Chapter 618

Theo raised his glass, clinking it against Freda's. A cruel smile played on his lips. "Because I don't love you," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "All that kindness? A charade to secure your family's cooperation!"

Tears welled in Freda's eyes, but she remained composed. "Then why not maintain the facade? You've lost significant money and resources by refusing to marry me. Isn't that a heavy price?"

Theo's expression hardened. "I don't want Elyse to know I've been seeing you. Breaking up with you is a price I'm willing to pay."

Freda opened her mouth to argue, to point out the pointlessness of his obsession with Elyse, to suggest a future with her was the better choice. But words failed her; she felt like a fool. Could they have been together if Elyse weren't in the picture? She wasn't sure.

His impatience grew as he saw tears threatening to spill. A scene was the last thing he wanted. Wouldn't everyone see him as a jerk? "Are we done?" he snapped. "Can I go?"

Freda longed to stop him, but his disdain pierced her heart. She swallowed her thoughts. "Go ahead."

His contempt was palpable. She had no reason to cling to him; making him stay would only make her look pathetic. She stood rooted to the spot for a few minutes, gathering her emotions. The vibrant event now seemed meaningless. She wanted to go home.

Lifting the hem of her dress, she moved slowly through the crowd toward the exit.

"I didn't expect to see Gavin here. He's always so low-key, avoiding lively gatherings."

"Yeah, a real surprise. And to hear him play the violin so beautifully…"

Freda paused, subconsciously eavesdropping on a conversation about Gavin.

"But when will he think about marriage? I want to introduce him to my daughter."

"I'm trying to find out, too. I'd love for my niece to have dinner with him."

Freda sneered inwardly. What was it about Gavin that made everyone so eager to marry him off? He seemed ordinary, nothing special.

After leaving the hall, Freda drove home. Following her nightly routine, she lay on her bed, phone in hand, and dialed Alena.

Alena, mid-skincare ritual, answered casually, "What's going on, sweetie?"

"Theo has never loved me," Freda murmured, staring at the ceiling.

Alena was startled. "What happened?"

Freda recounted the banquet. After listening, Alena was silent for a long moment. "What are you planning to do next?"

"I don't know," Freda admitted. "I'm starting to take over some of my father's company's business and projects. I guess I'll be busy with work."

Alena thought. "I don't think you should give up entirely. You've always been too accommodating. He looks down on you because of it, treating you like a doormat. You need to stir his possessive instincts before confronting him."

Freda turned over, considering. "You want me to get closer to Gavin to draw Theo's attention?"

"Exactly!" Alena confirmed. "Aren't you curious about his family background? This could be the perfect chance to investigate."

"Your idea is tempting," Freda sighed, rolling on the bed. "But I haven't approached him since our last unpleasant encounter."

"So? Are you going to give up that easily? If there's even a glimmer of hope, seize it."

Freda licked her lips, realizing Alena had a point. Even if Theo didn't love her, he wouldn't entirely disregard her. With renewed determination, she sat up and began to tell Alena about Gavin's display at the banquet.

"Gavin is like a peacock, strutting around, catching every girl's eye. So many want him to marry their daughters. It's unbearable," Freda said.

Alena asked, puzzled, "Why do you despise Gavin so much? Maybe he's not as bad as you think!"

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