Chapter 505 Evelyn's Preference
Such a stark contrast in treatment, blatant favoritism.
Who couldn't see that Evelyn was the one Edward cherished the most?
Gilbert clenched his fists tightly, his body gradually stiffening.
Why was he always a step behind?
Why was the spot next to Evelyn always occupied by Edward?
Sawyer's expression visibly darkened, but he maintained the smile of a wealthy young master. Edward's tenderness towards Evelyn truly made him a gentleman."
"It made me seem too reckless, not considering Evelyn's feelings. So, I'll punish myself with a drink."
With that, Sawyer downed his drink.
Edward, with calm eyes, also raised his head and drank it all.
Applause broke out, easing the awkward atmosphere.
But Patrick's face had turned extremely ugly.
"Dad, what do you think Edward is thinking? Sawyer is interested in Evelyn. Isn't he offending Sawyer by stepping in?"
Debra couldn't help but complain, "For a woman, disregarding the bigger picture, Edward is lacking in stability as a CEO. Throughout history, many conflicts between men have been caused by beautiful women. Evelyn is a troublemaker."
"Can't you learn from Molly and be a bit quieter? What kind of lady from a respectable family speaks ill of her relatives like you?" Patrick gave Debra a stern look, scaring her into silence.
At this moment, Evelyn raised her glass again, smiling brightly, "Come on, everyone, let's toast to the arrival of Gavin and Sawyer! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
The atmosphere became cheerful again under Evelyn's infectious smile, and everyone raised their glasses to drink the fine wine.
Only Tiffany hid in a corner, clutching her glass but not daring to take a sip.
"Tiffany, why aren't you drinking?"
Evelyn suddenly turned her gaze to the pale-faced Tiffany, smiling lightly but not unkindly, "At such a joyous moment with distinguished guests, don't you plan to celebrate with us?"
"Or is it that the champagne prepared by the Alexander family doesn't suit your taste?"
Tiffany's heart tightened, her face showing an embarrassed smile, her eyes fixed on Evelyn's, red with anger!
Everyone's eyes focused on her, and sure enough, her glass of wine was untouched.
The Alexander family members looked displeased. Calvin gave Helen a look, and Helen immediately sneered, "Tiffany, as the wife of the chairman of the Wellington Group, must have tasted many fine wines."
"It's understandable that she doesn't think much of the Alexander family's champagne."
Tiffany knew well that the Alexander family was their rival, especially Helen, who had caused her trouble at many events before. This time, she would definitely take the opportunity to scheme against her.
"I didn't mean that, please don't misunderstand. I just can't hold my liquor." Tiffany could only explain, trying to stay calm.
As soon as she spoke, Edward said, "Aunt Tiffany, you're being modest. Every time the family hosts a party, you drink the most and have the most fun."
"On such a celebratory day, Aunt Tiffany, you don't need to be so reserved."
Aunt Tiffany? It sounded like he was calling a nanny.
Everyone looked at each other, their expressions complex.
Tiffany had lived with the Wellington family for so many years and still hadn't gained Edward's approval? One wondered if Caleb called her that, too. If so, it was truly laughable!
Tiffany's body trembled violently, her heavy makeup barely covering the intense resentment.
Usually, Edward didn't talk much, but at critical moments, he was surprisingly eloquent.
Evelyn squinted her eyes slightly and, taking advantage of the moment, gently bumped Edward with her shoulder.
A waft of fresh fragrance drifted over, making Edward's heart flutter, his cheeks flushing slightly, and he pressed his thin lips together.
Evelyn noticed his slightly reddened handsome face and covered her mouth, laughing secretly.
Edward was still a pure-hearted guy.
But this so-called pure-hearted guy, when holding her in bed at night, was like a ravenous wolf.
"Tiffany, just have one drink, you don't need to drink too much."
Patrick glanced sideways at Tiffany, his gaze deepening, and lowered his voice, "Don't ruin the atmosphere."
Tiffany's heart tightened, and she stiffly raised her glass, drinking it all.
Seeing her reluctance, Debra felt nervous for her.
Gilbert kept an eye on the subtle interactions between Evelyn and Edward, always feeling they were plotting something, but he couldn't figure it out.
Sawyer returned to Gavin's side, biting his lip, his expression gloomy.
"Sawyer, have you taken a liking to Evelyn?" Gavin asked calmly.
"Yes, I fell for Evelyn at first sight." Sawyer stared intently at Evelyn's beautiful face, his bold personality showing no hesitation in expressing his admiration.
"Indeed, I think the only noble lady here who matches you is Evelyn."
"The others are like clowns."
Sawyer thought of the woman who had tried to wipe Edward's pants earlier and curled his lips in disdain.
"But Sawyer, you have quite a few rivals."
Gavin patted his shoulder, "Edward and Gilbert from the Alexander family, their admiration for Evelyn is clear even to an outsider like me. You've only just met Evelyn today, can you compete?"
"The Alexander family is no match for us. As for Edward, who does he think he is to compete with me?"
Sawyer sneered at Edward, "Edward may be the CEO of the Wellington Group on the surface, but in reality, he's just a dog raised by the Wellington family."
"Does he really think the position of the Wellington Group's heir is his? If our Wilson family supports Caleb, we could easily pull him down from the CEO position."
"I don't believe he would choose Evelyn over power. I don't believe in true love."
Gavin seriously reminded, "Even so, I think everything should be based on interests. Right now, cooperation with the Wellington Group is crucial, so don't stir up trouble for now."
"Dad, you're right, I understand."
Tiffany, forced to drink a glass of wine, immediately felt the urge to use the restroom.
So, after greeting Patrick, she left the VIP section.
As soon as she was out of sight, Tiffany hunched over awkwardly, clenching her legs, and sprinted to the restroom at full speed.
