Chapter 149
“Got it,” Ronan texted Freya, glancing at his phone notification. “It’s all set.”
Freya read the message, a slight smirk forming on her lips. This time, Johanna was in for a rude awakening. Word had spread like wildfire. Thanks to Johanna, the Dawson family had booked the grand ballroom at the Majestic Manor Hotel. She had been quite reluctant to foot the bill. But armed with this token of status, Johanna couldn’t stop boasting over the phone, as if afraid someone might miss the news about her booking the grandest hall at the Majestic Manor Hotel.
After school, Freya made a detour straight back to the Dawson family home. As soon as she walked in, she could hear Johanna on the phone, extending invitations to high-society ladies for the upcoming party. “Mrs. Brown, my son’s birthday bash is at the Majestic Manor Hotel. I’ve booked the grandest ballroom they have. You must come and grace us with your presence!”
Freya listened silently to Johanna’s conversation, laughing coldly to herself. Enjoy your moment now. On the day of the banquet, your laughter will end.
Johanna had noticed Freya’s return and promptly ended her call. Looking displeased, she asked, “Why are you back?”
Freya retorted, “This is my home. Why can’t I come back?”
Seeing Freya change her shoes and walk in, Johanna remarked, “Mr. Sutton had all your belongings moved. Have you informed him about your return?”
“What’s the matter, Johanna? Eager for me to stay at the Sutton Mansion?”
“Of course! A young woman must secure her future, especially now that you’re engaged. Living there isn’t bad. You have to keep Mr. Sutton close and ensure your future is secure. It’s the only way the Dawson Group will have a strong backing.”
Johanna followed Freya into the living room, continuing her tirade. But noticing Freya’s indifference, she grew suspicious. “Don’t tell me Mr. Sutton kicked you out?”
Johanna had been too preoccupied with Leland’s affairs to notice any tension between Freya and Kieran. Noticing Freya’s stoic expression, Johanna became anxious. “Did you upset Mr. Sutton? How could you be so foolish! You should be getting closer to him, not getting kicked out!”
Johanna was fuming. “Our Dawson Group just caught a break. If we offend Mr. Sutton, what will become of the Dawson Group?”
“Why are you panicking, Johanna? The Dawson Group has nothing to do with you anymore. Even if the company runs out of money or goes bankrupt, it doesn’t seem it would affect you.”
Johanna felt a tightness in her chest when Freya mentioned it. She couldn’t forget how Freya had exposed her and Galen’s misdeeds at the company, making her the laughingstock. She had lost all face to show up at the company.
Yet, undeterred, Johanna claimed, “Even if the company doesn’t concern me, I’m still your mother. I have to look out for you! Can’t you appreciate the good intentions of others?”
Any concern was merely her scheming to regain control once Freya was married off. Freya laughed it off, aware Johanna’s sudden concern for the company was entirely self-serving.