Chapter 36

“Kieran, congratulations on snagging the land in Echo City. The Sutton Group will rake in some serious cash this time,” Eloise said with a laugh, oblivious to the darkening expression on Kieran’s face. Across the room, Freya couldn’t hide her smirk, clinking champagne glasses with Ronan. To Kieran, the scene was like a thorn in his eye.

“What do we do now, Mr. Sutton?” asked Jarrett. Jarrett was caught off guard when Ronan withdrew from the bidding war. Just days earlier, Ronan had seemed determined to secure that piece of land. What had caused his sudden change of heart?

“What can we do?” The Sutton Group would have to swallow this bitter pill. Kieran stood up, his face devoid of any smiles, replaced by a looming storm. Something was fishy, and it must have something to do with Freya!

“Kieran!” Eloise tried to follow him, grabbing his arm in desperation. But Kieran reflexively jerked his arm away the next second, telling Eloise, “Ellie, go back first.” Eloise paused, and Kieran was already striding away by the time she recovered. Eloise thought, ‘Kieran… has never left me behind before.’

Outside the venue, Kieran said coldly, “Get Johanna to me. Now!”

“Yes, Mr. Sutton.”

An hour later, in the Sutton Group office, Johanna was pushed in by two bodyguards. Seeing Kieran’s expression, she went pale. “Mr. Sutton… what’s the matter? Did Freya upset you?”

“Cut the act!” Kieran snapped. “What’s the deal with Freya and Ronan?”

“What?”

Freya and Ronan? What could be going on between them?

Johanna hurriedly said, “Mr. Sutton, if Freya’s been acting up, I’ll take her in hand, I promise. Please calm down. The Dawson family’s alliance with the Sutton family is solid as a rock!”

“Save it! Was the land in Echo City a setup, huh? Did you have Freya leak that?”

“I swear, I knew nothing about Echo City! Mr. Sutton, it must be some misunderstanding!”

“A misunderstanding?” Kieran scoffed. “Freya runs to you for cover, then cozies up to Ronan. Is that a misunderstanding, too?”

“Mr. Sutton, that girl must’ve been confused. I’ll make her come clean to you tomorrow, I swear. Ronan might think he’s a big shot in Echo City, but he’s nothing compared to you. I’ll call her now and make her come home!”

Saying this, Johanna fumbled for her phone.

Meanwhile, in a diner, Freya saw her phone buzzing and promptly hit the reject button. Sitting across from her, Ronan looked amused. “Helping me prank Kieran means you’re on my side now. He won’t let this slide easily.”

“Mr. Beckett, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Here’s to a fruitful partnership.”

“To a fruitful partnership.”