It turned out that his previous promise to buy her an identical necklace wasn't just a jest. He had really done it.

Frederick Johnson walked in, remarking thoughtfully, "Bradley has always been reserved and distant. In all the years I've served him, I've never seen him treat anyone with such fondness. But ever since Lady Freya arrived at Royal Garden Mansion, there's been a notable change in his demeanor. When she went missing a few days ago, he reverted back to his frosty self, not even coming home. It was clear he was worried about her."

Being closely associated with Bradley Austin, Freya could sense that Frederick was subtly singing Bradley's praises. The repeated "lost my way" excuse probably didn’t fool him.

Freya remained silent.

Indeed, her unannounced departures were a misstep on her part. But if she had announced her intentions, would Bradley have really let her leave? During her time with Bradley Austin, she found it hard to read his thoughts. He was unpredictable, and there was a brooding aura about him that always kept her on edge.

Freya picked up the necklace, her emotions a turmoil. She had faced bullying all her life, and now, unexpectedly, someone was treating her with the same kindness as her mother. The overwhelming feeling left her slightly disoriented.

Placing the necklace back, she returned to the master bedroom. Bradley Austin was still asleep. After removing all the acupuncture needles, Freya checked his pulse. His heart rate was significantly steadier. His condition was more severe than she had anticipated and would require extended treatment. She wouldn't stay here for too long, just long enough to manage his symptoms and reduce the frequency of the episodes.

Having packed away her equipment, she covered Bradley with a blanket and decided to explore the mansion. Although she had been at Royal Garden Mansion for several days, she was unfamiliar with its layout.

Just as she was about to step out, Frederick Johnson hastily approached her, asking, "Lady Freya, where are you headed?" Bradley had instructed him to keep a close watch on her and not to let her wander off alone.

"I just want to walk around the estate," she replied.

Two bodyguards followed closely behind. It was clear that her recent departure had aroused Bradley's suspicions.

"Royal Garden Mansion is quite expansive. I'll accompany you," Frederick offered, joining her. Freya saw no harm in it. She wasn’t planning to escape, after all.

Did they really need to keep such a close watch on her?

The estate of Royal Garden Mansion was vast. Freya casually toured the grounds, astonished to find not just a swimming pool and a gym but also a vast golf course. And most surprisingly, a private airstrip. Numerous private jets of varying sizes were lined up, presenting a magnificent view. It gave a clear indication of the Austin family's affluence, building such a lavish estate for Bradley to recuperate in.

But as she wandered, Freya felt that something was amiss. It seemed like something was missing.

Curious, she turned to Frederick and asked, "Isn't there a garden in this estate?"

She had initially thought that with such a grand mansion, the backyard garden would rival the imperial gardens of ancient palaces. But looking around, all she saw was grass. From start to finish, all she witnessed were shades of green, feeling as though the world had been stripped of all other colors. Freya Lawson even began to question her own vision.

Frederick Johnson's expression grew somber. After a pause, he finally said, "Bradley has never liked the scent of flowers. For all these years, the garden has never been planted with blooms."

"Oh."

Freya Lawson bit her lip, realizing that whether the garden was a lush green or painted with vibrant colors, Bradley Austin would never see it. He could only rely on his sense of sound and smell to experience the world, trapped in a lonely and perpetual darkness. No light could penetrate his life.

In that moment, a new determination sprouted in Freya Lawson. Even if she were to leave Royal Garden Mansion, she still wanted to help him. Not only to cure his headaches, but also to restore his sight.

As she continued walking, the sound of horse hooves reached her ears.

"There are horses here?"

Frederick Johnson pointed towards a nearby cottage, saying, "Over there is the stables. We have over a dozen horses inside. Let me show you."

Inside the stables, a middle-aged woman greeted them. "This is Madam. Show her around," directed Frederick.

"Yes."

Freya was met with a sight of numerous stalls, each housing an exquisite and rare breed of horse. On a whim, she asked, "Can Bradley ride?"

Frederick, following close behind, nodded, "Bradley used to love horseback riding."

She pictured Bradley Austin, in his riding attire, majestically galloping across the fields. Before his disability, he must've been such a commanding presence.

She didn't linger long. Just as she was about to leave, Bradley Austin's voice drifted over.

"Would you like to ride?"

Lifting her gaze, she saw Bradley approaching in his wheelchair, sunglasses still on.

She shook her head, "I don't know how."

"I'll teach you," his cold voice offered.

Stunned, she exclaimed, "You? Teach me?"

Catching her expression, the corners of his lips curled up ever so slightly. He replied with mock seriousness, "You ride, I'll guide from here."

"I'd rather not," she hastily replied, and fled.

She wasn't brave enough for that. What if she fell, or the horse got wild? Before avenging her mother, she needed to take care of herself.

Watching her hurried escape, an almost imperceptible smile touched Bradley's lips. It seemed his condition made him less than impressive in her eyes.

"Bring out my horse!" he commanded, removing his sunglasses.

Soon, a sleek black horse was led out. A prized breed, and without hesitation, Bradley deftly mounted the beast. Like an arrow released from a bow, the horse charged forward. The man atop it looked regal, the black of his attire blending seamlessly with the horse, radiating an innate royalty.

However, Freya Lawson missed this entire spectacle, having already returned to her bedroom. In two days, it would be Bruce Lawson's birthday banquet. She had to be fully prepared and wouldn't give the Lawson family any chances to torment her again. After playing the fool for seven years, she was done pretending.

On this day, she couldn't afford any missteps, and she was resolute in ensuring that the Lawson family faced the consequences of their past deeds.