His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 760

“Aaron,” Marilla gazed at the man, her doe eyes sparkling like they were washed with spring water.

The sight of Aaron, with his unexpected presence, instantly dissolved her anxiety. Beside Aaron stood an elegant and proud woman, Suri, Aaron's mother.

Marilla's heart leaped into her throat. Mr. Bartley, a seasoned politician, was known for his diplomatic prowess, something Marilla had overheard from her mother Elspeth.

Given that, if Mr. Bartley invited people of the Abernathy family, it was highly unlikely that he would also invite those from the Ashbourne family. That would be like putting two tigers on one mountain!

Sure enough, the Bartleys' expressions darkened, and Frederic's face turned stormy.

Mr. Bartley, red-faced and awkward, stammered, “Mr. Frederic Abernathy, this - this was unforeseen. We did not send an invitation to the Ashbournes.”

Frederic offered a sardonic smile and waved his hand dismissively, “It's no matter. We’re in your home, Mr. Bartley. Such trifles need not concern me.”

The Bartleys were sweating bullets. Anyone with eyes could see Mr. Abernathy was not pleased.

Whispers arose among the guests.

“My, who is that striking man standing with Mrs. Suri Ashbourne? He’s a vision!”

“Such poise, such spirit! If only I had a daughter, I’d be knocking on their door for a marriage proposal!”

“Dream on! That gentleman is the rarely seen Mr. Aaron Ashbourne. Since the unfortunate demise of the fifth son in a plane crash, Aaron has become Suri’s sole treasure. She’ll be picky about her baby boy’s bride.”

The crowd buzzed, “Aaron?!”

With that revelation, they all seemed to see Aaron in a new light, as if he was glowing with an aura of gold.

“Life’s unfair! I thought Mr. Alston Bartley was a catch, but next to Aaron, he’s completely outshone!”

“Well, Aaron is the son of Chairman Ashbourne and Suri Bright. The Bartleys might hold local sway, but they’re no match for a top-tier conglomerate.”

Alston overheard the murmurs, his smile fixed in the corners of his eyes as his hands clenched in the shadows.

Tonight, to appease his mother, Aaron had donned the very type of suit he abhorred. It felt like a straitjacket, and he kept tugging at his tie, unable to get comfortable.

“Can you quit fidgeting like a monkey?” Suri pinched her son's waist without changing her expression, “What, someone put fleas on your neck?”

Aaron winced in pain but managed to steal a glance at Marilla. Their eyes met, and she beamed, waving at him in greeting.

In that moment, it was as if the joy of spring had poured into his eyes, creating ripples in his heart.

“Suri, what brings you here?” Zachary approached the mother and son.

Technically, Aaron should have called him “Uncle”. But he knew all too well that his mother had long been cast out of the Bright family, and these so-called relatives hadn't lifted a finger for her in years. He couldn't bring himself to acknowledge the kinship and simply gave Zachary a cold look.

Suri’s smile was gracious, yet firm, “The heavens may rule the skies, and the earth may hold the land, but they can’t stop my feet. I go where I please.”

Zachary’s face stiffened. The guests whispered among themselves, speculating on the Brights' strained family dynamics.

“My father and I were Mr. Bartley’s invited guests.” Warner followed, his mouth running as usual, “As far as I know, the Bartleys didn’t extend an invitation to you.”

Aaron’s eyes flashed with cold fury, but before he could shot back, Suri, ever the diplomat, cut in with a smile, “Oh, then I must ask the mayor what happened. Did Mr. Bartley forget that I am part of the Bright family, or did you?”

Mr. Bartley, the accidental target, choked on his drink, coughing uncontrollably.

“Oh, but what does it matter if I’m part of the Bright family or not?” Suri looked at Mr. Bartley with an inscrutable gaze, “Tonight, I represent the Ashbourne family, accompanied by my son to join the gaiety. Surely Mr. and Mrs. Bartley wouldn’t turn us away?”

“Oh, it’s our carelessness!” Mrs. Bartley rushed to smooth things over, her face all smiles, “We assumed, since we invited Mr. Bright, your family would come together. Our oversight, we’ll be sure to remember next time!”

Suri’s lips curved in a frosty smile, “A daughter married off couldn’t tend to her original family affairs. I’m no longer associated with the Bright family. So, if there is a next time, please send your invitation directly to Skyrim, home of the Ashbournes.”

“Enough, Suri.”

Zachary stepped closer, his voice tense, “Must you make a scene in front of everyone?”

“Make a scene? With you? Who do you think you are?” Suri turned away with a scoff, “If it weren’t for you pressing my buttons, I wouldn’t waste words or even a glance on you. Zachary, you should know, of all the Bright family, the person I despise most isn’t the father who cast me out, but you, who slandered and blackened Emeric’s name time and again to him!”