Chapter 470

Engaged?

Evadne's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widened as she locked gaze with Emeric's dashing profile.

Thaddeus's eyes were filled with a tumult of tension and worry, his body taut as a drawn bow, seemingly on the verge of dashing over to grab Evadne's hand and whisk her away without a second thought.

Others, like Frederic and the members of the Fairhaven clan, also had their colors drained from their faces.

Particularly Edith, whose heart hammered away like a runaway train within her chest, stared at Evadne with a mix of anxiety and spite, though her words dripped with disdain, "Well, well, well, Ms. Evadne has a fiancé now? I wonder which lucky gentleman has the pleasure of joining fortunes with the Ashbournes?"

Frederic clenched his teeth fiercely, "No matter who the Ashbournes ally with, it will surely not be the Abernathy Group!"

Edith's lips curled up in triumph, her hanging heart settling back into place.

Ford's expression darkened visibly; he suspected Emeric was concocting a story to extricate his daughter, a mere excuse to brush off his advances.

At the derby, he had noticed Evadne's closeness to Thaddeus, but such flirtations were dime a dozen in high society; it was nothing but a dalliance. If there had been a fiancé, Emeric would have announced it there and then, not wait until now to drop the bombshell.

William, on the other hand, appeared unfazed, smiling as he said, "So the young Miss already has a betrothed? Congratulations indeed. May I ask which fortunate family the young man hails from?"

Curiosity was piqued all around.

Emeric's smile was gentle and unforced as he glanced fleetingly towards Thaddeus.

Ford followed his line of sight and grimaced, knowing full well whom Emeric was observing.

"Oh my! Thad! Am I seeing things? Is Chairman Emeric looking at you?" Jareth exclaimed with a high-pitched voice, shaking the man's arm like a hyperactive groundhog.

Thaddeus's breathing was ragged, his forehead beading with sweat, but his voice remained deep, "Don't overthink it. Chairman Emeric is probably just using it as a pretext to fend off Ford."

"And why would Chairman Emeric bother looking this way? Couldn't he just tell a white lie and be done with it?"

Jareth was still visibly excited, ever the optimist, "It's just us two here, and Chairman Emeric is definitely looking at you. He can't possibly be checking me out!"

Thaddeus felt a tremor in his chest, struggling to control his breath.

His intense gaze was fixed on Evadne.

"The Ashbourne family has always conducted its affairs with discretion, including my daughter, who isn't one to parade her private life for public consumption. Mr. William, tonight you meticulously planned this business dinner, and it would not do for our family matters to overshadow his event.

Evadne and I agree that now is not the right time to announce an engagement. When the time is ripe, we will make it known."

Emeric's gaze left Thaddeus as he continued, "When that time comes, Mr. William, if you'd be so kind, I will personally send an invitation for you to join us in Skyrim. How does that sound?"

"I've never been to Skyrim, heard it's a place with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. You'll have to let me know!" William said, keeping up appearances beautifully.

Evadne's heart raced with disorder, grateful that Emeric had deftly steered the conversation away, allowing her to breathe a silent sigh of relief.

Lately, Emeric had been unpredictable, at times almost unrecognizable, and then suddenly quite on point, as though he were two different people.

The gossip-hungry crowd was left wanting more, murmuring amongst themselves.

"Who exactly is Evadne's fiancé? I saw Mr. Avery had been quite close to Chairman Emeric, and Mr. Jeff and the Chairman were like brothers. Maybe it's Mr. Avery?"

"Would he not show up tonight if that were the case? I suspect it's Mr. Thaddeus. Wasn't it obvious enough at the derby? Who was by Miss Evadne's side when she was injured? If Mr. Avery was the fiancé, wouldn't he have shown up? That would be downright cold!"

Nydia watched Evadne, her cheeks flushed with emotion, envy shimmering in her eyes.

Her father's intentions were clear; her sister's betrothed could only be Mr. Thaddeus.

How wonderful to have her parents' blessing, to be with the one she loved.

Even now, Nydia bore no resentment towards her sister or parents.

The Dempsey family's eldest son had played the villain, aiding the enemies of her sister and brother-in-law. The Dempseys' status was of no help.

Lost in thought, Nydia's eyes began to redden as she held back a world of pain.

She was the least capable child in the family; if her own marriage could contribute to their cause.

She was prepared to make any sacrifice.

As the minor drama concluded, the dinner continued.

William and his son's failure to secure an alliance with the Ashbourne family bolstered the confidence of the Abernathy Group and the Fairhaven Group, even stirring Matthew into action.

Ford, rejected by Evadne, wore a face as sour and elongated as a used bandage. Though William didn't show it, his son's loss of face surely churned his insides.

So, it seemed the Ashbournes were out of the running for the derby hotel project partnership.

The music shifted, signaling the start of the ball.

Young nobles and debutantes paired off and took to the dance floor, twirling in a vibrant and joyous display.

