Chapter 167
Seeing how clearly Freya remembered the pearl earrings, Johanna could only smack her forehead and say, “Oh, I can’t even remember a pair of earrings! I swear they were around here somewhere. Reya, don’t worry. I’ll have them delivered to you in a few days.”
Freya said, “All the jewelry is here except that pair of pearl earrings. Johanna, you didn’t sell them, did you?”
At that, Johanna’s face couldn’t hide the embarrassment. Freya knew the back story. Johanna had recently lost a hefty sum at the poker table, leaving her in a tight financial spot. Since her opponents wouldn’t let her leave the game, she used the pearl earrings she wore as collateral. Unfortunately, she didn’t win back her losses or reclaim the earrings.
Fearing Freya would discover she gambled away the earrings, Johanna quickly reassured her, “Oh, Freya, you jest! How could I sell your earrings? Those were a keepsake from your mother.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Freya glanced around Johanna’s room and said, “The house isn’t big. Finding a pair of earrings shouldn’t be too hard. Ensure I have them before Leland’s birthday tomorrow. Consider today’s kidnapping a childish prank, and we’ll call it even.”
Freya was using this as leverage, and although Johanna wasn’t pleased, she dared not refuse. If Freya went to the police and Leland got arrested the day before his birthday party, it would ruin Leland’s reputation forever. Since Johanna had gone all out, spending twelve million to book the grand ballroom at Majestic Manor Hotel and inviting all their friends, she couldn’t let this opportunity slip through her fingers.
As Freya was about to take the jewelry and leave, Johanna cautiously asked, “Reya, about Leland now…”
“Mr. Sutton’s men are holding him for now. If you want to get him out, call Mr. Sutton.” With that, Freya made to leave. Johanna quickly blocked her path, saying, “Reya, I’m not sure that’s the best idea. Maybe you should call Mr. Sutton. After all, tomorrow is Leland’s birthday.”
Johanna wasn’t foolish. Since Leland had kidnapped Freya, and despite whatever Kieran’s feelings were toward Freya, she was still his fiancée. It would be best if Freya handled the situation herself.
Seeing Johanna seeking her help, Freya didn’t refuse outright but pretended to be torn, “Johanna, that’s asking a lot of me.”
After a few rounds of negotiation with Freya, Johanna realized she needed to sweeten the deal, saying, “Reya, you’ll be married off soon enough, and your mother has prepared your dowry. I, as your stepmother, can’t be stingy, can I? Rest assured. I’ve got your dowry all prepared.”
Seeing no reaction from Freya, Johanna bit her lip and hesitantly offered, “This much, what do you say?”
“Ten million… I suppose that could work.” Freya knew that was about all Johanna could afford. After paying her off and returning the jewelry she had taken from Freya’s mother, it was as if Johanna had finally returned all the wealth she had leeched from the Dawson family over the years.
“Well then, Johanna, I’ll wait for your news tomorrow.” Freya smiled and continued, “As long as the earrings are delivered, Leland will return unharmed.”
Johanna nodded eagerly, mustering a smile. “Then, I’ll make sure the earrings are delivered to you first thing tomorrow.”
With that, Freya left Johanna’s room, content. But Johanna, whose face was all smiles just moments ago, wore an expression of sheer panic and desperation. She had pawned off those earrings long ago during a losing streak at cards! Where on earth would she find them? That darn Freya always had an eye for the bottom line!