Chapter 1415

The two women were irrevocably estranged. Stepping from the Pearson residence, Frieda's smile vanished, replaced by regret and fury. "If I'd known this would happen," she thought, "I wouldn't have gotten close to Aubree! Her family is destitute, yet she refuses to let me go!" Her grim expression remained unchanged throughout the journey back to the Queen residence.

Jonathan waited anxiously in the living room. His heart sank at the sight of her. "What happened? Did you and Aubree fight?" he asked. Aubree and Frieda had always been close; this seemed out of character. A nagging suspicion troubled him: were they hiding something? He studied Frieda intently.

Her long-suppressed rage exploded. "It's all your fault! We've been friends with the Pearsons for years, and as soon as they faltered, we swooped in like vultures to seize their assets. If you were Aubree, wouldn't you be upset?"

Jonathan frowned. "You know nothing! Relationships have no place in the corporate world. Besides, the Pearsons couldn't hold onto their assets; someone else would have taken them."

Her eyes widened. "Then just—"

Before she could suggest giving someone else a chance, he interjected sternly, "Shut up! This concerns Queen Group, and I've already discussed it with the shareholders. There were no objections; it was Lucian's order. Are we closer to the Farwells or the Pearsons?"

Lucian's name silenced Frieda's anger, replaced by fear. Jonathan watched her, then softened. "Don't meet with the Pearsons again. Consider today's visit your final act of friendship. Forget about them and move on."

An ugly scowl twisted Frieda's face. Of course I want to, she thought, but Aubree won't let me go so easily.

Jonathan noticed her hesitation. His expression hardened. "Aubree can never be Mrs. Farwell. What she did is public knowledge in Horington. Severing ties with her is crucial to the Queen family's reputation!"

Frieda trembled. Her greatest fear was the destitution of her own family. How can I be rid of Aubree? she wondered. She longed to confess, but feared expulsion before Lucian could act.

"Roxanne is the only suitable lady for the Farwell family, and we'll be socializing with her often," Jonathan said. He paused, then added, "You treated Dr. Jarvis badly; apologize. It could affect our future dealings with her."

Frieda's expression changed. Making amends with Roxanne seemed a good idea; at least she was more approachable than Lucian. I can ask Roxanne to intercede! she thought. Feigning obedience, Frieda nodded.