Evadne could tell her sister, Nydia, was as nervous as a kitten at the grand ball. It was Nydia's first time at such a high-society event, and Evadne was worried she might bolt. To ease her nerves, the sisters slipped away to a quiet corner, chatting and sipping on fruit punches.

Nydia was the center of attention, with many gentlemen casting fervent glances her way, each one itching to ask her for a dance.

But the commanding presence of Miss Ashbourne was enough to keep them at bay. They admired from a distance, none daring to approach.

Nydia kept her turmoil hidden from her sister, speaking only when necessary, her words scarce and timid.

Evadne squeezed her sister's cold hand and took a deep breath, "Nydia, I won't let you leap into the fire. Trust me, I'll make sure you end up with the one you love."

"Evadne, I'm fine," Nydia managed a quivering smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "An arranged marriage. I won't object. I'll follow mom and dad's wishes. You just be happy with Mr. Thaddeus and stop worrying about me."

"Sweet Nydia! What nonsense are you spouting? How can I possibly sacrifice your happiness for my own? What kind of person would that make me?" Evadne's voice cracked with urgency.

"If you can't be with Jason, I'd rather stay single forever!"

"Evadne, don't be stubborn. It's my choice, and it has nothing to do with you!" Nydia was visibly distressed, about to continue her plea, when a badly pronounced English phrase interrupted them.

"Miss Evadne, may I have this dance?"

The sisters looked up to find a dapper-looking Ford standing before Evadne, bowing slightly and extending his hand in anticipation.

Evadne was unmoved, about to decline when Ford cut her off. "Miss Evadne, you won't give me a chance to court you, but would you deny me a single dance? It's just a social gesture, nothing more. I admire and respect you, with no ulterior motives. Won't you grant me this one pleasure?"

The room's attention shifted toward them.

Nydia frowned slightly, seeing the predicament. Evadne clearly detested the blond-haired suitor, but refusal might seem arrogant.

Stuck in an awkward silence, Evadne reluctantly began to raise her hand when suddenly a commanding figure swept in like a chill breeze.

Before Ford could react, the slender, delicate hand he sought was snatched away!

Evadne's eyes widened as she was whirled into the spotlight of the dance floor, every eye upon them.

As she locked gaze with Thaddeus's dark, intense eyes, her body trembled in his embrace, heat rising to her skin.

His breath warmed her face as he gazed down at her, his fingers interlocked with hers, his arm lifting gracefully, the other wrapped around her waist, his palm pressing firmly against the small of her back, through the thin fabric of her dress.

Evadne tried to keep her composure as they danced, but her body felt electrified, her breathing quickened, and she awkwardly tried to follow his lead.

"What are you doing?" she gasped.

"Would you rather be dancing with that wolf?" Thaddeus whispered hotly in her ear.

Evadne bit her lip, a flush creeping up her cheeks. "Isn't this dancing with a wolf too?"

"Yes, but I'm the kind of wolf who might just devour you," Thaddeus replied, his jaw lifting proudly as he spun her around effortlessly. "Focus, Evadne.

Your eyes should only be on me."

The pair became the envy of the hall, their exceptional dance stealing the spotlight.

Except for Edith, every woman conceded that only Evadne was a match for Thaddeus, and vice versa.

His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Chapter 469 A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

Edith was seething, her hair nearly ablaze with rage, her eyes bloodshot with anger, yet powerless to intervene.

Meanwhile, Ford, having been upstaged, felt his own anger boil over.

Just then, William's butler approached discreetly, "Sir, if you're seeking a dance partner, you might consider Miss Fairhaven. She's properly matched in status and, though not as radiant as Miss Evadne, she won't tarnish your reputation."

"Her? Dressed like a Thanksgiving turkey? I'd rather sit this one out!" Ford huffed, uninterested in Edith, and stormed off.

Evadne’s sudden departure left Nydia alone and uncertain.

The men, sensing an opportunity, were ready to pounce, but a limping figure approached Nydia first.

"Hey, isn't that Byron?" someone exclaimed.

"It is! He hasn't been seen in ages. I thought he."

"Rumors say he survived a horrible car accident. The Chambers had to call in the renowned Dr. Eve to treat him. Pity. He's crippled now."

"Byron used to be so high and mighty. This must be quite a blow to his pride."

Byron had spent the past week in intense physical training, dressed to the nines in an expensive tuxedo, his hair perfectly parted, all to make a lasting impression on Nydia.

Standing before Nydia, he realized he could no longer dance.

With a rueful smile, he said, "Miss Nydia, you seem bored here alone. May I keep you company, perhaps share a conversation?"

Nydia tensed, hesitating before her phone vibrated.

She glanced down to see Jason's name on the screen, a sharp pang of longing and pain gripping her heart.

Chapter 2371 Predatory Nature Awake for Love: My Coma Bridegroom Chapter 664