Chapter 498

Seething with rage, Theo dialed Freda Jimenez's number. Despite the incessant ringing for a full minute, she didn't answer. His expression darkened as he realized Freda was deliberately making things difficult for Elyse. Determined, he called Zandra.

She almost answered immediately, but before she could speak, Theo said, "I must end things with Freda. If you insist on this marriage, perhaps you should marry her yourself."

Concerned about their nascent collaboration with the Jimenez family's company, Zandra hastily asked, "Why the sudden change? Didn't you pledge to support the collaboration?"

Theo despised his mother's constant manipulation using the collaboration as leverage. Without it, he would have already broken up with Freda.

"I need to see Elyse. I can't wait any longer," Theo declared solemnly, his fingers tapping the keyboard as he scrolled through news and photos of Elyse's championship win on his laptop.

Hearing Elyse's name, Zandra fumed. "Can you not endure a little longer? I'm thinking of your future. You will inherit the company. To marry Elyse, you need to become powerful," she snapped. Pausing, she added, "Remember, Elyse is married to Jayden Owen. If you lack power, how will you ever win her back?"

Her words struck a chord, plunging Theo into a rare silence. Sensing his hesitation, Zandra softened her tone. "Theo, just hold on a bit longer. Once the Jimenez family's interests are fully aligned with ours, you can break up with Freda."

Theo sighed, his eyes reflecting inner torment. Nodding, he conceded, "Alright, I'll endure it a while longer."

He ended the call, rubbing his face vigorously to alleviate his exhaustion before returning to his work.

Freda sat on a rock, her phone resting beside her. She watched the screen light up with an incoming call, then fade to black. Her heart remained unmoved. She knew exactly why Theo was calling; she had anticipated it, and this call was part of her plan. However, her father had thwarted her. She never imagined he would undermine her happiness. Bitterness welled up within her. With Elyse's victory, Freda knew she had lost her leverage. How could she now force Theo to comply?

"I thought it was Fiona sitting on the rocks. But it's you."

A familiar yet strange voice echoed, causing Freda to turn in surprise.

"You—you're Gavin Cramer, Elyse's senior," she recognized him, quickly standing and gazing at him warily. Tensely, she asked, "What do you want? Are you here to settle a score? Let me tell you, I will never apologize to Elyse. You might as well give up."

Gavin stood casually, hands in his pockets. He saw the fear in Freda's eyes, a smile playing on his lips.

"Miss, it's wise to leave some room for yourself; otherwise, you may find yourself embarrassed in the future."

"Here to avenge Elyse, are you? Who do you think you are?" Freda's voice strained for calm.

"You're mistaken. I was searching for another junior and saw a woman sitting on the rocks from a distance. I thought you were she." After a pause, Gavin looked Freda up and down and said in a helpless tone, "I didn't recognize you until I got closer."

Freda sneered, "Disappointed, aren't you?"

Gavin nodded honestly. "Yes, a bit."

Freda's teeth clenched. She wanted to attack Gavin but realized his superior height and build. Gavin exuded a gentlemanly demeanor, but standing so close, Freda felt overwhelmed by his powerful presence. She quietly took a step back, still trying to appear fierce. "You'd better leave. Don't blame me if I get rude."

Gavin's interest was piqued. "And if I don't? What will you do?"

Pointing at the river, Freda snapped, "You don't leave, and I'll push you into the water."

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