His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 445

All eyes converged on Emeric.

“What’s wrong?” Emeric asked, his voice a deep rumble.

“Our jockey got injured by some crazed horse from the Lockwoods while he was out walking ours!”

The Ashbournes exchanged shocked glances.

“What?”

Emeric’s eyes widened with concern. “How is he? Not in any life-threatening danger, I hope?”

Although Emeric was known as a ruthless tycoon in the boardroom, he was known for his benevolence towards his staff. His first thought wasn't about the race, but about the jockey's safety.

Mr. Dylan, the estate manager, wiped his brow. “No, thank goodness. He's got multiple bruises and a broken arm. We've sent him to the hospital, but there’s no way he can compete now.”

Emeric exhaled in relief. “As long as he’s okay, that’s what matters.”

“Which horse caused the injury? We must hold them accountable,” Myra gently reminded.

“Don’t worry, Myra dear. The Ashbournes won't be pushed around. I’ve already handled it. They will be held fully responsible.”

But now, the Ashbournes were in a tight spot.

Without a jockey, were they to bow out of the competition, just handing over this grand opportunity on a silver platter?

Emeric clenched his jaw, his face etched with frustration.

“Chairman Emeric, it’s a true shame your horse won’t compete in such a prestigious event.”

Frederic’s mouth spoke of regret, but his lips curled into a smug smile. “Nonetheless, there’s always next year. No need to dwell on it too much.”

Emeric’s expression darkened.

He thought, "So, your son bullies my daughter, and you think you can gloat over my misfortune? Over my dead body!"

The Chambers and the Fairhavens breathed a sigh of relief, with one less contender to worry about.

“Regret? Mr. Frederic, you speak too soon.”

Evadne stepped forward with a confident grace, her tone conveying an undeniable sense of pride. “The Ashbournes don’t leave room for regrets, nor do we accept defeat.”

Frederic’s smugness faltered.

Evadne’s decisive words shattered the tension and redefined the atmosphere.

Thaddeus watched his spirited love with a gentle smile, eagerly anticipating the surprise she was about to unveil.

“Tsk, that little minx is making a scene again!” Glynnis muttered under her breath.

“Hmph, she's just trying to make a statement because she can't stand to see her family lose out,” Edith twirled a lock of her hair with disdain. “What can she possibly do? The race is starting soon. Unless she plans to ride herself—ha!”

But before Edith’s laughter subsided, Evadne spoke with calm resolve, “Dad, let me ride for the Ashbournes.”

The room erupted in a chorus of shocked exclamations.

What did she mean?

Was Evadne going to race? Could she even handle it?

Thaddeus’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at Evadne’s captivating silhouette, his breathing erratic with anticipation.

Edith's eyes bulged in disbelief.

Glynnis scoffed sarcastically, “Oh, you must be psychic, saying exactly what happens next.”

“Let her try to play the hero. We'll see how she fares,” Edith hissed, her eyes maliciously fixed on Evadne’s confident demeanor.

“Evadne, are you sure you can do this?” Emeric asked, concern lacing his voice.

“Dad, do you really have to ask?” Evadne winked playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Emeric, Myra, and Cassius exchanged knowing looks. They were aware that Evadne could ride, but racing was a different beast entirely.

“Ms. Evadne, racing isn’t child’s play, and this event is crucial for business alliances and the family’s honor,” Barry said dismissively.

It was clear they expected her to embarrass herself.

“And look at the field, Ms. Evadne, do you see any other women? Is it really proper for you to compete?” Edith, emboldened by her grandfather’s words, joined in deriding Evadne.

“Ms. Edith, are you suggesting that horse riding isn’t a sport for women, or do you inherently believe that women are inferior to men?” Evadne’s gaze was icy as she replied, her lips curving into a mocking smile. “If I recall correctly, your grandmother was a celebrated rider in her youth, even winning international accolades. Are you saying her actions were improper, or do you also look down on your own family?”

Edith’s face turned beet red with mortification, at a loss for words.

Barry merely shook his head at his granddaughter’s impetuousness.

“Um, Jareth.”

Marilla clutched Jareth's hand nervously. “Evadne has offended Edith. Isn’t she afraid?”

“Afraid? Why should she be? When the formidable Thaddeus bends over backward for her, what is there to fear? Quite the novelty,” Jareth chuckled, warming her hand in his.

“No. I didn’t mean that.”

The Ashbournes, it seemed, were about to witness yet another defining moment, one that might just turn the tables in their favor.

Marilla kept her gaze fixed on the ground, her cherry lips parting ever so slightly as she murmured in a Wind, "I'm worried. I'm worried that Edith will pick on sis."

"Marilla, what did you say?" Jareth asked, not quite catching her words.

"Nothing! It's nothing." she stammered, shaking her head fervently as if it were a tambourine.

Memories, fragmented and nightmarish, flooded her mind like a relentless tide. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and forced herself not to dwell on them, even as a sheen of cold sweat began to form on her smooth brow.