Freya Lawson stopped evading and locked eyes with his intense gaze filled with love. She complained playfully, "You have to take good care of me. My heart has been wounded, and I can't bear the pain anymore. So, even if you dare to anger me, I might still decide to leave."

I will heal the wounds in your heart, so you can love again, the man vowed softly.

Bending down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before leading her into the dining room, his hand tenderly clasping hers.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and romantic, the scent of flowers filling the air as they sat across from each other. Freya savoured the taste of love for the first time.

In truth, even she wasn't certain when she fell in love with Bradley Austin.

Initially, she had approached him with ulterior motives, but with each passing moment spent together, she discovered a comforting warmth that had the power to thaw the icy walls around her heart, built up over years of solitude.

She allowed herself to become dependent on this feeling, gradually allowing this man to occupy every corner of her heart.

"I am grateful, Bradley. Today, I will also begin to learn how to fulfil the duties of a wife. This is where our deal ends."

…

Lawson's residence.

In the master bedroom.

Bruce Lawson did not return that evening. Feeling cold and alone, Sophie Lawson lay in bed by herself.

Bruce hasn't touched her since her last miscarriage. Moreover, Wilson Williams hasn't spoken to her in days after she pressured him into taking her hand.

Sophie knew she had to take matters into her own hands. She could no longer endure it.

In a moment of desperation, she found herself softly moaning. Yet, instead of alleviating her emptiness, it only amplified it.

Sophie had had enough. She got up, changed, and prepared to head to the nightclub in search of a young man to accompany her.

As she was about to leave, bag in hand, her phone rang.

Glancing at the screen and swiping to answer, Sophie's face drained of colour.

"What? Wilson was kidnapped by Sigelac members?"

The private investigator Sophie hired was on the other end of the line. She had resorted to this tactic because Wilson wouldn't take her calls.

"Yes, he was taken away yesterday."

With a "crack," Sophie's phone fell to the ground and broke into pieces. Her hand trembled, and she was in no mood to continue the conversation.

Now it made sense why Wilson hadn't been returning her calls — he had been kidnapped.

Sigelac!

The organization was led by Gabriel Rousseau and was well-known worldwide. However, those familiar with Sigelac knew that there was a power behind the throne.

Feeling extreme discomfort, Sophie hastily dialled a number from her house phone. It took a while for someone to answer.

"Herbie…"

Sophie began, but she was interrupted by another voice.

"Aunt Sophie, you finally called!"

Sophie recognized the voice immediately; it was Freya.

"Freya?"

Sophie couldn't believe that Freya was the one who picked up the phone.

"Surprised, aren't you?" Freya laughed. "I finally found Herbie Jenkins after three years. Soon, I will expose all your crimes and seek justice for my mother! And you, Sophie Lawson, get ready to spend the rest of your life in prison!"

Sophie's hand trembled as she listened, but she quickly composed herself and spoke sharply.

"Do you really think you can bring me down using Herbie? You're too naive, Freya. Herbie Jenkins is a gangster who killed your mother in the past and will eventually perish. What does that have to do with me?"

"Do you think you and Wilson Williams can still escape after Herbie's apprehended, if I have proof of your illicit activities?"

"So you were the person who took the photos that day."

Freya grinned. "Yes, it was me! I also have tons of pictures of your love encounters. If I mailed them to Bruce, what do you think would happen?"

"Freya, don't be too arrogant!" Sophie's lips curled into a sly smirk as she ignored the threat and countered, "Do you really believe I haven't caught you in a compromising position? Could you still remain as the Madame of the Royal Garden Mansion if I told Bradley about all the vile things you've done behind his back?"

"Mr. Austin has a very traditional attitude, so I doubt there will be room for you in the Austins! Freya, kindly delete the pictures. For now, I might spare you. But don't blame me for being unkind if you refuse to toast and take the penalty!"

Freya's response was casual. "That's okay, I'll be waiting. Bradley will host a news conference three days from now. You have to come, Aunt Sophie."

With that, Freya hung up before Sophie could respond.

"Hello..."

After futilely shouting into the phone, Sophie heard the beep signalling the end of the call.

She couldn't sit still. From Freya's behaviour, it seemed that the girl had already found evidence. And she had Wilson and Herbie, two dubious men, in her grasp. If they turned on her, it would be the end for Sophie.

No, Freya had to be stopped.

Feeling pressed for time, Sophie made another call.

"Six hundred thousand dollars. Get rid of someone for me."

…

The next morning.

Bradley Austin had a lot of tasks to handle upon returning to work for Austin Corporation. He left for the company early in the morning without having breakfast.

Freya didn't wake up until the sun had risen. "Rosa, where's Bradley?" she asked as she had not seeing him downstairs.

Peeking out, Rosa replied, "He left for the company early. He said you should have breakfast on your own."

"Did he eat?"

"No, he said he was in a rush."

Freya pursed her lips. Was Bradley attempting to overexert himself? Despite his injuries, he hadn't gotten enough rest. He spent most of yesterday outside, and he had a lot of work to do today. It was too much tension even for the strongest body to bear.

She turned to Rosa in the kitchen and asked, "Would you mind helping me pack two breakfasts? I may deliver them to Bradley when I pass by Austin Corporation."

"Of course!" Although a little surprised, Rosa still packed the breakfast and gave it to Freya. She grinned and said, "Sir will be very happy if he sees you delivering it personally."

Freya grinned softly and kept her thoughts to herself. Though she wasn't actually heading to the company, her good intentions would surely be appreciated. She tidied up a bit before leaving the house. Standing behind them, grinning at one another, were Rosa and the butler, Frederick.

"Rosa, don't you think this young couple are in love?" Frederick remarked.

Rosa replied, "What do you mean 'look like'? They're clearly in love with each other. Look at Sir Bradley — he's always bringing flowers and hosting candlelit dinners. You've worked at the Royal Garden Mansion for a long time; have you ever seen him acting so passionately before?"

"Never. Sir Bradley never even touched the three women sent here before. Even though he used to dislike women, he is incredibly devoted to and supportive of her. Though I am old, I can still see that Sir has genuinely loves his wife."

"Say no more. Madam Freya is shrewd and astute. She will undoubtedly become Sir Bradley's virtuous wife. That family in the old house is going to regret handing us this gem in the Royal Garden Mansion, I fear."

"This is called retribution," the butler sniffed. They're deserving of it."

"Okay, okay, calm down! grinned Rosa. Kind individuals will not suffer injustice in heaven. Sir and Madam will receive good karma."

"Of course."