Chapter 16
Freya glanced at the newspaper on the ground, catching the bold headline: The Sutton Group Cuts Ties with the Dawson Group, Pulling Funding from a $500 Million Project. A frown creased her brow. If her memory served her right, this $500 million venture was the Dawson Group's current real estate development, halfway through construction. With Kieran pulling out, the project would halt, forcing them to scout for new investors. But with the Sutton Group spreading the word about their fallout, who in Echo City would dare align with the Dawson Group? The project was doomed to fail, dragging the Dawson Group’s finances down.
Bending down, Freya noticed the paper was still warm, fresh off the press, and delivered straight to the Dawson family. Kieran’s swift action was a power move, a signal of who held sway in Echo City.
“Freya, you’re the Dawson heiress. Is it really that hard to do something for the family? Flirting with a guy isn’t below you. You’ve got all that beauty and no idea how to use it!” Johanna vented her frustrations, continuing, “With that attitude, you expect to take charge of the Dawson family? My advice? Cozy up to Audrey and marry into the Sutton family. That’s the respectable path!”
“Are you done yet?” Freya shot Johanna a cold glance, retorting, “How I manage is none of your concern, Johanna. If you’re so eager, why don’t you marry into their family? After all, you’re far better at playing the charmer than I am.”
“You ungrateful brat, what did you say?” Johanna fumed, but Freya, clutching the newspaper, ascended the stairs.
Kieran pulling out… This was an unexpected boon. This project had been a goldmine in her past life. However, with Kieran previously investing a hefty sum, the Dawson Group saw little profit as he was the major shareholder. With Kieran out, the Dawson Group stood to gain the most. If Freya could sidestep external investors and fund it solo, the profits would fill their coffers alone. The real challenge was securing the necessary funds from the bank. And $500 million was no small feat.
The following morning, Eloise unusually reached out for a meeting. Freya remembered their few interactions from her past life. Eloise had never sought her out like that before. Likely, Freya’s break-off with Kieran had disrupted Eloise’s plans.
At the café, Freya found Eloise waiting by a window-side table. The place was otherwise empty, just the two of them. Eloise looked frail, a result of her recent ordeal. Setting down her coffee cup, she began, “Ms. Dawson, I want to apologize.”
“Ms. Harwood, this meeting isn’t just for an apology, right?” Freya went straight to the point.
Eloise pursed her lips, responding, “I’m here to persuade you not to act rashly. You and Kieran are meant to be, and I won’t stand in your way. I sincerely hope you two can get engaged.”
“Hope for our engagement? Ms. Harwood, are you joking?” Freya chuckled, adding, “If that were true, you wouldn’t have attempted suicide on the night of our engagement party, right?”
At that, Eloise’s complexion turned sour. “Ms. Dawson, that wasn’t intentional. If you blame me for that, there’s nothing I can say, but you’re the only match for Kieran, and the Dawson family’s resources are what the Sutton family needs to reach new heights. You’re the one meant for Kieran.”