Chapter 57
Feeling utterly drained, Freya could barely muster the energy to stay upright. The driver, Farrell’s words echoed ominously in her head. Could it seriously be Johanna? The thought turned Freya’s stomach sour. Johanna couldn’t wait to make her move!
The creak of the door snapped Freya back to reality. Hanley’s smug, conniving face was leering at her in no time.
“Man, Mr. Sutton doesn’t know how to enjoy life, ditching a bombshell like you for someone as dull as Eloise. If I were him, I wouldn’t even think about disrespecting you in front of others. I’d be too busy valuing every moment we have!”
Barely containing his excitement, Hanley edged closer. Freya fought back the urge to vomit, frantically thinking of a way to escape. His place wasn’t an average hotel. The luxury hinted at its purpose as a playground for the elite. With security likely tighter than Fort Knox, escaping seemed like a joke.
“If you lay a finger on me, Hanley…”
“And what if I do?” Hanley taunted, brushing Freya’s cheek, his touch igniting her disgust. “Mr. Sutton has cast you aside. I even asked him, and he’s given me the green light. Even if I were to rough you up, he wouldn’t bat an eye.”
Hearing Kieran had seemingly approved this sent a chill down Freya’s spine. Freya thought Kieran disliked her, but to think he’d condone Hanley’s vile intentions was a new low.
“Who even mentioned Kieran?” Freya snapped back, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “He’s made his disdain for me clear enough. But touch me, and Audrey won’t let you off the hook.”
The mention of Audrey made Hanley hesitate, if only for a moment.
Freya pressed on, “Audrey cares for me. If you tarnish my honor, your precious Upton family will be doomed. If Kieran listens to her as much as you think, do you believe he’ll protect you?”
“Stop lying, Freya,” Hanley scoffed. “Why would Audrey welcome you with open arms when you sleep with me? She won’t lift a finger for you.”
Freya remained calm. “If you’re so sure, go ahead. It’ll be your family’s downfall, not mine.”
A knock at the door broke the tension. Faced with Freya’s confidence, Hanley seemed to… Just then, Hanley opened it to find a server pushing in a cart, his eyes lighting up with anticipation. “Mr. Upton, enjoy your evening. Satisfaction guaranteed!”
“Thanks. Now, get lost. And keep this area clear,” Hanley said, tossing a few bills as a tip before sending the server on his way. He turned back to Freya, gloating, “You almost had me fooled! With such privacy here, who would believe your accusations without proof? Why would Audrey take on the Upton family for a washed-up dame like you? And even if this gets out, I could easily claim you seduced me. Your reputation’s already in the gutter, chasing after Mr. Sutton and flirting with Ronan. Everyone will believe my side of the story.”
Seeing Hanley unmoved, Freya bluffed, “You’re aware Ronan has a thing for me? Today, he made quite the show of leaving with me in his arms. If you dare touch me, he won’t let it slide, either.”
Chapter 58