Chapter 68

When Freya walked back into the Dawson family home that afternoon, Johanna was eager to clear up any misunderstandings between Freya and Kieran. When Johanna spotted Freya, she rushed over, exclaiming, “Freya, you’re back! Why didn’t you share your wonderful news? I wouldn’t have had to worry myself sick!”

Freya raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. “Johanna, weren’t you about to ship me off to the Upton family?”

“No more! Certainly not!” Johanna waved her hands dismissively. “The Upton family? Small fish. How could they ever compare to Mr. Sutton?”

As Freya settled on the couch, Johanna leaned in closer, eager. “Freya, my dear, now that Mr. Sutton and Mr. Beckett are both courting you… who are you leaning toward?”

Confronted with Johanna’s blatant probing, Freya leaned back and asked, “Who would you have me choose, Johanna?”

“The Beckett family might be loaded, but the Sutton family is the big cheese around Echo City. If we’re picking, it will be Mr. Sutton! Plus, with the Sutton Group pressuring our company, siding with Mr. Sutton could get them off our backs, right?”

Johanna paused, her tone slipping into something sly. “But… given Mr. Beckett’s interest in you, keeping him as a backup isn’t a bad idea…”

“So, you’re saying I should string Mr. Beckett along?” Freya retorted, her voice tinged with cold laughter.

Johanna hurried to clarify, “Oh, it’s not about leading anyone on. We’re just… weighing our options. If Mr. Beckett likes you letting him wine and dine you, pulling some business for the Dawson family, that’s fair game!”

Freya’s response was a scoff. Johanna’s intentions were as clear as day.

Johanna, “although Kieran and I haven’t canceled our engagement, it doesn’t mean the Sutton Group is backing down.” Johanna’s smile froze at Freya’s words. “What do you mean by that?”

“It means Kieran isn’t letting our family off the hook despite not breaking off the engagement. The funds he pulled will be likely gone for good.”

Johanna was visibly flustered as Freya breezily mentioned this. “How can that be? Freya, you must find a way to make Mr. Sutton ease up on us!”

Casually enjoying the fruit from the table, Freya replied, “Johanna, there’s no need to panic. You’re not in charge of the company anymore. Even if the Dawson Group goes bankrupt, it’s not your concern anymore, right?”

“How can you say that? I’m thinking of the Dawson family here! You’re being ungrateful, and now, you’re sniping at me?”

Freya stood up, her tone firm. “I may not understand business, but if you want to take back control, be my guest. However, you’ll have to deal with the debts if you can’t solve the Dawson Group’s financial woes.”

Johanna was devoid of confidence, glaring at Freya. “Easy for you to say! The company’s in your hands now. If you’re so capable, talk to the shareholders! Tell them you’ve got a plan for the finances!”

The company had been in turmoil these past few days, yet Freya hadn’t shown her face once. Wasn’t Johanna the one facing it all? Freya dropped the orange she was holding and said, “No rush. Let’s wait and see.”

Watching Freya’s indifferent demeanor, Johanna couldn’t contain her frustration. Freya was taking things a bit too lightly! Did she think herself so high and mighty? Johanna was skeptical. Without Kieran, how would Freya solve the company’s financial crisis?

Chapter 70