In a fit of rage, Owen Austin ordered Ethan Austin to be severely beaten and confined to the basement since last night, forbidding anyone from seeing him.

Jinny Austin had just wanted to bring him some food, but even the bodyguards wouldn't let her in. Feeling desperate, she decided to seek her grandfather's mercy, only to unexpectedly encounter Bradley on the way.

"My parents have fled, and my brother is imprisoned. Please, Uncle Bradley, spare us a way out!"

"What more of a way out do I owe your family?"

Bradley coldly glanced at her, his gaze chilling enough to make Jinny shiver and step back. Clenching her fists, she glared at him with hatred.

"If you hadn't taken things from our family, how could my father and brother have gone against you? Bradley, what right do you, an outsider, have to usurp the Austin family's wealth?"

Bradley chuckled at her words but remained silent.

Without him, the Austin family wouldn't have achieved what they had today; after all, it was he who had bestowed it all upon them.

Back in the days, Owen Austin was a soldier from Solterra. He suffered severe injuries in a battle and was graciously allowed by the monarch to return home for recuperation after rendering great service to the kingdom.

When Solterra fell, Bradley was merely twelve years old. He fortunately survived and sought refuge with Owen Austin. To conceal his identity, he changed his name and adopted a new surname.

Although Owen was strategic-minded, he lacked business acumen. When he founded the Austin Corporation, he declared bankruptcy multiple times. It was Bradley's support from behind the scenes that propelled the company to its current success.

While the public knew Owen Austin as the chairman of the Austin Corporation, they were unaware of the fact that Bradley was the company's largest shareholder.

When Jinny accused him of seizing the family's fortune, Bradley merely smiled at her ignorance, offering no explanation. Eager to see Freya, he had no time to waste with Jinny and began to walk away.

As Jinny cursed him from behind, Bradley paid no heed, walking further away.

Jinny sank to the ground.

With her parents fled and her brother imprisoned, she felt utterly alone.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

Thinking it was her mother calling, she answered eagerly, "Mom, is that you?"

"Jinny, this is Lola. Can you spare some time to meet?"

Jinny was stunned but quickly regained her composure, asking, "Lola? Aren't you supposed to be insane?"

"Are you buying into that act?" Lola's mocking laughter came through the phone. "I know your family is in trouble. Right now, you must be feeling helpless and resentful towards those who harmed your family. Do you want revenge?"

"Yes, I want Bradley dead."

"Then you're on the right track. I want Freya dead, too." Lola's voice dripped with hatred. "I'll send you the location. Let's meet first, we can form an alliance for revenge."

"Sure." Jinny's eyes glinted with determination as she glanced in the direction of Bradley. Clenching her fists tighter, her knuckles turned white.

...

In the garden, Bradley found Freya lost in thought, sitting on the swing.

"Ann," he called out.

Hearing his voice, Freya quickly tucked away the jade whistle in her hand. Bradley was too prone to jealousy; if he found out she was hiding something from another man, he would surely be angry.

"Done chatting?" Freya hopped off the swing and approached him.

"Yeah," Bradley said, pulling her into an embrace. "I'll take you home first, then I have to go to the company. I might be late tonight, don't wait for me."

"If you're busy, you can go first. I can take a taxi home." Freya said. She wasn't the clingy type and didn't mind being alone.

"It won't take much time."

As they walked, Bradley suddenly received a phone call, and whatever the caller said made his expression change.

After hanging up, he turned to Freya. "The day after tomorrow is Cloudstone Corporation's third-anniversary celebration. I've ordered a set of jewellery for you from Splendor & Co.. I'll have Frederick fetch it for you when we get home."

Freya's eyes lit up. Her husband was so considerate. She hadn't even started preparing yet, and he had already arranged everything for her.

"Don't trouble Frederick. Splendor & Co. isn't far from here. You can drop me off there, and I can take a taxi home after picking up the jewellery, Freya suggested.

After a moment's consideration, Bradley agreed to her suggestion and drove her to Splendor & Co. directly.

During the ride, they indulged in some affectionate moments until Harry Lewis' call interrupted them. Reluctantly letting her go, Bradley whispered, "Darling, I'll settle with you tonight."

His voice was husky with desire, and his eyes burned with fire.

"Mr. Austin, there's a lot to do at the company. You should hurry. You don't have to come back tonight." Freya hastily opened the car door and fled, fearing she might end up as dinner for the wolf if she stayed a moment longer.

Watching her retreating figure, Bradley's lips curved up slightly. He thought he had strong self-control, but after tasting the sweetness, he found himself losing control even in broad daylight.

...

Splendor & Co.

This was the most luxurious jewellery building in the capital.

Only the rich upper-class frequented here, and it was said that all the jewellery from Splendor & Co. was crafted by international designers, each piece unique and, of course, with an exquisite price tag.

Freya was looking forward to what style of jewellery Bradley had ordered for her.

At this moment.

Inside the café.

Lola had just ordered two hot drinks, pushing one of them towards Jinny.

"My brother is now locked in the basement, and Grandpa won't let me see him. I don't know what's happening to him now." Jinny said through gritted teeth.

Stirring her hot drink, Lola said, "All of this happened because of Bradley. If it weren't for him, your family wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable state."

"What's your plan to deal with Bradley and Freya? Tell me!"

Lola took out an invitation card from her bag. "Tomorrow is Cloudstone Corporation's third-anniversary celebration. Both Bradley and Freya will attend. It's a crowded event, perfect for making a move."

"How did you get this invitation? I've heard that only upper-class are invited to the banquet. Your family probably don't qualify for it." Jinny eyed her suspiciously.

Lola looked displeased. "Don't worry about how I got it. I've given you the opportunity. It's up to you to use it."

Ever since her mother was imprisoned, Lola had lost the villa she lived in to Wilson's wife. With nowhere else to go, she had to become a mistress to someone else. The invitation card was given to her by her benefactor.

Of course, Lola wouldn't divulge such information.

She had had enough of days feigning madness and stupidity.