Chapter 175

Freya turned on her heel and left, her departure a clear signal for Leland to make his hasty escape. Despite being held for only a day, Leland looked a mess—his face shadowed by stubble, his body marked with bruises from a beating, and an unpleasant odor clinging to him. Pinching her nose, Freya couldn't hide her disgust. “You better take a cab home,” she said. “Your mom is waiting to celebrate your birthday.” With that, she tossed Leland his phone.

Leland’s face darkened with anger. “Freya, it is all your fault!” But his anger was pointless. With Kieran backing Freya, she could do as she pleased in Echo City.

Soon after Johanna received a call from Leland, she arrived to find her son looking disheveled, standing in the street outside the Sutton Mansion. “My boy! How could you let yourself end up like this?” As Johanna approached, she smelled the stench emanating from Leland.

Leland was livid. “It’s all Freya’s fault! She must’ve cast some spell on Kieran, making him lock me up overnight! Mom, you must stand up for me and teach Freya a lesson!”

Unaware of his predicament, Johanna found herself in a tough spot. “That girl isn’t as easy to provoke as before. Calm down, take a bath, and change your clothes. We have your birthday party tonight.”

Leland was furious. “Birthday… What’s the point of celebrating my birthday now?”

Johanna tried to soothe him. “Trust me. I’ve spent a lot preparing this party and inviting influential guests. Just put on a good show, mingle with the right people, find a suitable girl, and our family will rise again. With the backing of the right family, we can take back The Dawson Group.”

Hearing that, Leland had no choice but to comply. After cleaning up at the Dawson family residence, Johanna praised Leland’s appearance. “I’ve found the perfect match for you. It’s Ms. Ramsey. Her family is well-respected and among the top entrepreneurs. Just charm her, and with the Ramsey family’s support, we can reclaim our fortune from Freya.”

Leland reluctantly agreed despite his disdain for such pampered heiresses.

Meanwhile, Freya was on her way to the Majestic Manor Hotel, picking up Luna. Luna was fuming. “That jerk, Leland! To think he’d stoop so low as to kidnap you! Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to get back at him tonight.” Freya smiled. “I’ve benefited enough from their foolishness. There’s no need for revenge. Let’s enjoy the show.”

“What show could there be? If it weren’t for my parents, I wouldn’t bother coming. Still, Leland has booked the grandest hall at the Majestic Manor Hotel. I heard almost everyone’s coming.”

“Really? How many?”

“Half the social circle, I’d guess. It’s not every day that someone books Majestic Manor’s grandest hall. People must be curious about who pulled it off.”

Freya smirked. This birthday party was indeed a grand gesture for Leland. But that was alright. Let them have their moment of joy. By evening, Johanna and Leland wouldn’t be laughing anymore.

Chapter 176