His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 468

Bertha listened intently, and it all clicked into place.

Elvira was a household name among the elite of Elmsworth, and her reputation as a psychic had even drawn the wealthy from afar to have their fortunes told.

But beneath her glamorous facade, Elvira's hands were dirty with all manner of sordid dealings. Money talked, and for the right price, she'd play matchmaker for the rich and powerful without batting an eyelid.

"I get what you're saying. Dad's always been superstitious, forever running to some medium or another for a reading. So, I'll set it up. I'll introduce Elvira to Dad, he's bound to be keen on meeting her."

Bertha's mind whirred with schemes. "Then, behind the scenes, I'll grease Elvira's palm, have her spin a tale that you and the Ashbourne heiress are a match made in heaven, that she's got her sights set on you and it'll be a boon for the Chambers Group.

On the flip side, if the Ashbourne gal ends up with our youngest brother, it'll spell disaster for the Chambers clan. Dad's an old superstitious fool. Once he hears it, he won't think twice about the youngest and will move heaven and earth to unite you with the Ashbourne estate."

"That would be perfect! Thanks so much, Bertha," Byron said, gripping his sister's hand with fervent gratitude.

"Byron, we're cut from the same cloth, raised together since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. Mom passed early, and Dad remarried that vixen who cuckolds him at every turn, not to mention that half-brother of ours eyeing our inheritance. We've got to stick together. If I'm not on your side, then whose side am I on?" Bertha spoke from the heart.

As a married woman, with a husband embroiled in political warfare, she barely kept afloat. She often had to dip into her own savings to help him maneuver in the shadows, all while maintaining her facade as a lady of high society.

If Avery's influence continued to grow, she'd lose even the last shred of dignity within the Chambers Group.

When the time came to divide the inheritance, her brothers would take care of her. The youngest? He'd be lucky not to bury her. So she was dead set on helping Byron to the end.

"But remember, we're not living in the dark ages anymore. Parents can't call all the shots."

Byron rolled a cigar between his fingers, his gaze clouded with concern. "I've heard that Nydia and Evadne's secretary are thick as thieves, and Evadne's all for them being together. You know what kind of pull Evadne has. She's the apple of Chairman Emeric's eye and has Thaddeus's backing. She's bold enough to lock horns with the Fairhavens in public. If she decides to stand in our way, getting Nydia to the altar might hit a snag."

A sly smile flickered across Bertha's face as a dark idea took root. "Byron, the solution is simple. We just need to play a little rough."

"What do you mean?"

"Make a binding commitment," she said with a sinister undertone.

Byron was taken aback!

Although he was no stranger to conquests, Nydia was the precious flower of the Ashbourne family, not one to be trifled with lightly.

"If we involve Elvira, it's not a surefire win. Even if Dad agrees, Chairman Emeric might not. So instead of hanging in suspense, why not just secure the girl, force Emeric's hand to marry her to you, and leave Evadne with no room to intervene? Meaning, even if you can't have her heart, you've got to claim her first."

Byron, struck by the idea, nodded fiercely. "You're right."

With their plot set, the siblings clinked glasses and popped open a bottle of champagne.

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

At the other end of the listening device — The Velvet Haven.

Avery lounged elegantly on a lavish vintage sofa, his delicate yet ambiguous features as enigmatic as a noble vampire. He swirled the red wine in his glass, listening intently to the Chambers' siblings' conspiracy. The more he heard, the more he wanted to laugh.

"Look at my dear brother and sister, aren't they quite the comedic duo? Mere jesters, nothing more."

"You're so magnanimous, sir. They're plotting against you, and you're not the least bit angry." Harvey, by his side, was both incensed and bewildered.

"Why should I be angry? Their actions are playing right into my hands."

Avery raised his glass, peering into the blood-red liquid with a chilling smile. "I'm not just unbothered. I'll even lend my dear brother a hand. Consider it my wedding gift to him and Ms. Nydia."

Thanks to Bertha's machinations, Jeff had a successful meeting with Elvira.

And Elvira, following Bertha's script to the letter, fed Mr. Jeff a line so convincing that he had no choice but to believe.

Deep down, what Jeff wanted more than anything was for Byron to unite with the Ashbourne family. After all, that was his favorite son, and any benefit that came his way was a priori considered for Byron.

Even though Avery had been making overtures, doing everything to please him, he couldn't replace Byron's place in his heart, not after a fifteen-year absence.

But, Emeric was a man of immense pride. Even if Nydia wasn't the daughter of his beloved wife, how could he possibly marry off such a radiant young woman to his disabled son?

So Jeff filed the matter away, waiting for the right opportunity to broach the subject once more, however slim the chances.

Time flew by, and soon the anticipated weekend arrived.

The news that the J Group's William and his son were making their first visit to Elmsworth and hosting a top-tier business dinner spread like wildfire among high society and the media citywide.

Tonight, an exotic-style castle resort on the outskirts of Elmsworth was booked out entirely by William and his son. The exterior was abuzz with excitement, luxury cars lined up like pearls, while inside, everything was orderly and untouched by the swarming media.

The security level and privacy at the event were off the charts.

One by one, the scions of the four major families arrived, all covertly slipping through a temporary passage to avoid the prying eyes of the media.

Even the typically ostentatious Fairhavens kept a low profile this time, not eager to flaunt their presence.

After all, the scandal at the racing club was still a fresh wound on the internet's collective memory, and they weren't keen on ripping off the scab.

"Grandpa, do you really think Mr. Frederic will announce my engagement to Thad at the dinner tonight?" Edith purred from her nestled spot in Barry's arms, her brow furrowed with worry. "Can Mr. Frederic actually convince Thad? He's so stubborn, and I can't help but worry."

"Convince him? Do you think Thad has the right to refuse? Not unless he wants to kiss his position at the Abernathy Group goodbye, along with the CEO title!"

Barry exhaled heavily, his weathered face clouding over. "I've settled things with Mr. Frederic, and he's quite pleased with the match. With the wedding gift I've arranged for you, not to mention the leverage our family holds, he has no reason to decline!"

"But, Grandpa Hamilton has always favored Evadne over his own granddaughters. If he doesn't agree."

"How long do you think Hamilton can pull the strings? Right now, the Abernathy Group is Mr. Frederic's show."

Barry couldn't help but sneer, "Mr. Frederic made his stance crystal clear; he won't let someone like Evadne, who's been manipulating his son and disrupting the peace, set foot in the Abernathy family. That Ashbourne girl has outsmarted herself! Don't worry, Edith. She won't block your path into the Abernathys any longer."

"If that's the case, then that's wonderful! Thank you, Grandpa!" Edith's face lit up with excitement as she resumed her endearing coquetry.

She had planned to deliver a crushing blow to Evadne during tonight's vital gathering, in front of both families, and especially in front of William and his son, to completely disgrace the Ashbournes.

But if Barry had already sealed the deal with Frederic, her path was clear.

Tonight, she would spare Evadne.