Chapter 188

Seeing Kieran stepping up for Freya, Audrey nodded and said, “Freya, you’ve always been such a bright and well-behaved girl. But when it comes to the standing of our families, you’ve let it slide a bit. Let’s brush off yesterday’s mess and call it water under the bridge. But if anything of the sort happens again, don’t expect me to overlook past affections. At that point, I might have to reconsider your engagement.”

Audrey’s smile belied the warning in her tone.

Freya tried to wriggle free from Kieran’s grip, but Kieran held her firmly, leaving no room for resistance.

Just as Freya was about to speak, Kieran interjected, “Grandma, you’re right. Freya’s been smart and well-mannered. The mishap was all her brother’s doing. She’ll keep a tighter leash on him to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

After saying this, Kieran told Jarrett, “Jarrett, would you escort Grandma back?”

“Of course.” Jarrett stepped forward to assist Audrey.

With a quick move, Kieran yanked Freya behind him, blocking her view. Freya scowled and gave Kieran’s side a pinch. Kieran sucked in a sharp breath from the sudden sting.

Seeing Kieran trying to bear the pain silently brought Freya a sliver of joy.

Shortly, Jarrett escorted Audrey out of the office. The next second, Kieran turned around and pinned Freya against the wall. Freya was stunned. The turn was too forceful due to Kieran’s pent-up frustration, bringing them unexpectedly close.

Kieran’s brows furrowed. “Freya, are you seriously considering calling off the engagement?”

Freya would probably have mentioned canceling the engagement if he hadn’t interrupted her earlier.

Kieran said, word by word, “Let me tell you that’s not happening.”

“Mr. Sutton, aren’t you being too absolute? Audrey said if it happened again, she would… Hmm!” Before Freya could finish her sentence, she felt something soft press against her lips.

Kieran’s move was rough, as if he intended to consume her entirely. He had never realized how soft Freya’s lips were or how sweetly she smelled.

Initially, his kiss was out of sheer frustration, a lesson for the woman who seemed oblivious to the gravity of her actions. But at that moment, he felt an explosion of sensations he couldn’t control.

The next second, a crisp slap rang out. Instantly, Kieran felt the sting on half of his face.

Outside, Jarrett burst in, “Mr. Sutton!”

“Out!” Kieran’s furious command sent Jarrett retreating immediately.

Freya’s expression was dark. “Kieran, I’m not your toy! You can’t kiss me or discard me whenever you feel like it! Stop playing these games with me!”

Kieran caught the disgust in Freya’s eyes.

Quickly, Freya turned and left the office.

Gazing at the glass at his reflection and his half-red face, Kieran should have been furious. In the whole of Echo City, no one had ever had the guts to slap him.

Only Freya! Only Freya dared to be so bold.

“Mr. Sutton…”