After four hours of intense work, it was nearly dinner time. They decided to take a break and continue in two hours. Freya used this opportunity to organize her thoughts, stepping outside to clear her mind. She considered picking apples from the mountain to bring back to Johnny and the others tomorrow.
The resort was vast, and unsure of Matteo and the others' location, she avoided encountering them as she went downstairs. The sky was still light, so she took two staff members with her to help pick apples. The air was slightly chilly, but Freya, bundled in a thick coat, felt little cold. She spent time on the mountain, enjoying the wind and picking apples, gradually unwinding. With the staff's help, they quickly filled two or three crates. Afterward, instead of going straight down, Freya noticed the beautiful sunset and sat to enjoy the view.
Just then, she heard footsteps and a child's voice. Turning, she met Harry's gaze. He, too, seemed surprised, pausing a moment. A child's voice rang happily from his phone: "Auntie!" Harry had been video-calling his niece, Daisy, showing her apples and promising to bring some back tomorrow. He hadn't expected to encounter Freya. Although they had met a few times before, and he had helped her, Freya still felt distant from him; she didn't want to grow close. Her face hardened at the sight of him, but hearing Daisy's voice softened her expression slightly.
Harry noticed the change but didn't approach immediately. He simply asked, "Daisy wants to talk to you. Would you be willing?" Freya remembered Daisy's help during their previous encounter, especially after leaving the rehabilitation center. She appreciated Daisy's kindness and support, so she nodded. Harry handed her his phone but remained a few meters away, respecting her space. Freya chatted with Daisy for a while, learning she was with her grandmother and hadn't come to the resort with Harry. They spoke about the sunset, and after about ten minutes, Freya returned the phone.
After Harry finished speaking with Daisy, he turned to Freya. "Thank you." Freya replied simply, "No need to thank me." By the time they reached the resort, the sky had darkened completely. However, streetlights illuminated the mountain, making the descent easy.
Freya, after a brief hesitation, turned and started down the mountain. Harry, seeing her leave, silently followed. They descended together in silence. As they neared the resort, they encountered Raven. Raven saw them walking side-by-side and froze, then pursed her lips tightly. Freya ignored her, walking past into the lobby. Raven stared at her retreating figure, then turned to Harry, furrowing her brow. "Harry, you guys…"
Harry replied calmly, "We ran into each other on the mountain." Raven knew Harry had been video-calling Daisy while showing her the apple trees, so their meeting made sense. After a brief pause, Raven relaxed slightly. Before she could speak further, Harry asked, "Where are they?"
"They're by the pavilion. The ingredients for the bonfire feast are ready, and they were about to call you," Raven replied. "Got it," Harry nodded, and they walked toward the pavilion together.
Tonight's bonfire feast featured pancakes, Burrata salad, and barbecue. A long table was laden with fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared for grilling and cooking. The bonfire was lit, and the group gathered around it. Levi and the others had already started eating the Bobo chicken, dipping it in spicy broth. When everyone had gathered, they were ready to formally begin the feast. However, Levi, who had already sampled the food, noticed Freya's absence.
He turned to Isabella. "Isabella, can you go upstairs and call your mom down? Tell her we have good food, and she should come eat with us." Though he doubted Freya would come, as at lunch, the invitation was necessary. Raven understood his implication. They had done their part; if Freya didn't come, it would be her decision. Raven looked at Isabella and added, "Isabella, go on."
Isabella frowned, clearly reluctant. She really didn't want her mother to join them. But seeing everyone's request, she knew she couldn't refuse. As she was about to put down her drink, Matteo suddenly spoke. "I'll go," he said. The room fell silent.