Chapter 196

Freya had actually been quite interested in watching the fireworks. But now… seeing Matteo and Raven made her want to avoid them, making it feel like a lose-lose situation. Thinking about this, she smiled and said, “Alright.”

They walked toward the crowd. Just as they reached the railing, the dazzling fireworks exploded across the riverbank, drawing gasps and laughter from the crowd, which was quickly drowned by the loud sounds of the fireworks. Many people were taking photos or making wishes.

Seeing that Freya was just silently watching, with no other reaction, Jimmy asked, “Would you like me to record a video for you?” Freya shook her head. “No, I’m fine watching it.” Jimmy didn’t ask further.

At that moment, Raven glanced over at them. They were several meters away, but Jimmy’s tall stature and remarkable appearance made her spot him instantly. Having met Jimmy a few times before, they were somewhat familiar with each other.

While Raven was contemplating whether to greet Matteo, who was holding Isabella, she saw Freya, who had been standing next to Jimmy. Seeing Freya, her smile quickly faded. How could they be together here? Such events were usually something families or couples attended together. Freya and Jimmy had barely any interactions other than dancing together at the banquet, so how could they…

She glanced again and confirmed that it was just Jimmy and Freya. “Miss, look, it’s so beautiful!” At this moment, Isabella noticed Raven looking elsewhere. Not wanting her to miss out on the beautiful display, she crouched down and excitedly shared with Raven. Raven turned her head back, “Yes, Auntie sees it.”

Matteo looked over but noticed Raven seemed distracted. “What’s wrong?” Raven quickly replied, “Nothing.” Isabella’s attention was completely absorbed by the fireworks across the river, and she didn’t look at Freya, so she didn’t notice her.

As Matteo turned to speak to Raven, he happened to catch sight of Freya. Since Jimmy was talking to her, Freya’s gaze was directed in their direction. Their eyes met across the crowd. Freya froze, pursed her lips, and quickly looked away.

Chapter 196

At this moment, Jimmy turned back, focusing on the fireworks, and his profile appeared in Matteo’s line of sight. Although it was only a side profile, Matteo immediately recognized him.

Raven noticed that Matteo had seen Jimmy and Freya, and said, “They actually came together to watch the fireworks…” “Mm.” Matteo responded indifferently, turning his gaze away. Seeing Matteo so indifferent and unconcerned, Raven smiled. However…

Thinking about how Jimmy and Freya had shown up together here, her smile faded quickly, and she once again turned her gaze toward Freya. Jimmy happened to glance over as well. Seeing that Raven seemed to have noticed him, he nodded at her. Raven smiled and nodded back. They were familiar with each other, so Jimmy should have walked over to greet her. But remembering that there seemed to be a deep misunderstanding between Raven and Freya, he decided not to approach.

Raven frowned slightly and slowly withdrew her gaze. Aside from that one glance, Matteo didn’t look back at Freya. As for Isabella, she was happily taking photos and laughing, fully absorbed in the fireworks show, completely unaware that Freya was not far away.

“Miss, would you like to buy a hot dog?” Freya turned around. The tempting hot dog caught her eye, and her heart stirred. It had been a long time since she had eaten a hot dog. Thinking this, she glanced over at Isabella. Sure enough, she saw Isabella holding a hot dog and enjoying it happily.

In addition, Raven had somehow acquired a bouquet of red roses. She leaned against Matteo, chatting with him, while Isabella handed her a bite of the hot dog she had been eating. Raven smiled and took it, biting into it, and then passed the hot dog back to Isabella, who took another bite before offering it to Matteo. Matteo shook his head and seemed to say something, but didn’t eat it.

Freya withdrew her gaze and said to the hot dog vendor, “I’ll take one.” Just as she was about to ask Jimmy if he wanted one, he spoke first, “Let me get it.” He immediately pulled out his phone to pay, took the hot dog from the vendor, and handed it to her. The hot dog cost just over five dollars. Freya reached out and took it, saying, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.”

They spoke casually, not noticing that Raven and Matteo were looking in their direction. They had just seen Jimmy pay for the hot dog for Freya. Matteo’s gaze darkened slightly, while Raven’s smile faded. Freya and Jimmy didn’t notice them.

Chapter 196

The fireworks show was set to last about 20 minutes. As the fireworks continued, they turned back to watch the display. Isabella turned to them and asked, “Daddy, Aunt Raven, what are you watching?” Matteo turned his gaze back and replied, “Nothing.” Raven smiled as well.

A few minutes later, the fireworks show finally ended. Freya said, “Thank you for bringing me to watch the fireworks, and thank you for the hot dog.” “Are you going back now?” “Mm, I’m going to buy some plants and then head home,” she replied. Jimmy didn’t insist on staying longer and said, “Okay.” “Goodbye.” “Goodbye.”

Freya left. Jimmy followed the crowd, heading toward the parking lot. After walking a few steps, someone called out to him, “Jim?” It was Rex’s voice. Jimmy turned around. “Rex.” Rex walked over. “How come you’re here?” “I came out to eat with friends,” Jimmy said. “What about you?” Rex looked a bit uneasy and replied, “Same here.” “I’m heading back. What about you?” “I-”

Just as he started to speak, Rex paused, his gaze fixed on something in the distance, unable to look away.