Chapter 1586: Afraid She Will Return

Frieda sat uneasily in her office, one floor below Jonathan's, preoccupied by the person she'd seen earlier. If she was right, it was Lucian. Jonathan and Lucian hadn't spoken since Aubree left. Why was he here? Had he found something? Had he located Aubree?

Unable to remain seated, Frieda grabbed her bag and hurried out. Downstairs, she sped toward the house she and Aubree had visited last time.

Darkness had fallen by the time she arrived. Shawn was leisurely watering flowers when the butler announced her arrival. He hesitated, then allowed Frieda to be shown in.

“It’s an honor to have you here, Ms. Queen,” Shawn said, setting down his watering can, wiping his hands, and settling onto the couch. Glancing at the stiff Frieda, he added, “Have a seat and tell me what you need.”

Frieda sat hesitantly, intimidated by him. The way he'd treated Aubree last time lingered in her memory, a persistent fear. He'd even managed to send Aubree out of the country without the Farwell family's knowledge. His background was unfathomable; he was not someone to offend.

Despite his politeness, Frieda questioned her visit. I shouldn't have come, should I?

The butler brought coffee. Only then did Frieda regain her composure. Shawn perceived her apprehension, a flicker of unfathomable emotion crossing his eyes. “I wonder what’s so important that brought you here today?”

Frieda hesitated, then took a sip of coffee, mustering her courage. “I haven’t been able to contact Aubree since she left a few days ago. I’m worried, so—”

“So you’re here to ask about Aubree’s whereabouts?” Shawn asked.

Frieda stopped, forcing a smile and nodding quickly. “It’s okay if you can’t tell me. I just want to know when she’s coming back.”

Shawn snorted. “Do you want her to come back, or the opposite?”

Frieda's expression hardened. Shawn studied her face. “Let me guess. I think you’re afraid she’ll return.”

Frieda’s breathing hitched. “H-How could I? Aubree’s my best friend—”

Ignoring her, Shawn set down his cup. “She’ll be back, but not as Aubree.”

Frieda frowned, confused.

Shawn explained flatly, “Don’t worry. No one, not even you, will recognize her.”

Just as Frieda felt relief, he added, “Unless she goes looking for you.”

The words felt like a venomous snake constricting her. Is Aubree not planning on letting me off the hook when she returns?