Chapter 260

Freda received Theo's call and quickly arranged a meeting place before hanging up. Theo, wearing a mask, arrived at the designated spot. Freda was already there, dressed in a light-colored, floral-patterned dress; her hair was neatly styled, and her makeup subtly applied.

For a moment, Theo mistook her for Elyse. Elyse often dressed that way, but the style didn't suit Freda. Elyse's gentle and easygoing nature complemented such soft styles, unlike Freda's vibrant and chatty personality, which usually favored bolder, more captivating looks. This subdued outfit didn't reflect Freda's true nature.

Looking at Freda, Theo said indifferently, "Miss Jimenez, this outfit doesn't suit you. Please change into your usual style."

Freda felt a wave of embarrassment. She had researched Elyse's favorite styles and dressed accordingly to impress Theo. He had noticed immediately and pointed it out bluntly. Embarrassed and annoyed, Freda forced a smile. "You used to call me Freda. Why are you suddenly calling me Miss Jimenez?"

After a brief silence, Theo decided to be honest. "I've reconsidered everything. I think it's best we end this and go back to how things were before."

Surprised, Freda asked, "Why? Didn't we agree to date and see how things went?"

Theo nodded. "Yes, but I've realized we're not compatible. If I've hurt you, I apologize."

Freda's smile vanished, her voice turning cold. "Give me a reason. I won't accept this without one."

Theo replied, "I've realized who I truly love. I love Elyse Lloyd. As a psychology major, you understand exclusivity. I only want to be with Elyse."

Freda stared at him in disbelief. "Elyse Lloyd? You're breaking up with me because of her?" Her tone made Theo frown. He clarified, "We were never officially a couple. It's unfair to say I'm breaking up with you. Elyse is married. You can't be with her, and yet you still choose to love her."

Freda tried to press him further. Theo's patience was wearing thin; he was puzzled by everyone's surprise that he wanted to win Elyse back. Jayden, Elyse's husband, was disabled. Theo couldn't understand how Elyse could settle for someone in that condition. Although Elyse often spoke highly of Jayden's treatment of her, Theo suspected she felt obligated to do so, being married to him. Surely, she wouldn't criticize her husband openly. Elyse was too considerate to publicly embarrass him.

Theo's words disheartened Freda. She had feelings for him, which was the only reason she'd considered a relationship. To further their relationship, she even wore a dress she disliked to impress him. She would have gone to great lengths for him, yet felt let down. Freda bit her lip, struggling to accept the situation. Coming from a wealthy background, she was unaccustomed to rejection.

Seeing her silence, Theo assumed she had accepted reality. He stood up. "Miss Jimenez, take care."

Freda hesitantly asked, "Aren't you interested in my family's resources?"

Theo paused. "I apologize for any inconvenience. Your family is free to terminate our partnership. I won't oppose it."

Freda's anger flared. "What's so special about Elyse Lloyd that you'd cancel a project worth 100 billion dollars? Don't you want the money? That's profit!"

Freda's focus on financial gain reminded Theo of Zandra, who also prioritized wealth above all else. Freda scoffed, "You're sacrificing a fortune for a married woman, Theo Ward. Are you that lovestruck?"

Theo sighed. "Miss Jimenez, perhaps you've never been in love, but love can make even the greatest fortunes seem trivial."

A sarcastic smile touched Freda's lips. She thought Theo was hopelessly in love. However, she remembered he had left Elyse at the altar. Otherwise, why would Elyse have married Jayden?

Theo understood her thoughts. He knew others might not understand, or even ridicule, his feelings. He even despised himself at times. Regardless of whether Elyse would reciprocate, he was determined to win her back. Surely, he couldn't lose to a "cripple" like Jayden.