Chapter 106

When Freya heard Raven answer the phone, she wasn't surprised. Matteo and Raven had become so close; the distinction between them was negligible. So, what was wrong with her calling Matteo?

She spoke calmly: "I'm looking for Matteo."

Raven, recognizing Freya's voice, responded coldly, "He's showering. If you have something to say, you can talk to me."

Talk to her? This matter did concern Raven. Her uncle had seen Raven's aunt in the neighborhood, but Logan was the likely buyer of the villa opposite their house. If Logan purchased it, it was probably to honor Raven's grandmother, now his mother-in-law.

Would telling Raven dissuade her uncle's family from moving in? No. Furthermore, Freya didn't believe Raven was unaware of their plans. Telling Raven would be useless, possibly even counterproductive.

Freya remained silent, hanging up without further conversation. Over an hour passed without a return call from Matteo. She wasn't sure if Raven had failed to inform him or if Matteo simply chose not to call back. At this point, it didn't matter.

She calmly dialed his number again. This time, his phone was switched off. Freya's grip on the phone tightened in frustration. After a moment, she composed herself and called the housekeeper instead, asking, "Are they home?"

The housekeeper replied, "No, why?"

"Nothing," Freya responded before ending the call.

That night, Freya slept poorly. The next morning, after 9 a.m., she dialed Matteo's number again. This time, the call connected, but was immediately disconnected. She wasn't sure whether Raven or Matteo had hung up; she didn't want to dwell on it.

Grabbing her phone and bag, she left her house and soon arrived at Matteo's villa. The housekeeper greeted her warmly, "Madam, you're back?"

"Yes," Freya replied.

"Would you like lunch? I can have someone prepare it for you."

"Yes, thank you," she said.

She went upstairs. Reaching the second floor, she paused before entering the master bedroom. She placed her bag down and sat on the edge of the bed. The master bedroom remained unchanged. However, the skincare products she'd left when accompanying Isabella were back in their original places. Even the clothes she'd changed out of were neatly returned to the wardrobe, beside Matteo's clothes. It looked as if she had never left.

She didn't bother calling Matteo again. He still hadn't returned her call. She ate dinner alone. She had considered asking Old Lady Wilson for help, but involving her might complicate matters further. Besides, while Matteo respected his grandmother, heeding her advice was entirely his prerogative.

After dinner, she opened her laptop and resumed her work. The night deepened. Just as she concluded Matteo and Isabella wouldn't be returning, the sound of a car broke the silence.

When Isabella stepped from the car, she saw Freya's car and excitedly said to Matteo, "Oh, it's Mommy's car! Daddy, Mommy is home!"

"Mm," Matteo replied, glancing at Freya's car before entering the house with Isabella.

Isabella asked the housekeeper, "Where's Mommy?"

"Madam is upstairs."

"Okay!" Isabella cheered and hurried upstairs.

Freya had just shut down her computer and packed up her things. As she stepped from the master bedroom, Isabella ran and jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly. "Mommy!"

"Mm," Freya patted her head gently, but didn't embrace her.

Isabella noticed nothing unusual and happily chatted. At that moment, Matteo came upstairs. Their eyes met; both paused. Matteo's expression was neutral; Freya appeared calm. She turned to Isabella, still chattering, and said, "Let Aunt Sara help you bathe. Mommy needs to talk to Daddy."

Hearing this, Matteo stopped. Isabella, in a good mood after two days of play, didn't protest and went to her room, where Aunt Sara would help her wash and bathe.

Freya looked at Matteo, leaning casually against the wall, fiddling with his phone, paying her little attention. "Shall we talk in the room?"