Chapter 38

Hearing Freya speak this way, Matteo was surprised. Still, he didn't dwell on it—it was a small matter, not worth obsessing over. “Understood.” He hung up.

This time, Isabella knew who was on the other end of her father's call. “Was that Mom?” “Mm.” “So Mom will be joining us at Great-Grandmother’s?” “Mm.”

Upon hearing this, Isabella’s brows furrowed reflexively. It wasn't that she didn't want to see her mother, nor that she didn't miss her. In fact, it had been a long time since she'd seen her mother, who had gone more than half a month without contacting her. Thinking of her mother, she felt nostalgic.

But then she realized that her mother's arrival tonight meant she was returning from her business trip today. She had only learned about the trip the morning after her mother left. When she found out her mother wasn’t home, she had been happy. She wanted to spend more time with Aunt Raven while her mother was away. Once her mother returned, she wouldn't be able to see Aunt Raven often. So, she'd hoped her mother would return later.

Unexpectedly, her mother was returning after only two days. Now that her mother was back, Isabella wouldn't agree to let Aunt Raven take her to school tomorrow. And if her mother found out about Aunt Raven's racing competition tomorrow night, she definitely wouldn't let her go. Her mood soured.

She had already asked Aunt Raven to take her to school, and Aunt Raven had agreed. What should she do?

Isabella wilted. “Dad…” Matteo looked over. “What is it?”

She could ask her dad to convince her mom, but her mom might argue with him. This was so annoying! Isabella lost her appetite. However, she could compromise on tomorrow's school drop-off and let her mom take her. But she was determined to go to Aunt Raven's racing competition tomorrow night.

With this in mind, she said to Matteo in a coaxing tone, “Well, you promised to let me go watch Aunt Raven’s competition with you tomorrow night, but if Mom finds out, she definitely won’t let me go, so we can’t let Mom know. If Mom asks tomorrow, Dad, can you help cover for me?”

“Got it.” Only after Matteo’s assurance did Isabella’s mood improve slightly.

A while later, Matteo finished breakfast and left. When Freya arrived at the company, she didn’t run into Matteo. At noon, Matteo’s grandmother called and asked her to join her for lunch at Warris Garden, a short walk from Freya’s workplace.

As Freya reached the corner of Warris Garden’s entrance, she heard someone say, “Matteo, if it weren’t for your help, I might not have secured this contract. Thank you so much.” That familiar voice—Freya stopped immediately.

Peering around, she saw the profile of her biological father, Logan Brown. At this moment, Matteo responded, “You’re too kind, Uncle.”

Freya’s hands clenched into fists. She could hear that Matteo’s tone was gentler than usual.