Chapter 12
That afternoon, Audrey’s call reached Freya. Freya was well aware of Audrey’s disdain for Eloise, an orphan from the Harwood family, notorious for her overbearing pride. Despite controlling all of the Harwood family’s assets, thanks to a longstanding feud between their families, Audrey’s grudge against Eloise was undeniable. She viewed Eloise as pretentious, hence her reluctance to let Kieran be with her.
In contrast, Audrey considered Freya the ideal match for the Sutton family’s leading lady, in temperament and education. She thought Freya was well-mannered, presentable, and from a clean background. Audrey’s affection for her was merely a play for benefits.
By this time, Freya had been chauffeured to the Sutton family estate. As soon as Freya entered the hall, Audrey greeted her with a smile, “Freya, come here.” Audrey patted the couch beside her. Freya nodded and went over, quickly noticing Eloise standing opposite Audrey. Eloise was as beautiful as ever, with an ethereal air about her, always appearing aloof and proud in public. Eloise was holding a cup of steaming coffee; her hands reddened by the heat, yet she hesitated to put it down. Freya’s attention was drawn to the bandage wrapped around Eloise’s wrist. Eloise’s suicide attempt was no secret to Audrey.
Only a few knew about it, leading Freya to suspect Johanna had snitched. Kieran had tightly sealed the news to protect Eloise from Audrey’s wrath. But Johanna seemed to have a death wish by running straight to Audrey.
“Freya, Kieran was at fault for what happened at the engagement party. I’ve given him a piece of my mind, so let’s not hold any grudges,” Audrey said, her face a mask of kindness as she held Freya’s hand. “You’re to be the future Mrs. of the Sutton family, and that won’t change. If you’re still upset, I’ll have Kieran apologize again.”
Freya said calmly, “Thanks for your kindness, Audrey, but that won’t be necessary.”
“Are you still bothered by the engagement party? Don’t worry. I called you here to clear the air.” Audrey then turned her cold gaze toward Eloise. “Ms. Harwood, you knew it was Kieran and Freya’s engagement party, yet you deliberately staged a drama to lure Kieran away. Are you still harboring hopes of becoming the Sutton family’s lady?” Audrey’s voice was laced with a chill.
“Mrs. Sutton, you’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t mean for that to happen,” Eloise said, her voice weak. She looked pale, and her hands trembled as she clutched her coffee cup. “I was just… in a bad place. Ms. Dawson, I’m sorry.”
Eloise’s head was bowed, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. Even then, Eloise stood tall, refusing to admit any wrongdoing.
Freya knew Eloise’s character well. Eloise was always the tragic heroine, forever aloof and superior, looking as if the world owed her something. Before her engagement to Kieran in the past life, Eloise had approached Freya, claiming Kieran and Freya were a perfect match and wishing them a lifetime of happiness. Yet, at their engagement party, Eloise attempted suicide and deliberately informed Kieran, forcing him to leave Freya and turn her into the town’s laughingstock. Eloise wouldn’t have resorted to such a despicable scheme to make Kieran leave the engagement party if she were so aloof. Nor would she continue to cling to Kieran, knowing he was betrothed to someone else.