Chapter 1412

Frieda was ridden with regret as she stared at her phone. If she had known Aubree would end up like this, she would never have listened to her. Despite her regret, it was too late.

She stood slowly, phone in hand. Before leaving the bedroom, she cautiously retrieved a bank card from a drawer.

“Where are you going?”

Her brother, emerging from the study, confronted her. Jonathan's scrutinizing gaze was filled with suspicion.

Frieda forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’ve stayed home too long; I decided to go out.”

Jonathan cut through her lie. “Are you going to meet Aubree?”

Frieda’s expression faltered; she hadn't expected his perceptiveness.

“You’re not allowed to go! Stay home!”

Jonathan knew of Lucian’s prejudice against Aubree and Frieda’s friendship with her. He had to prevent any contact; Lucian's rage could implicate the Queen family.

Guilt gnawed at Frieda, but she feigned calm, appealing to his emotions. “Jonathan, Aubree’s been my friend for so long. I can’t abandon her when her family is struggling. We girls aren’t like you; we can’t just cut off ties with friends because of family conflicts—”

Jonathan interrupted, agitated. “What’s your relationship with her? Stay away from that woman!”

Frieda bit her lip, looking at him pitifully. “I’m just going to look! I can’t alleviate the Pearson family’s situation even if I wanted to.”

It was true. Even with Lucian’s help, the Pearsons would need substantial financial intervention to improve their situation; otherwise, recovery was impossible.

She glanced at her watch. Aubree’s meeting time approached. She tried again to persuade Jonathan. “Don’t worry. You know I’m not courageous! Even if she asks for help, I won’t dare do anything. I only helped her last time because I assumed she’d join the Farwell family. I wouldn’t do anything foolish now that I know it’s impossible.”

Jonathan, an indulgent brother, hesitated before agreeing.

“You can go, but understand you’ll bear all consequences if you’re swayed into doing something foolish. I won’t save you!”

He would choose the Queen family over Frieda.

Frieda’s heart trembled; a sudden nervousness washed over her. For a moment, she considered telling Jonathan everything.

But the Pearsons' plight silenced her. She nodded obediently.

“I understand! I’m not foolish, so don’t worry!”

Jonathan nodded, watching her leave with a lingering worry. He knew Frieda wasn’t foolish; he didn’t understand why she’d still try to meet Aubree, knowing the Farwells' and Pearsons’ conflict.

Is Frieda hiding something from me?