Chapter 555:

Freda waved dismissively. "You really think he's a great guy? Don't be silly, sweetie. He's just slick enough to keep his dirt off the internet. It's my duty to unveil his true face to the world."

Alena was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What's your plan?"

Freda leaned back. "I have to figure out how to get close to him. It's the first step to exposing who he really is."

"That's simple," Alena said. "Just make a move on him."

Freda countered instantly, "Absolutely not! Theo has my whole heart. How could I even think about pursuing someone else?"

Alena pondered. "Think about it. Theo's heart belongs to Elyse, not you. That's why he keeps turning you down. Imagine if you were to walk out of his life—would he feel any regret once he realizes you've moved on?"

"Well…" Freda hesitated.

Alena pressed on. "And what if you start pursuing Gavin? How do you think Theo will react when he sees you with another man? He's aware of how much you cared about him. If you shift your focus, maybe then he'll see what he's missing."

After a moment, Freda admitted, "Maybe he would just be happy."

"Come on, you really don't understand men," Alena said. "Men tend to try to hold onto women they once had. Theo's indifference comes from your constant presence. He takes you for granted because he knows you're not going anywhere."

After a moment of reflection, she stated firmly, "You need to walk away from Theo and show him you might be out of his life for good."

"That makes sense," Freda responded thoughtfully.

Alena said earnestly, "You have to apply what you've learned! You might not have been in love before, but don't let men see through you and play games with you!"

A spark of resolve flickered in Freda's eyes as she formulated her plan. She thanked Alena for dinner. After ending the call, Freda grabbed her coat and prepared to leave.

Seeing this, Karl asked curiously, "Where are you off to?"

With a determined voice, Freda announced, "I'm off to meet Gavin."

"What are you meeting him for?" Karl inquired.

"I want to pursue him!" Freda declared.

Karl frowned. "Are you serious? He's a famous violinist. Just stay home and don't make a fool of yourself."

Freda's anger flared. Her own father underestimated the man she loved and doubted her worthiness. What was so extraordinary about Gavin, anyway? She vowed to reveal Gavin's true self; then, she believed, everyone would see they'd been fooled.

Ignoring Karl, Freda put on her shoes and hurried out. She dialed Gavin's number. As soon as he answered, she said, "Where are you?"

Gavin recognized her voice. After a pause, he asked, "Miss Jimenez, what's the reason for your call?"

Freda fabricated a story. "My father suggested I should get to know you better and keep in contact."

There was a brief silence. "You might want to ignore your father's suggestion on this matter," Gavin replied.

Freda replied firmly, "No, I'd rather follow his advice. Where are you? I'm on my way."

Gavin ended the call abruptly and blocked Freda's number.

Undeterred, Freda tried again, scoffing, "Playing hard to get? Think I can't find out where you are?"

Elyse came home from the hospital a day early. Today was Dorothy's funeral, and Jayden had been out since early morning with the arrangements. Waiting in the living room, Elyse glanced at the clock, anticipating Jayden's return. However, Lanny arrived unexpectedly.

Driscoll was inclined to send Lanny away, but Elyse, curious about his reason, let him in. Jayden had briefed the bodyguards on Lanny's dangerous character, making them especially vigilant, especially with Elyse pregnant. A line of bodyguards stood tensely, eyes fixed on Lanny, who seemed less confident than usual. He scanned the room slyly; hidden schemes were evident.

Wrapped in a blanket, Elyse eyed Lanny piercingly. After a moment, she demanded, "Why have you come here?"

Lanny cleared his throat. "Elyse, it's time to release Glenda. Dorothy has passed, and there's no justification for keeping Glenda locked up. If you continue, I will charge you with illegal detention!"

Elyse scoffed mockingly. "Oh, missing your wife?" She arched an eyebrow. "Do you truly wish to see Glenda?"

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