Chapter 128

Isabella didn't want the bodyguard to accompany her. She pouted unhappily, clinging to Freya and acting coquettishly: “Mom…” This trick had always worked in the past; Freya couldn’t resist her displays of cuteness. She expected Freya to give in, but this time, Freya gently pushed her away. “Mom really has something to do. We’ll do it next time.”

Seeing Freya’s firm expression, her furrowed brow, Isabella realized her mother’s matter was important and reluctantly agreed, “Alright then…”

After instructing the bodyguard to take good care of Isabella, Freya got into the car, set the navigation, and headed to an antique market she hadn’t visited before, a bit farther away. After browsing for a long time, she found a set of four rare and precious traditional scholar’s tools made from exquisite materials. At first glance, she was captivated and immediately spent over ten million dollars to purchase them.

Although this set only cost a little over five million—far less than the embroidered scroll and emerald jewelry she’d previously considered—she knew her grandmother well enough to understand these tools would be far more to her liking. As she gently stroked the specially textured paper and fine ink brushes carved from precious ancient wood, Freya could already imagine her grandmother’s surprise and delight. Yes, this set of scholar’s tools was the birthday gift she had personally chosen.

As for the gifts Matteo had bought—

Just as she was thinking about this, her phone rang; it was Jessica.

“Jessie?”

“Sorry, Mag, I have to go out of town tomorrow. I won’t be able to go with you to pick out a birthday gift for your grandmother,” Jessica apologized.

“It’s alright, I’ve already bought it,” Freya replied with a soft smile. She hadn’t planned to come to this antique shop today. Originally, she’d only wanted to try her luck here; if nothing suitable was found, she would have gone with Jessica to other places tomorrow. She hadn’t expected to actually find something that caught her eye.

“Really? That’s great!” Jessica exclaimed in surprise.

Freya smiled lightly. “Mm.”

Just as they were talking, Jessica suddenly added, “By the way, Mag, you mentioned you saw the Brown family a few days ago. I did a little digging for you. The Brown family is indeed planning to settle in the capital. I’ve heard they’ve been looking at houses recently.”

At the mention of the Brown family, Freya’s smile faded slightly. “I see. Thanks for letting me know.”

“As for Raven’s side of the family, I heard they’ve already picked out a place. They’ll be moving in soon, and it seems like they’re already sending out invitations for a housewarming party,” Jessica continued.

“Got it,” Freya replied calmly.

After hanging up, she drove back to the city. Next week would be her grandmother’s birthday. On Sunday, she went back to the Miller family house with Isabella and discussed the party details with her parents, Jason and his wife. Matteo wasn’t coming back that weekend, so Freya stayed at the villa. He would only return on Tuesday. For the next few days, she probably wouldn’t be going back there. After all, Matteo had placed the gift boxes on her vanity, thinking she might give them to her grandmother on the actual birthday. Upon seeing the contents, she realized he expected her to do so. So, when she left, she made sure to take the two boxes with her.

After sending Isabella to school, Freya returned to the office. Cole had to work on three or four new projects at once, and with the new week, both she and Johnny became even busier. Matteo likely had returned on schedule, as Isabella hadn’t called her over the next few days.

On Wednesday evening, Freya and Johnny were having dinner with a client. As they were about to enter the private room, they saw Matteo and Raven, along with Logan and Mrs. Brown. This time, Mrs. Brown and Raven’s mother, Janice, had both arrived in the capital. Matteo, being a prospective son-in-law, was clearly showing his respect. He had only just returned from a business trip yesterday, and today, he had specifically taken time out to have dinner with them. He was still so attentive when it came to Raven’s matters. The last time, Mrs. Brown and the others hadn’t noticed her, but this time, both Mrs. Brown and Logan saw her. They all paused, as if about to say something, but perhaps because Matteo was present, none of them spoke up. As for Raven and Matteo, due to their positions, they didn’t see her. Freya withdrew her gaze with no expression, then turned and left. Mrs. Brown and the others did not follow.

Over an hour later, after finishing their meal, Freya and Johnny were leaving the restaurant when they saw Raven and the others again. They were in the parking lot, preparing to leave. However, Matteo wasn’t there, so it seemed he had already left. Freya and Johnny hadn’t reacted yet when their client, Mr. Felton, saw Raven and the others and walked over enthusiastically.

“Miss Brown, Mr. Brown,” Mr. Felton greeted them warmly.