Chapter 489

The moment Edgar strode into the room, Declan’s face flushed crimson. The history between the Blair and Odom families was no secret, and the Blair family’s recent actions had left the Odoms smarting from public humiliation. Declan’s smile was more a grimace, but with all eyes on him, he steeled himself and extended a hand. Before he could grasp Edgar’s, the latter withdrew and asked, “Where’s Jade?”

To the casual observer, Edgar still cut the figure of a man hopelessly in love. The room buzzed with whispers as Shelia descended the staircase. Clad in a couture gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, and dripping in jewels that could fund a small nation, Shelia commanded attention. Guests flocked to her, their congratulations echoing through the marbled hall. Having attended many events with Juan in the past, she smiled politely and poised, as if she were already the future Mrs. Nichols.

“Dad,” Shelia cooed, sidling up to Declan. He beamed with pride, patting her hand. “You’re the picture of elegance.” Shelia’s gaze shifted to Edgar, her lips curving into a triumphant smile. “Edgar, how kind of you to join us!”

Edgar’s eyes narrowed as he noted the change in her demeanor. Gone was the terrified girl he once knew, replaced by this confident, calculating woman. With Juan now backing her, she wasn’t afraid of him exposing her identity.

“Congratulations! You’ve finally gotten what you wanted,” Edgar said, taking her outstretched hand. He gave it a slight squeeze, his eyes conveying a silent warning.

Shelia, feigning ignorance, smiled sweetly. “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? And I have you to thank, Edgar. Without your help, my path to marrying Juan wouldn’t have been so smooth.” Turning to Declan, she added, “Dad, we should thank Edgar properly, don’t you think?”

“Of course, Edgar’s like a son to me,” Declan agreed. He patted Edgar on the shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, there are other guests we must greet.”

The dismissal was clear, and Edgar bristled. “Declan, have I fallen out of your favor?” Over the years, he had treated Declan like a father. Others expected Edgar to become Declan’s successor. But now that Jade had been found, Declan had turned around and arranged for her to marry Juan, essentially abandoning Edgar.

Declan waved a hand dismissively. “How so? You’re overthinking things.” Despite saying that, he led Shelia toward the other side of the hall.

Chace grunted, “Mr. Blair is a piece of work. He left us to clean up the mess, and we helped find his daughter. Now he’s cozying up to the Nichols family and tossing us aside.”

“Where is the real Jade?” Edgar asked.

Chace replied, “She’s on standby. She’ll make her entrance when Juan announces his engagement to Shelia.”

A cold, calculating light flickered in Edgar’s eyes. “Declan, if you insist on playing the heartless card, don’t blame me for showing no mercy. The gloves are off, and no one is walking away unscathed.”