Chapter 282

Preston set aside the stack of papers he had been sifting through and slowly left the study. In the living area, Hans, clad in an apron, bustled about the kitchen, preparing a simple but hearty meal. Freya had always figured someone of Preston’s stature would dine exclusively on exotic delicacies, or at the very least, feast on steaks and lavish entrees every night. So, when she saw the spread on the table—a few dishes of green vegetables, the only indulgences being sautéed shrimp and a baked salmon in a rich, red wine sauce—her perception of Preston was utterly shattered.

Wasn’t Preston supposed to be outrageously wealthy? Then why settle for such simplicity?

“Ms. Dawson,” Neil observed, clearly impressed by the evening’s menu, “Preston really went all out with dinner. It looks like he thinks highly of you.”

Finding a dish as simple as balsamic vinegar–dressed potato salad at Preston’s was a rarity in the past. And then, a full six dishes plus soup graced the table. Preston, however, remained silent.

Hans said, “We didn’t expect Ms. Dawson to stay for dinner, so the fish and shrimp were last-minute additions from Mr. Tyler. Hope it’s to your liking, Ms. Dawson.”

“Sure,” Freya reassured him. “I usually prefer a light dinner and enjoy simple, clean flavors.”

With that, Freya discreetly took out her phone, snapped a photo of her meal, then sent it to Kieran. Sending Kieran her dinner updates had become a daily ritual for Freya, almost like clocking in for work. Each night’s check-in would net her a cool million in reward.

Curious, Neil asked, “Dawson, who… messaging? Were you checking in with Mr. Sutton?”

“Checking in?” Freya replied. “I eat on time, and Kieran pays me for it.”

Neil burst into laughter. Freya nearly choked on her food hearing Freya’s explanation: “Getting paid to eat on time? What is this, a new kind of romance?”

“Romance? I’d rather die than be in a romance with him.”

Neil’s gaze shifted to Preston, noting the lack of reaction on his face before turning back to Freya. “It seems Ms. Dawson loathes Kieran.”

“It’s not just loathing. I want nothing to do with Mr. Sutton,” Freya said through gritted teeth, her disdain palpable.

What could have happened to make her speak so vehemently?

“But I heard Ms. Dawson used to…” Neil trailed off, choosing his words carefully before continuing, “…used to admire Mr. Sutton quite a bit.”

Neil’s understatement made Freya scoff. “Admire? You mean, I used to be head over heels for Kieran, right?”

Freya, accustomed to people framing her past in such terms, responded, “The past is the past, and things are different now. The old Freya might have revolved her world around Kieran, but the Freya of today doesn’t want to live for anyone. That’s all there is to it.”

“So, Ms. Dawson, since you’re over Kieran, have you considered seeing other men?” Neil’s question aimed to steer the conversation toward Preston.

Freya, not oblivious to the hint, opted for directness. “Dr. Anderson, are you trying to play matchmaker?”

“You could say that,” Neil casually replied, sipping his wine before Freya asked, “Do you have a girlfriend, Dr. Anderson?”

The question nearly made Neil choke on his wine. “Ms. Dawson, why do you ask all of a sudden?”

“Because I think you’re quite a catch, Dr. Anderson. Handsome, successful, and a doctor too. It would be handy to have you around when I get older and need medical care. Plus, you seem like you’d make a good life partner…”