Freya shook her head with a smile. “It’s nothing.” Raven had already returned to her seat, and Matteo and the others no longer paid her any attention. Freya continued chatting with Professor Nolan.

After Professor Nolan left, Freya took a sip of her drink. Looking up, she noticed Levi watching her with an ambiguous smile. Matteo was facing away. When he saw her glance over, Levi raised his eyebrows, subtly nodded, and lifted his wine glass in a gesture toward her.

Freya frowned, unsure of Levi’s meaning. He seemed to sneer at her, then quickly looked away, ignoring her. Freya suddenly understood. He likely believed she and Johnny had bullied Raven, and was signaling that the matter wasn't over. Freya furrowed her brow.

Half an hour later, after attending to other guests, the banquet host finally approached. After pleasantries, he asked Johnny, “Do you know Miss Brown?” The “Miss Brown” was Raven.

Johnny smiled. “Sort of. Why?”

“Earlier, I learned she’s from L City, not D City. Her family’s business is quite successful there, fairly well-known, but here in the capital, they're a small family—especially compared to the Wilson, Becker, and Davis families; they don't stand out.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow. “So?”

“Families like hers usually struggle to enter our circle. The larger families wouldn't even consider it. But Miss Brown easily mingled with the core group and became close to them. Quite impressive. I wondered why Matteo appeared at my banquet, but realized he was introducing people to Miss Brown. His efforts to connect her, bringing Harry and others, shows he's serious about Miss Brown. Otherwise, if she were merely a plaything, he wouldn't go to such lengths.”

“With Matteo paving the way, the Brown family is likely to soar in the future.” Johnny and Freya listened silently. The host, envious, sighed, “To have a daughter like that… the Brown family really hit the jackpot. It’s truly enviable.”

After the conversation, Freya saw that Matteo and the others had already left the banquet hall, seemingly early. Despite her presence, Matteo never glanced at her. Half an hour later, Freya and Johnny also left.

When they arrived home, her phone rang—Matteo. Freya paused. Was he reprimanding her? Did he think she and Johnny had bullied Raven? Given Levi’s warning, it was likely Matteo had the same idea. Two seconds later, she calmly answered, “Hello.”

Matteo’s voice was cold. “Come back.”

Freya hesitated, then replied, “If there’s something, just say it.”

“Bella has a fever and wants to see you.”

He hung up without another word. Freya was stunned, then grabbed her keys, put on her shoes, and left. Arriving at the villa, she went upstairs immediately, not seeing Matteo, but paid it little attention. She went straight to their daughter's room.

Isabella had a high fever and an IV drip, looking very uncomfortable. Seeing her mother, she weakly called out, “Mom,” reaching out. Freya noticed the needle mark and carefully picked her up, asking the nanny, Aunt Sara, “Has she eaten anything?”

“She ate a little while ago but threw it all up.”

Freya furrowed her brow. After inquiring about the situation with the doctor, she turned to Isabella, snuggling in her arms, “Are you hungry? Mommy will make you some porridge you like, and you can eat once the IV drip is finished.”

“Mm.” In the past, whenever Isabella fell ill, Freya cared for her. Other people’s porridge never tasted right; she only wanted Freya’s. She scrunched up her little nose and asked, “Where’s Daddy? Is he not back yet?” Freya paused.