Chapter 62

The following morning, word had spread that the Sutton family would hold a press clarification meeting. Audrey slammed the newspaper on the table inside the Sutton Mansion, standing up in anger. “This is madness!”

“Mrs. Sutton,” the family’s aide picked up the newspaper, her face changing as she read about today’s press meeting to clarify the relationship between Kieran and Freya. “How could such a big decision be made without consulting me?” Audrey demanded coldly. “What on earth happened? Jarrett, explain yourself!”

Summoned to Audrey’s presence, Janett stammered, “Mrs. Sutton… last night, during Ms. Harwood’s birthday bash… a joke was made at Ms. Dawson’s expense, and Ms. Dawson proposed calling off her engagement. Mr. Sutton… agreed?”

“Eloise again?” Audrey, who already disliked Eloise, grew even angrier upon hearing Eloise had caused Kieran and Freya’s breakup. “Well, isn’t she relentless? Take me to the venue! I want to see who dares to hold this press meeting without my approval!”

Jarrett hesitated. “Madam, the press meeting has started…”

“Insolence!” Audrey exclaimed. “To think my grandson would forsake such a wonderful girl as Freya for that siren!”

Determined, Audrey declared, “If you don’t drive, I’ll go myself!”

Seeing Audrey’s determination, Jarrett finally gave in. “Please, Mrs. Sutton, try to stay calm. I’ll take you there right away.”

With that, Jarrett hurried off to the Sutton family’s garage.

Meanwhile, at the press meeting venue, Kieran checked his watch, noting it was almost ten o’clock, and the reporters had all arrived. He wondered, “Why hasn’t Jarrett shown up yet?”

“Kieran, are you sure about this? Calling off your engagement with Ms. Dawson?” Eloise asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. “Audrey adores Ms. Dawson… she might not agree.”

Kieran responded coldly, “It was Freya’s decision. Grandma won’t object. You didn’t need to come today. I’ll have Jarrett take you home later.”

“I can’t. This all started because of me. I never imagined that Ms. Dawson would break off the engagement over me. It’s all my fault,” Eloise said, her face filled with guilt.

“It’s not about you. It’s Freya’s pride,” Kieran retorted. He’d made it clear to Freya that while he could offer her the title of Mrs. Sutton, he couldn’t give her his affections. Freya wanted too much, both his hand and his heart, but the world doesn’t work that way.

Sensing Kieran’s disdain for Freya, Eloise tentatively asked, “Kieran, do you think… Ms. Dawson and Mr. Beckett…”

“Ronan was playing around. Do you think he fell for Freya?” Kieran scoffed. “If it weren’t for Freya’s previous attentiveness to me, Ronan wouldn’t have noticed her. He just wanted to spite me, and I won’t let him succeed.”

“But I think Ms. Dawson likes Mr. Beckett,” Eloise ventured.

“Just a woman’s tactic,” Kieran dismissed. “She’s only with Ronan to make me regret it. Such petty tricks are beneath me.”

“Ms. Dawson, your waiting room is this way.” A staff member’s voice outside caught Kieran’s attention.

In a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, her hair styled in soft waves cascading down her back, Freya looked stunning with just a touch of makeup. The staff member couldn’t help but give Freya a second look as Freya said, “No need. Let’s start as soon as possible.”