His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 466

In the study, the conversation continued.

Emeric had the world at his feet: sons and daughters, a high-born lineage, and wealth that rivaled the whole country. People envied him, yet little did they know he longed for a heart-to-heart, his confidant being none other than Dylan, who had been by his side since his days as a golden boy.

"Dylan, the current situation is anything but simple," Emeric said, his noble brow furrowed as he shook his head slightly. "In the past years, while Evadne was gallivanting abroad, Cassius managed the consortium, and I could tell it was wearing him down. When Evadne returned, Cassius stepped aside without a fuss, aware of his limits. Pushing beyond them would have been a herculean task, especially since Cassius and Arnold, well."

Emeric's eyes darkened, hinting at words he couldn't bring himself to say.

Dylan's pupils narrowed, his expression grave and silent.

"So, after much deliberation, Evadne truly is the best successor. Even if I'm not particularly fond of Thaddeus, I can't deny that Evadne adores him. He's in a tight spot with the Abernathy Group, under the constant threat of his elder brother. But Thaddeus is genuinely good to Evadne, with a sharp mind and decisive action, reminiscent of my younger self. Worst case scenario, if he can't make it in the Abernathy family, he could be a formidable ally for Evadne and our company," Emeric, always a strategist, had already paved Thaddeus's path in his mind.

Dylan managed a wry smile. "Mr. Emeric, you worry too much. Given Mr. Thaddeus's abilities, he's unlikely to be a trophy husband. The man's pride is immense, with a military background. I doubt he'd ever be comfortable living off his wife's fortune."

"Ah, just speculation. If he succeeds, all the better. If not, he can help Evadne swallow up the Abernathy Group, and I'd be thrilled!" Emeric said with a dismissive flick of his eyes, "Consider it an engagement gift for Evadne."

Dylan was speechless.

Outside, eavesdropping, Evadne clenched her teeth in frustration. She thought, "Oh, Emeric, your ambitions know no bounds."

"But that's all in the future. For now, if I want to ensure Evadne and Thaddeus's happiness, I must quell the external chaos for her. Jeff saved my life, and that's a debt I can't ignore. But if this marriage falls through, the Chambers Group will become our adversary."

Emeric's head throbbed at the thought. "After the last horse race, our feud with the Fairhaven Group is set in stone. Frederic has always been at odds with me, and even with Hamilton's support, he's getting on in years. How long can he protect the Abernathy Group? The moment we move on Elmsworth, we'll likely face a joint attack from the Abernathy and Fairhaven Groups. If the Chambers Group turns on us too, our company will be in an even tighter spot."

Dylan's brows were also furrowed in concern.

Indeed, the Ashbourne family was the undisputed powerhouse in Skyrim, but in Elmsworth, if the other families banded against them, it would be like hyenas circling a lion. Evadne was inexperienced. How would she cope?

Moreover, these families were no hyenas. When provoked, they were as fierce as wolves!

"So, it's only right for Nydia to join the Chambers family."

At that moment, Evadne felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her ears ringing.

"Avery is a promising young man, less aggressive than Thaddeus but with a firm hand. Having interacted with him for a while, I believe his abilities may even surpass Matthew."

Emeric's smirk held a hint of mischief. "Who will have the final say in the Chambers Group in the future is anyone's guess."

"Avery certainly is cunning. After being exiled to Helgen for fifteen years by Jeff, his return has greatly changed Jeff's view of him, to the point of wanting him to marry your daughter. That speaks volumes."

"Thus, Nydia marrying him is a fair trade. It will solidify the families' bond, and when Evadne takes over our company, having a sister as the wife of the Chambers Group's CEO."

"But Nydia likes Jason."

The thought of the Dempsey family made Emeric seethe, "Dave has gone senile, letting his eldest son wreak havoc! Cedric, relying on his little talents, has the audacity to cozy up to Frederic and repeatedly provoke Evadne with the Abernathy family's backing! The Dempsey family, a small-time player, should know their place. I've heard Dave's wife disapproves of Nydia with Jason? Hah! Even the Ashbourne family's least could outshine them. How dare they look down on Nydia? Have they no shame?"

"To think of forcing Nydia to marry that sly, deceitful Avery! Have you no shame?"

With that, Evadne burst through the door in a fury, her fair face flushed with anger, fists clenched tight.

Emeric and Dylan were startled, their hearts skipping a beat.

Emeric's voice was grave, his irritation palpable. "Evadne, have you no semblance of manners? Is it so hard to knock?"

"Knock? Since when did that become a thing here at Silverlake Harbor?" Evadne scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, now we're talking about civility? Feeling guilty, are we?"

Trembling with indignation, Evadne retorted, "Emeric, who do you think you are, some kind of king with a harem? Bad enough you play the field, but now you're bartering your own daughter to cozy up to the Chambers Group! What kind of father are you? I thought you were just a playboy, but it turns out you're selfish and cold-hearted, too! I've overestimated you!"

Emeric was so taken aback he nearly choked on his own spit.

But this time, his tone was far from indulgent, it was icy and severe. "You have no idea what you're talking about. This is a necessary strategy."

"Selling off your daughter, breaking up a loving couple, ruining Nydia's happiness for life – that's your strategy?" Evadne couldn't help but snort with derision.

She had never felt so angry, not even with all the absurd things Emeric had done in the past.

"You're young, you don't understand the difficulties of being in power. The Ashbourne family is an empire, with tens of thousands of employees under the K Group. You think it's easy to keep everyone happy? Before I took over, I endured countless humiliations and sacrifices to build what we have today!" Emeric's expression was one of defiance.

"Oh, so your plan is to sacrifice others for your own success?" Evadne's eyes reddened with fury. "You're already sacrificing Nydia, who's next? I bet you're upset Debby married off early, regretting not having more daughters to sell!"

"Evadne! You!"

Emeric rose abruptly, his eyes blazing as he stared down his precious daughter.

Father and daughter stood off once again, tension crackling between them.