasm thinly veiled.
*Rest assured, Ms. Ashbourne, our people have followed her to country M and will continue to keep a close watch on Glynnis.”
Evadne’s gaze turned uneasy again as she glanced at her watch.
Jason, have the car ready.”
Where to, Ms. Ashbourne?”
12:27
At the thought of Thaddeus, a warm rush filled Evadne’s troubled heart, her eyes misting over, “Let’s pick up Thaddeus from work.”
As night fell and the city lights came to life, after the meeting, Frederic and Thaddeus, flanked by secretaries and bodyguards, made their way towards the grand entrance of the Abernathy Group building. Father and son, blood should have bound them, but their silence spoke of a chasm deeper than that between strangers.
Stepping outside, Frederic issued his command.
“Join me on my private jet to Spring City. I have a golf appointment with Chairman Temple tomorrow morning, followed by a business cocktail event in the afternoon. It’s vital for our future projects there.”
Before, Thaddeus could respond, the piercing sound of a horn sliced through the air – a majestic Rolls– Royce pulled up before the Abernathy men.
Thaddeus‘ eyes lit up, his heart pounding with anticipation. The car door opened before Frederic; he couldn’t discern the face inside, only hearing a sweet pleasant voice, “Mr. Frederic Abernathy, you don’t mind if I pick up Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy from work, do you?”
Frederic’s breath hitched at the sound of Evadne’s voice. Before he could utter a word, Thaddeus had eagerly slipped into the car, not even bothering with a farewell.
No sooner had he entered than he intertwined his fingers with his beloved’s, kissing her soft hand with tender affection, oblivious to the world around them.
Frederic’s expression darkened, his inner thoughts scathing, “No shame, no dignity!”
“Sorry, Mr. Frederic Abernathy.”
Thaddeus wrapped his arm around Evadne’s waist, his voice bland, “I’m afraid I can’t join you for golf in Spring City with Chairman Temple.”
“Thaddeus, remember who you are!”
Frederic fumed, his face an icy mask, his teeth tight clenched, “The partnership is crucial to the Abernathy Group’s expansion along the southern coast! Why can’t you date at a more suitable time? But when it comes to the project, how can you just focus on your personal affairs and ignore the interests of the corporation? Your performance as CEO is becoming less and less commendable!”
“I’ve spent the better part of five years pushing the Abernathy Group to the pinnacle of success in Elmsworth, securing the top spot among the wealthy. It was all to ensure that when we step out for
business, we can negotiate with pride and authority, not to waste my time playing golf that I have zero interest in, or attending those dreadfully dull cocktail parties.”
Thaddeus gazed deeply into the eyes of the young woman before him, his voice melting with tenderness as he gently kissed her forehead, “Rather than going out and wasting time, I’d much prefer to stay home and spend it with my wife.”
Frederic clenched his fist in fury, feeling a surge of anger boiling up in his throat.
With graceful poise, Evadne leaned out from the car and cast a glance at Frederic standing stiffly outside, “Mr. Frederic Abernathy, if you’re on your way to discuss the sleepless town commercial complex project with Chairman Temple of The Temple Group there, then you might as well save yourself the trouble.”
A crease formed between Frederic’s brows, “What do you mean?”
“Three days ago, Chairman Temple agreed to partner with our K Group for the joint development.” Evadne’s radiant smile was bloom like the most delicate of flowers, “Just saved you a pretty penny on private jet fuel.”
“What are you talking about. How is that possible?!” Frederic’s face was a picture of shock.
Thaddeus spoke calmly, “Chairman Temple and Chairman Ashbourne have been close friends for years. The Temple Group and the K Group have collaborated more than once; I’ve been aware of this long ago. It’s just that you’ve never taken my word for it.”
12-27
With those words, the door of the Rolls–Royce closed, and the car sped away, leaving a trail of dust. Frederic stood there, stunned, inhaling nothing but car exhaust!