She didn’t want Freya to join them for dinner. Her mother's presence would undoubtedly cause tension with Aunt Raven, making the meal awkward.

Raven smiled warmly and said, “Go ahead.”

After a moment's hesitation, Isabella went upstairs. Freya was already eating in her room when Isabella pressed the doorbell. Looking at the monitor in the living room, Freya saw Isabella standing outside her door. Freya set down her bowl and opened it. “Isabella?”

Isabella bit her lip and looked up. “Mom, Dad told me to ask you to come downstairs and eat with us.”

Freya declined immediately. “I’ve already started eating. You all go ahead.”

Isabella sighed in relief. “Okay, I’ll tell Dad you’re eating.”

Freya could tell Isabella was happy to return downstairs. She observed her daughter’s expression and replied lightly, “Mm, go ahead.”

Isabella smiled. “Okay!”

She turned, then hesitated after two steps. “Mom, are you sure you’re okay by yourself? Do you want me to stay with you?” The downstairs was bustling, and it would be lonely for her mother alone upstairs. However, her offer to stay felt slightly forced, revealing her preference to join Matteo and Raven downstairs.

Freya didn’t want to force her; she didn’t need forced company. She bent down gently. “It’s fine. I like being alone. You go ahead.”

Isabella’s guilt lessened immediately. She nodded. “Okay, I’m going.”

“Go ahead,” Freya replied.

Isabella quickly left.

Freya watched her leave, closed the door, and returned to her meal in peace.

Downstairs, Isabella ran to Matteo. “Dad, Mom is already eating, so she won’t be coming down.”

Levi raised an eyebrow. Smart move.

Harry lowered his gaze and remained silent.

Raven smiled subtly, her lips curling with almost imperceptible satisfaction. She had known Freya wouldn't come down; no one there truly welcomed her. Even if she had, she would only receive ridicule and exclusion. It was better for her to remain upstairs, a turtle in its shell.

Matteo nodded. “Alright, I understand.” He then said to the others, “Let’s eat. No need to wait.”

Raven’s smile deepened as she gracefully sat beside Matteo.

After finishing her meal, Freya returned to her work. Johnny had already arrived home. Freya had new ideas, and after explaining them, Johnny jumped up, exclaiming excitedly,

“Oh my God! Genius! You, little sister, are truly a genius in this area! I knew you could do it!”

His excitement was loud; he pounded the table before pausing, his face falling.

“Seven years! Seven whole years! If you hadn’t gone off to get married, our company might have been world-famous by now!”

Freya held the phone away from her ear; it was too loud. She winced.

Johnny, realizing he’d overstepped, cleared his throat. “Alright, alright, let’s get down to business. To do something big, we can’t just rely on the two of us.”

He immediately contacted other company members, including Simon, to involve them in the project. He explained that while their AI abilities weren't on par with his and Freya's, they were competent and eager to learn.

Although they hadn't grasped the complete picture yet, after new explanations from Freya, they were excited and eager to participate. This was great news. Considering the complexity of the work and the time it would take them to return to the office, they decided to work from home, ensuring the momentum wasn't lost.

After arranging everything, Johnny suddenly asked, “So you’re alone up there? What about your family and the others?”

“I don’t know, maybe they’re eating,” Freya answered indifferently.

“Just them? Father and daughter?” Johnny probed.

“Raven, Levi, and the others are also there.”

“They’re all there, and they left you alone in your room?” Johnny sounded incredulous.

“They invited me downstairs, but I refused.”

“Well, that’s still considerate of Matteo, I suppose,” Johnny said with a hint of relief.

Freya, however, didn’t feel the same way. Her thoughts were similar to Levi’s: Matteo wasn’t concerned about her, but about avoiding his mother's nagging. Besides, even downstairs, surrounded by people supporting Raven, she wouldn't be "bullied." They had no reason to fear her presence.