Chapter 42

Johanna’s face went dark as a storm cloud. “Being the lady of the Dawson family isn’t as easy as you think, dear. If I can’t sort out this financial mess, you might as well hit the road sooner rather than later. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Johanna’s smile faded.

After slaving away for the Dawson family for years and barely mourning my late husband, the company hits a snag. Without reaping any benefits, I’m expected to settle the Dawson family’s debts? Johanna pondered. Over my dead body.

“Freya, I know you’re the most reasonable one here. You wouldn’t let me handle the debts alone. Please, I’m begging you! Go and smooth things over with Mr. Sutton. If you can get him to go easy on us, it could clear up all our company’s issues!”

Watching Johanna grovel, Freya smiled slightly and said, “Johanna, I might consider it.”

“I knew it, Freya, you’re always understanding. You wouldn’t let the company suffer!”

“Hot rush, Johanna. I haven’t mentioned my conditions yet.”

“Conditions? Johanna was surprised. Conditions? There are conditions?”

“Of course, there are conditions if you want me to handle this.”

Seeing Freya lounging on the sofa with an air of ease, Johanna felt a fire burning in her chest but kept her temper in check. She said, “Freya, it’s just a matter of apologizing to Mr. Sutton, showing a bit of humility. You weren’t always this calculating. What’s changed?”

Freya smirked. “Dad taught me to be gentle and virtuous. This calculating side? I must have learned it from you, Johanna.”

Freya’s smile didn’t wane as she slowly said, “Johanna, if you want me to persuade Mr. Sutton, I’ll do it. But I can’t guarantee he’ll be merciful to the Dawson Group.”

Before Freya could respond, she continued, “And if I do go, the company’s affairs will no longer concern you. Whether the Dawson Group sinks into debt or flourishes is none of your business.”

“You…”

“If you don’t agree, I won’t bother going.”

Freya threw caution to the wind. “Let Mr. Sutton ruin the Dawson Group if it comes to that. I won’t owe any debts then, and it’ll be up to you to find a solution, considering you’ve been running the Dawson family’s business all this while. The shareholders should come after you for their lost money, not me.”

Confronted with Freya’s seriousness, Johanna could only grit her teeth and agree, “Fine! I agree!”

Johanna thought, “What does Freya know? She’s a pampered heiress who can’t even understand the accounts. How can she manage a company? She’d have to come crawling back to me eventually.”

“Since you agree, Johanna, let’s make it official,” Freya pulled out a document from her bag, stating Johanna and Leland’s voluntary resignation from all positions within the Dawson Group.

Johanna’s smile stiffened as she looked at the document. “Freya, we’re family. Do we really need to be this formal?”

“Johanna, verbal agreements don’t hold up in court. It’s better to be thorough.”

Freya smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Johanna. Once you sign, I’ll head straight to the Sutton Group and talk to Mr. Sutton. If you don’t trust me, we can draw up a contract, and I’ll sign it, too.”

Left with no choice, Johanna signed the document with a heavy heart.

Once Johanna had signed, Freya pocketed the contract with a smile. “Since that’s settled, I guess I have to make the trip.”

Johanna could only stare at Freya’s smiling face, feeling a chill down her spine.

An hour later, Freya changed into clean, sharp denim shorts, a tight white tank top, and a denim jacket. Employees at the Sutton Group couldn’t help but stare as Freya walked in, their eyes widening in surprise.

Wearing sunglasses, Freya approached the reception desk and announced, “I’m here to see Mr. Sutton!”

Seeing a stunningly beautiful woman with long legs and perfect skin, the receptionist asked, “I’m sorry, Miss. Do you have an appointment?”

Removing her sunglasses, Freya revealed her identity. “I’m Freya.”

The receptionist’s jaw dropped. “Dawson, Ms. Dawson?”

“Is he in?” asked Freya.