Chapter 1513

Jonathan's expression darkened after the call. He strode from the room and stopped before Frieda's door. Ever since Aubree’s departure, Frieda had been confined to her room, consumed by guilt. A knock startled her; she nearly tumbled from her bed.

“Frieda, it’s me. Open the door,” Jonathan said, his tone firm and uncompromising.

Frieda lacked the courage to face him. “I’m not feeling well,” she whispered, “Can we talk later…?”

“If you don’t open the door now, I’ll get the key,” Jonathan insisted. He needed to speak with his sister immediately.

Frieda opened the door. “Jonathan, what’s so urgent?”

Jonathan scrutinized her. “Two million five hundred thousand is missing from the company accounts—during your tenure. What did you spend it on?” He'd initially assumed she'd bought luxury goods; it wasn't a vast sum, and he'd overlooked it. But Frieda’s recent behavior, in light of everything, had made him uneasy.

Frieda’s heart leaped. She lowered her head, flustered. “That money… um… I used it to buy a bag.”

Jonathan, knowing her well, sensed something was amiss. His heart sank. “A bag? Where is it?”

“It’s a pre-order,” Frieda’s voice softened, “It’ll be some time before it arrives.”

“Show me the receipt, then,” Jonathan pressed.

Frieda remained silent. She had lied; there was no receipt.

“Did you give that money to Aubree?” Jonathan asked bluntly.

A shiver ran down Frieda’s spine. “I gave Aubree some money out of pity. I couldn’t bear to see her so miserable. Our families were close. I—”

Jonathan, simmering with anger, interrupted. “How many times have I told you not to contact her? You disobeyed me and gave her our family’s money!”

Frieda felt overwhelmed by his rage, avoiding his blazing eyes as she looked down. He pushed her into the room and slammed the door.

Fear washed over Frieda as the sound echoed.

“Tell me honestly,” Jonathan’s voice was low, “Are you involved in Aubree’s disappearance?” His gaze suggested he suspected her complicity.

Frieda gritted her teeth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I gave her money, but long before she disappeared.”

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. “Long before? I don’t recall telling you when she disappeared.”

Panic filled Frieda’s eyes as she abruptly lifted her head. She shook her head, biting back her fear. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything…”

“Where is she? Has she really escaped?” Jonathan paused, softening his tone. “If you know where she is, tell me. If she’s fled Herington, we’ll monitor all major routes into the city to prevent her return. Then we can arrest her immediately. You’ll no longer have to contact her, and I won’t worry about the Queen family’s implication.”