Perry Patrick stumbled slightly, forcing a nervous grin. "Boss, I swear, I've truly backed off."

Messing with any woman is one thing, but messing with Bradley Austin's lady is another level of danger. It's akin to poking a lion - an outright invitation for trouble.

"Bradley Austin, when you got close to her, did you notice anything... off?" Gabriel Rousseau inquired; his voice tinged with surprise. Who'd have thought the stoic, detached Bradley Austin could show hints of possessiveness?

And to feel that towards his own brother, of all people.

It seemed Freya Lawson had an allure. Within mere days at the Royal Scenic Mansion, she seemed to have ensnared Bradley Austin.

"I had a run-in with Barret Booz," Gabriel Rousseau began cautiously, "and he mentioned your 'bride-to-be' is quite adept. Despite a slew of guards on her trail, she effortlessly eluded them at the hotel. There's something mysterious about her, Bradley Austin. Are you certain you want her close?"

As he finished, Bradley Austin's gaze turned frosty. From the footage he'd received of Freya Lawson, he had indeed noticed her exceptional agility.

A lone woman outmaneuvering a gang? Impressive, to say the least.

"No one touches her without my say-so."

She had intrigued him. Unless she posed a genuine threat, he'd be loathed to see her harmed.

"Bradley Austin, just remember," Gabriel Rousseau began cautiously, "she might have duped you with her act. Now that you're on your guard, if she uncovers your secrets... she might turn dangerous."

A 'clueless' woman infiltrating their world? It was both alarming and compelling. If word reached certain ears, it could spell more trouble for Bradley Austin.

Unfazed, Bradley Austin took a drag from his cigarette, his expression unreadable, shadows dancing in his eyes.

Gabriel Rousseau, swirling his wine, finally voiced his concern. "You have a vendetta pending, Bradley Austin. You can't afford slip-ups now. Everything you've worked for is at stake."

Exhaling slowly, Bradley Austin's eyes glinted dangerously. "I've got my plans in place. There are nuances you might not grasp. She's no threat."

Gabriel Rousseau hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "You seem... smitten. Beware, or you might find yourself ensnared."

"Just give me time," Bradley Austin retorted, his voice soft yet firm, "I'll figure her out."

...

Elsewhere, Freya Lawson confided in Madeline Luna about her stepmother's escapade.

"Look at this." She displayed the incriminating photo.

A muscled man was captured in an intimate embrace with Sophie Lawson. It was jarringly provocative. Hard to believe the mature Sophie Lawson was engaging in such antics.

"That's one of Long Ye's men. The photo might not be enough leverage against Jiang for now," Madeline Luna remarked, her face clouded with concern. "If they get a glimpse of you, they might retaliate."

"No worries, I was careful," Freya Lawson reassured with a wink. "I kept my identity hidden."

Madeline Luna playfully squeezed Freya Lawson's reddening cheek. "What did you drink? Your cheeks are all flushed!"

Just a couple of drinks," Freya Lawson giggled.

"You and your lightweight tolerance!" Madeline Luna laughed. "Lucky you got out when you did. Those brutes can be relentless."

Madeline Luna grew serious, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me about your savior. Handsome?"

"Incredibly so."

"And compared to Perry Patrick?"

"Even more captivating!"

A sly grin spread across Madeline Luna's face. "With such a dashing hero in the mix, why not make your move?"

"Madeline Luna!" Freya Lawson chided playfully. "First, I Must settle scores for my mother. Romance can wait."

Standing solemnly by her mother's grave, Freya Lawson made a fierce promise: she'd avenge her mother or never wed. And while the Lawson kin still strutted around untouched and her mother's killers ran free, Freya Lawson had eyes only for revenge, with no room for distractions.

"You know, even if we're not talking love, a little eye candy never hurt. Show me this guy; how dreamy is he?" Just as the words spilled out, two figures strolled by— one was Perry Patrick, and the other...

"Wow! That's the drop-dead gorgeous guy, right with Perry Patrick!"

Rolling her eyes playfully, Freya Lawson quipped, "That's Mr. Adams, my knight in shining armor."

Madeline Luna's eyebrows shot up in surprise. The man advancing toward them looked every bit the mystery—hands casually pocketed and a pair of large shades hiding most of his face. Seeing him close in, Freya Lawson swiftly dragged Madeline Luna behind a nearby tree.

Though she was indebted to him, there was an undeniable edge to Mr. Adams—an allure wrapped in danger.

Bradley Austin's eyes gleamed as he caught a brief glimpse of two figures darting away, a smirk forming on his lips. The lady was on her toes, even avoiding him.

"Ying, tail them. Make sure they reach home untouched," he said, voice dripping with intrigue.

"Understood."

...

The break of dawn saw Freya Lawson and Madeline Luna hitting the department store. Lifelong friends, their shared moments were rare and cherished. Freya Lawson, consumed by her revengeful pursuits, and Madeline Luna, hustling hard to keep the lights on, seldom had the luxury of such girly outings.

Today, Madeline Luna was a vision. Tall, slender, with rainbow-streaked short hair from her days behind the bar, she rocked a funky cap and oversized sunnies, wrapped in a slick leather jacket. She exuded effortless swagger. Freya Lawson, having bolted from the Royal Scenic Mansion with just her dress, was still in yesterday's pristine white ensemble.

Walking hand in hand, their girly giggles and playful nudges would've made anyone bet they were more than just besties.

"Seriously, Freya Lawson? Leaving without snagging some clothes? Planning to rock that dress for a week?" Madeline Luna teased, giving her skirt a playful tug.

"I left with nothing, and that's how I intend to return. I won't owe him a thing," Freya Lawson retorted. She had thought of borrowing from Madeline Luna's wardrobe, but her androgynous style wasn't Freya Lawson's cup of tea. So, the white dress it was.