The man approached her quietly, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The warm touch of his fingertips sent shivers through her body. Her eyelashes fluttered, and slowly she opened her eyes.

"You're back?"

Rubbing her eyes, she looked visibly tired.

"You didn’t sleep well last night?" Seeing her state, the man couldn’t hide his tenderness and gently pulled her into his embrace.

Freya felt completely relaxed in his arms, leaning against his chest. Her voice was slightly hoarse as she murmured, "I couldn’t sleep. I’m so tired!"

"Is it because of the international design competition?" He played with her hair while casually asking.

The assistant had brought the design drafts. Many of them had been submitted earlier, but only Freya’s had arrived around five o’clock in the morning. He knew she had stayed up all night revising the drawings without any rest.

"Hmm!" Freya nodded. "Do you know about this?"

"The most significant international fashion design competition, held once every three years, invites outstanding designers from around the world. The prizes are substantial. With you being the top designer Julia, how could I not pay attention to it?"

Freya looked up at him deeply. "Aren’t you very busy?"

"Busy or not, nothing is more important than you!" The man pinched her face and said in a deep voice, "How is the design coming along?"

Freya nodded. "It’s good. Do you want to take a look?"

"Of course, I have to see the work designed by my wife!" He pretended to be very interested as he looked at her.

Freya got up and brought the sample drafts over to show him. "I was a bit rushed for time, but I added some creativity to the previous designs. I heard that the organizers will also be part of the judging panel, and they are extremely strict and picky. I’m just worried that they might not understand and I will end up wasting the effort I put over the past few months."

She had looked up information about the competition and searched for details about the mysterious host. Although she couldn’t find any photos, there were many online discussions about this enigmatic figure.

The discussions mainly focused on his looks: handsome, wealthy, and tall.

However, she wasn’t concerned with those aspects; she was more interested in his temperament. According to insiders, this mysterious person was a layman, strict and picky, with a peculiar temper.

Bradley smiled helplessly. "Where did you hear all this?"

"Online!" Freya opened the forum and showed it to him.

The man skimmed through it quickly, touched his nose, and said, "Do you believe in everything online? Has anyone actually seen this mysterious person?"

"I don’t know!" Freya shook her head. Even Ella couldn’t find any information about the person, indicating that the identity was indeed complex.

Bradley, uninterested in continuing, returned the phone to her and said, "Gold will always shine. My wife is such an excellent designer that even a layman can see her work is outstanding. Moreover, your designs are more mature than three years ago and will definitely stand out and win the championship again!"

It wasn’t just because she was his wife that he praised her so highly. Freya’s work seemed to have a soul, vivid and spirited. With just one glance, he knew it would be another masterpiece that would amaze the world.

Freya blinked suspiciously. "Don’t tease me!"

"No, I’m speaking the truth!" The man hugged her. "The competition is in the capital this time. Would you like to go back and take a look? I have time to accompany you!"

Freya had been contemplating this issue. The organizer had requested her presence in person or threatened to cancel her spot, leaving her in a dilemma. But hearing him say this now, her eyes lit up. "Can you really accompany me back?"

If she had Bradley’s company, of course, she wanted to go back! Moreover, there was nothing to hide about Julia’s identity, so why not participate in the competition in person!

"Yes!" He nodded firmly.

Freya smiled, happily hugging his neck. "I will definitely not let you down!"

"Alright, then I’ll accompany you to the award podium and give you a surprise!"

His words carried a deep sense of charm and anticipation.

Freya blinked suspiciously and asked, "What surprise?"

"It’s a secret!" Since it was a surprise, it had to be revealed on that day. Otherwise, how could it be called a surprise?

"Daddy, Mommy!"

At that moment, a voice called from the doorway, with footsteps getting closer. It was Matthew, standing in front of them with his arms crossed, looking determined.

Freya hadn’t seen him for a few days, so she broke free from Bradley’s embrace and lifted him up. Matthew smelled of milk, which made Freya feel incredibly comforted.

Pouting, Matthew said, "Both of you have been ignoring me lately. Does that mean you don’t want me anymore?"

His voice was full of grievance, and his pleading expression made Freya unable to resist pinching his chubby face. This pinch revealed how plump he had become. It seemed the master had treated this little one well, as he was eating and drinking well every day!

"Who says I don’t want you? I like you the most!"

"Hmph, but now it’s so hard for me to see Daddy and Mommy. The kids at kindergarten all say that I’m a wild child and that no one wants me!"

At this, Matthew felt extremely wronged.

"Who says you’re a wild child? I won’t tolerate it!" Freya’s anger flared. This was her beloved child. Anyone who dared to bully him didn’t know what they were doing!

Matthew’s pout deepened as he sobbed, "Other kids have their dads and moms to play with at kindergarten, but I don’t!"

There was an activity at kindergarten yesterday that invited parents to participate. All the other kids' parents were there, leaving Matthew alone. He felt so sad and upset, especially when he heard what others said about him.

Freya rubbed his hair lovingly and said, "Next time there’s an event, make sure to remind me and Daddy. I will definitely be there with you."

"Really? Our school is holding the autumn sports meeting this Friday. Will you both come together?"

"Great!"

"Let’s make a pinky promise!"

Matthew extended his chubby little hand, linking it with Freya’s and Bradley’s!

---

Zarovia.

After much thought, Leah still felt it was necessary to meet Mrs. Sheffield. After all, Agni had been away for so long; she couldn’t wait until she was thirty!

She contacted Mrs. Sheffield, and they agreed to meet at a luxurious private estate.

As soon as Leah arrived, several servants came forward to greet her respectfully. "Ms. Freya, Madam is in the back garden. Please follow us!"