"My reasons are simple. I like you, so I don't want to see you bullied." Bradley's lips curved up in a smile. "I haven't decided on the conditions yet, but let's include in our agreement that I won't force you to do anything illegal or to give yourself to me."

Ha!

Freya coldly chuckled. Were all men this fickle? How could he so casually say he liked her when they had only met each other three times?

As expected, all men were worse than dogs!

"Mr. Adams, what do you like about me?"

"I like that we are the same type of person."

They were both abandoned by their families and lived for revenge.

Since they were the same, he wanted to protect her and make those who tormented her pay the price.

In the past, he was wary of her because she was sent over by Arthur. However, after today, he had basically figured out her motive for getting close to him. Thus, there was nothing for him to be on his guard against.

Since destiny had sent her to his side, then she should never escape his grasp.

"Don't forget that when we first met, I told you that I was already married. Mr. Adams, please don't fall for me."

Freya did not want to get involved with him. He gave her a strange feeling, and the inherent aura of superiority and nobility he had was one that could easily captivate the women around him.

She did not want to fall in love with him, so she had to keep her distance.

"I've looked into you. Your husband is Bradley Austin, the second son of the Austins. He's disabled, blind, ugly, and lacking in a certain aspect. More importantly, you two aren't legally married yet. You don't truly count as married. It means I still stand a chance."

He looked down at her as he abruptly wanted to know what she thought of him.

Did she hold contempt for him like the people outside or would she protect him?

Freya chuckled. Disabled, blind, and ugly were descriptors she could agree with, but she disagreed with the last part about Bradley being lacking.

How could a man who repeatedly had his way with her and loomed over her in that threatening manner be considered lacking?

She smiled. "As the saying goes, as is the gardener, so is the garden. I am his now, so please don't waste your time on me."

Freya had spoken with eyes that shined so bright that it was impossible to tell that she was lying.

Bradley was very satisfied with her answer. As expected, he had not misjudged her. She really was the most suitable partner for him.

"I hear he's not that powerful among his family and would be constantly pressured by his family. If you stay with him, you'll suffer. A smart girl like you deserves to be loved and cherished by a better man."

Bradley intentionally provoked her again.

"I'm willing to go through thick and thin with him. I'll protect him from harm. Don't forget about my skill with needles."

Freya raised the silver needle in her hand with a smile.

"Ha…"

Bradley could not help but laugh when he heard her say she would protect him.

"It's fine. I won't forge you. Still, I'll make you fall for me with all my heart."

He let her go as he spoke. There was a confident look on his face.

Freya did not want to deal with him. It was also about time for her to head downstairs for the show.

"I have business to attend to. Excuse me."

With that said, she turned to leave. However, he grabbed her by the hand and smiled. "Don't forget. We're partners now. Let's go together."

He knew that something big was going to happen downstairs, and he did not want her to be in danger all alone.

Freya gently pulled away and calmly said, "We can go together, but please be mindful of who we are, Mr. Adams. If we head downstairs looking so intimate, then it will only be proof we have an inappropriate relationship."

Bradley playfully raised his eyebrows at the thought of her knowing she should keep her distance from him.

Still, it did not matter. He had plenty of time. He could play along.

Downstairs.

The birthday banquet had reached its climax.

The waiters wheeled out a huge cake made of over a dozen layers. The candles were already lit, waiting for Bruce to make his wish.

"Mr. Lawson, happy birthday. May your business continue to grow."

The guests all presented their gifts to Bruce who had a joyful smile on his face. Then, as everyone congratulated him, he blew out the candles.

"Thank you, everyone, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this celebration. Enjoy yourselves, and please forgive any shortcomings you see."

After the pleasantries, Bruce walked to a nearby spot with a glass of red wine in his hands. Today was his birthday and the day he would be signing a contract with Arthur.

Upon seeing her chance, Sophie walked up onto the stage and grabbed the microphone while smiling at the crowd.

"On behalf of my husband, I would like to thank you for attending my husband's birthday celebration today. I would also like for everyone to be witnesses for my daughter."

Standing off-stage was Lola who looked so haughty that it seemed like she was already confirmed to be Mrs. Austin.

Freya stood at the staircase as she silently watched with a blank face with a hint of derision in her eyes.

No one but Bradley could see the derision in her eyes though.

"My daughter, Lola, is pregnant. Soon, Bruce and I will be grandparents."

The sudden announcement confused many of the guests whose interest Sophie had piqued earlier upstairs.

Lola, pregnant? Who was the father then?

Just as Sophie finished speaking, someone immediately questioned her. "Excuse me, but can you tell us who your future son-in-law is?"

"Of course. Still, it's best if my daughter announces him herself."

Sophie shot Lola a look, prompting her to strut up the stage with the air of a noble and wealthy lady. With a taunting look shot toward the other socialites, she smiled.

"Unbeknownst to everyone, I am currently dating Ethan Austin, the heir to the Austins. The baby is his," she softly announced with a shy look on her face.

Just then, Ethan had been having the time of his life flirting with a sensual socialite in the corner of the room. When he heard the announcement, his face turned dark.

He had broken up with Lola a long time ago. Just what was she blabbering about?

Moreover, they had only been dating for a short time and had only done the deed a few times with protection always involved. How could she be pregnant?

She had gone mad in her desire to marry him.

Ethan ignored her and continued flirting with the socialite.

Meanwhile, Arthur, who was about to sign the contract with Bruce, had a dark look on his face. The hand with the pen trembled before the expensive pen loudly fell to the ground.

Bruce was equally shocked. Lola is pregnant with Ethan's baby?

The sudden news made it hard for him to stay composed. In fact, he even giggled while Arthur was sitting next to him.

If Lola was pregnant with Ethan's baby, then it would be very easy for him to get his hands on a contract with the Austins.

In the future, he would be able to hold his head up high among members of high society. One whisper from Lola, and he would be lounging in luxuries.

Bruce was so excited that his hands were shaking while his calculative mind raced.