But all the stalls were occupied, and she was trembling with urgency, almost jumping up and down.
Finally, someone came out, but just as she walked in and before she could even lift her skirt, she wet her pants. Tiffany waited until everyone had left, then angrily shouted and pounded on the door in frustration.
After her outburst, she gradually calmed down, sat on the toilet, and dialed Percy's number.
It rang for a long time before he picked up, "Tiffany."
"Percy, you said you'd definitely come to the horse race today and bring me the medicine, right?"
Tiffany's bloodshot eyes widened as she repeatedly asked, "You won't go back on your word, will you? I have to see you today, right?"
"What? Miss me, Tiffany?" Percy asked with a mocking tone.
There was no hint of affection, just ridicule.
"Percy!" Tiffany called out tearfully, "I miss you, I really miss you! I'm going crazy missing you!"
In truth, she missed the pills in his hand that could save her even more.
For those pills, she had lost all sense of shame.
"After the horse race, please come alone to the rest area at Track 2. Everyone will be at Track 1, so no one will be there. I'll be waiting for you."
Tiffany nodded, her eyes shining with excitement, "Okay! I'll definitely come find you!"
After the spectacular opening ceremony, the race officially began.
Every year, there are two events at the horse race that garner the most attention.
First, the Grand Parade of a Hundred Horses. To showcase their wealth, various nobles would spend a fortune importing expensive horses from abroad for the parade.
One by one, rare and magnificent horses would gallop across the track, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Second, the horse race itself.
The total bets placed on the horse race alone each year amounted to billions of dollars!
Some people hoped to win big at the horse race; others competed for glory, not money, but to be the best!
The four major families had brought their prized horses, waiting in the stables, ready to compete.
"Charlie, how much are you betting on my 'Big Baby' today?" Elbert asked, looking through his binoculars at the track and nudging Charlie with his elbow.
"'Big Baby'? Why haven't you changed its name yet?"
Charlie frowned in disdain, "With a name like that, I wouldn't bet on it. It sounds slow."
"I already changed it! It's now called SwiftHoof!"
"SwiftHoof? While other horses run forward, does yours run in circles?" Charlie couldn't help but mock.
Elbert looked helpless, and the family members around them couldn't stop laughing.
Evelyn couldn't stand Charlie's mockery.
"Charlie, the older you get, the stingier you become! Not only do you mock me, but you also refuse to bet on my horse. Are we still friends?" Elbert pouted.
"No bet. Whether I win or lose on my horse, I'm happy. If I lose on someone else's, I can't sleep at night. I'm just stingy."
"Elbert, I'll bet on your SwiftHoof."
Landon stepped in, smiling warmly, "I have faith in your horse. I'll place a small bet to show my support, if you don't mind."
"Landon, you're too kind. I'm just happy you trust my SwiftHoof!"
But Elbert was still curious, "Landon, how much are you betting?"
Landon's gentle eyes curved as he raised a long finger.
"One million dollars?"
"Ten million dollars."
"Thank you for your support, Landon!" Elbert regained his dignity, smiling broadly.
"Be careful not to lose it all," Charlie mocked.
"Evelyn, which horse are you betting on?" Gilbert asked with a gentle smile.
Evelyn didn't even look at him, coldly saying, "I'm not betting on anyone. Value life, stay away from gambling."
Gilbert knew she still resisted him, but he didn't mind. He turned to Charlie with a smile, "Charlie, I'll join the fun. I'll bet ten million dollars on the KnightSpear Group's SilverSteed, just like Landon."
Elbert nodded with a smile, clearly pleased with Gilbert's move.
"Not bad, Gilbert, you have good taste, better than Landon's." Charlie beamed, clearly satisfied with Gilbert's actions.
"It's all for fun; everyone's happiness is what matters."
Evelyn and Landon remained expressionless, but their gazes at Gilbert were icy, filled with hidden hostility.
"Mr. Taylor, can I join in too?"
Everyone turned to see Edward, his starry eyes smiling as he walked towards them.
Gilbert adjusted his glasses, his whole body tense with caution.
"Oh? Edward wants to place a bet, too?" Charlie's tone was mocking, his smile not reaching his eyes.
The distinction between friend and foe was clear.
"I also like your SilverSteed. I've been following it since it was at the Yatuok Royal Stables." Edward's lips curved into a beautiful smile.
Landon chuckled softly, lowering his long lashes.
Anyone who knew Edward knew how much effort he had put into pursuing Evelyn. These words, clearly meant to please, were something he would never have said before.
Now, he had set aside his pride, lowered himself, just to regain a bit of favor.
Even if it was a drop in the bucket, he was willing to try.
Charlie was surprised that Edward knew something about his beloved horse, his pupils contracting slightly.
He was about to say something when Evelyn quickly walked up to Edward, playfully poking his firm chest with her finger.
"You're such a fool with too much money. Why bet on this one? Just because it's Charlie's horse?"
Edward's smile was sweet, his palm covering the spot on his chest where Evelyn had touched, "Not entirely, I also have faith in SilverSteed."
"You don't know horses! SilverSteed and Elbert's SwiftHoof are about the same level. Betting on it, do you want to lose?"
Evelyn put her hand on her hip, shaking her head, "Poor judgment and bad investments, how are you still a CEO?"
Everyone fell silent, as well as Charlie and Elbert.
Edward was slightly stunned, then a soft light flickered in his eyes. He leaned close to her ear, his voice low and gentle, "Evelyn, are you worried about my money?"
Evelyn's cheeks turned red, and she mumbled softly, "It's not just the money, I don't like seeing you lose."
Edward's indulgent smile deepened, wanting to hug her, "Even if I lose to Mr. Taylor, I wouldn't mind."