His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 444

Chapter 444 

Ella and Jack stood facing each other in silence, but the air was thick with a syrupy sweetness that everyone in the room could feel. 

Love didn’t need a grand declaration; their tender gazes and subtle gestures said it all. 

Jeff furrowed his brow, glancing at his companion Emeric, whose expression also betrayed a hint of gloom: 

“Alright, alright, I can’t tell you what to do. Toss your money around as you please,” Evadne said, turning away to hide her smile. 

Avery was left stewing on the sidelines, a tempest of anger brewing in his chest. 

Thaddeus noticed Avery’s face grow paler by the second, his features twisting into a sinister sneer, reminiscent of a devil waiting to devour his prey. 

Thaddeus felt no thrill of victory. On the contrary, he feared the man might be concocting some vile scheme in the shadows. His only concern was keeping Evadne safe. 

Instinctively, he moved to stand protectively behind Evadne, like a silent, imposing mountain, offering his unwavering support. 

The big shots began placing their bets. Jareth didn’t go for the Abernathy Group’s horse nor the Ashbourne family’s steed. Instead, he followed Marilla’s advice and chose a radiant white horse, albeit not the most outstanding contender. 

His reasoning? It looked good. 

After all, girls don’t differ much when it comes to picking horses or cars. It’s not about horsepower or performance. It’s about the aesthetics! 

Jareth was in high spirits, waving his hand and betting a cool two million on horse number fourteen as easily as flicking away twenty thousand jellybeans. All he cared about was making his darling wife happy. 

“Mr. Morris, would you care to place a wager?” Frederic asked, standing beside William and his son with a genial smile. 

“I am indeed interested, but horse racing isn’t just entertainment, it’s also an investment,” William said, scanning the expansive track through his binoculars. “I’m looking for a horse with excellent pedigree and quality. If its owner can take proper care of it and finish first, then I believe their business acumen and strength won’t be lacking.” 

Frederic’s brows knitted slightly. 

It seemed William was hinting at scouting for new business partners. 

The Abernathy Group had already signed a contract with the J Group to build a commercial complex in the nation’s largest city next year, with everything ready to go. 

Could it be that William had other business plans in mind, seeking domestic collaboration? 

“As everyone knows, our nation’s flag features a horse. Not only is the horse our national symbol, but equestrian sports are beloved by citizens and nobles alike. Last month, our group decided to partner with your esteemed financial consortium. We plan to establish four luxury equestrian–themed hotels that combine hospitality and entertainment in both our nations,” William said with a smile. 

“We’ve done the market research. This hotel concept isn’t new in our country, but there isn’t a single one like it in the whole of Elmsworth. If we can introduce this model in cities like Elmsworth, I’m sure it will attract attention from all quarters. The potential business value is immense,” Ford added proudly, unable to hide his smug grin. 

Their conversation was loud enough for all the heavy hitters in attendance to overhear. 

Jeff and Barry’s eyes sparkled with unbridled ambition. 

Catching a ride with the J Group could mean that Elmsworth would no longer be dominated solely by the Abernathy Group! In the cutthroat world of business, who wouldn’t want a piece of the pie? 

Frederic’s heart raced with excitement, his fists clenched in anticipation. 

Although he resented that William and his son didn’t prioritize their existing partnership with the Abernathy Group, choosing instead to cast a wider net, he understood the wisdom of not putting all eggs in one basket. 

“So, Mr. Morris,” Frederic said with a confident smile, “the Abernathy Group has a strong presence in Elmsworth and other cities with our racecourses. When it comes to equestrian facilities, we’re the most experienced in all of Elmsworth.” 

“That’s a bit of a stretch,” Barry muttered under his breath, scoffing at Frederic’s claim. 

“Mr. Frederic, your group may have racecourses, but let’s not be too hasty claiming ‘the most experienced,” Jeff interjected, unable to stand on the sidelines any longer. “The Chambers Group is hosting today, and this racecourse is the largest in Elmsworth. Let’s not forget that.” 

Frederic remained unfazed. “That’s only because you built yours later. Back in the day, the Abernathy Group was unmatched.” 

Jeff couldn’t let that slide, bringing up his close ally, “The K Group built their own racecourse thirty years ago, not only the biggest in the country at the time but still the only one in Skyrim. Chairman Emeric never boasted about being the best, Mr. Frederic, yet you seem pretty bold using that phrase.” 

Emeric was taken aback. “What does this have to do with me?” 

Frederic’s frustration was palpable, but he kept his cool, biting back the anger rising within him. 

Right now, Jeff was tying himself tightly to the Ashbourne family, likely as a move against the Abernathy Group, securing a powerful ally in his corner. 

“Look, what’s the point of just slapping together a race track? It’s all about the quality of the horses and a solid supply chain. And let’s be real, K’s got more chops in that department than the Abernathy Group, hands down. They’ve got thoroughbreds from overseas and a huge stable back in Skyrim. Horse quality? Not even a worry.” 

Jeffymade no effort to hide his disdain for the Abernathy Group, his words loaded with barbs. 

Especially that last dig–it was like poking a bear for Frederic. 

“You know, Mr. Morris, over at the Fairhaven Group, we’ve got our own stables, top–notch horses. The one we brought to the derby today, Lucky Number Eight!” Barry stayed on the sidelines, but Gary didn’t miss a beat, eager to promote his own. 

Landing a deal with the J Group for the Fairhaven Group would skyrocket Gary’s rep within the company and in the old man’s good graces. Taking down Jareth would be like squashing a bug! 

That Jareth, clinging to his dim–witted damsel, might as well spend his life staying with his silly wife! 

The tension among the three tycoons, minus Emeric, was thick enough to cut with a knife. 

“Evadne, your dad’s got the patience of a saint, all calm and collected, Thaddeus Winded in awe to Evadne. 

“Is that olive branch from the J Group tempting you?” Evadne’s eyes danced with mischief as she glanced at her man. 

“Tempting.” 

“If you’re tempted, you think Emeric can resist?” Evadne elbowed him gently, “Oh, him? He’s just pretending to be aloof. If he was truly above it all, would he have four wives?” 

Thaddeus could only laugh at the way she could so casually roast her own father. 

“He’s just too used to being on top, hasn’t made a move in years. People either come groveling to him or Cassius does the talking. He’s too proud to get his hands dirty anymore,” Evadne said, arms crossed, shaking her head. 

“So, what do we do now?” 

Thaddeus’s gaze deepened, his hand finding the small of her back, growing more daring when no one was watching. 

He started by gently kneading the spot he adored, then his hand began to drift lower. 

“Hey!” 

To his surprise, her sharp heel came down hard on his toes, a mix of pain and pleasure shooting through him. His custom shoes could be trashed for all he cared; his toes felt like they were on the brink of shattering. 

“Show some respect, Mr. Thaddeus.” 

Evadne flicked her raven locks, tickling his cheek, sending his heart fluttering, “Or next time, it might be a horseshoe on your foot.” 

Lowering his gaze, her suitor’s voice turned husky with restraint, “Then, when we get home, maybe we can?” 

“Home talk for home,” Evadne cut him off, her voice firm but her heart in disarray, her lashes fluttering with shyness. 

Thaddeus was all but crying inside. Even affection from his ladylove had to be begged for. 

Tough life. Who knew!