Chapter 126

Kieran never expected Audrey to show up at his place, especially since she had moved out days ago, promising not to intrude unannounced. But there she was, and seeing those pictures spread out all over the table made Kieran’s mood turn frosty.

“This has nothing to do with Ellie,” Kieran jumped to Eloise’s defense, prompting Freya to chuckle self-deprecatingly. She should have known better. Even if Kieran knew Eloise was behind this, he’d turn a blind eye. In Kieran’s world, right and wrong didn’t exist when it came to Eloise. He’d always take her side, no questions asked.

But this time, Freya wasn’t willing to let Eloise off the hook. It wasn’t the naive Freya from before. This time, she wouldn’t let Eloise’s actions leave her scrambling in the dark.

“Has nothing to do with Eloise? Then who is to blame?” Audrey’s expression darkened as she said, “I’ve told you to keep your distance from that woman from the Harwood family! She’s no good, just as hypocritical as her parents!”

Sitting on the couch, Audrey continued, “This is really hitting Freya hard! Those two spreading all those lies about her should get what’s coming to them. Let the cops handle them, whether it’s a fine or locking them up. We can’t let their rumors look like they’re true.”

“Yes, Grandma,” Kieran complied, glancing coldly at Freya as he left, as if she were a stranger.

After Kieran left, Audrey patted Freya’s hand, reassuring her, “Leave this to me. The rumors will start falling apart by themselves soon enough.”

But Freya couldn’t look at Audrey with the same gratitude as before. She had been too naive, too easily swayed by small gestures of kindness, never seeing the calculation behind Audrey’s eyes.

Chapter 127

Audrey soon added, “But you know our family’s rules. Since you’re to marry into the Sutton family, you must keep your distance from other men. Your studies aren’t important, nor is taking over the Dawson family’s business. I’ve spoken to your stepmother. The Dawson Group will go to your brother so you can focus on being a part of our family.”

Hearing Audrey had gone behind her back to talk to Johanna, Freya frowned. “Audrey, that’s a family matter of mine.”

“I know it’s your family’s business, but you’ll be Mrs. Sutton soon. They say a daughter married off is like water poured away. You’ll have much to learn as Mrs. Sutton and won’t have time for the Dawson Group. It’s better left to your brother.”

Audrey didn’t miss a beat to add, “And not to belittle you, but even at its peak, the Dawson Group couldn’t compare to a fraction of the Sutton family’s assets. Let go of this small venture. As part of the Sutton family, you’ll gain much more.”

Freya merely scoffed internally. “Yes, the Dawson Group is in crisis, but its networks and industry are well-established. Otherwise, why would Kieran agree to marry me? It isn’t for love, but for the legacy and connections my father built.”

“Audrey, I’m not yet a Sutton. The Dawson Group is my father’s legacy, and Leland is a troublemaker, good at nothing. Handing the company to him would be a betrayal.”

“Freya, you…”

“Audrey, I’ve made up my mind.”

Freya’s voice was strong. “I might be staying with the Sutton family, but the Dawson Group will never end up in Leland and Johanna’s hands.”

“When did you become so defiant?” Audrey was visibly upset.

Chapter 197