Chapter 11 Falling for Freya
- It wasn't Ashton standing outside the door but Hans. Matilda was disappointed when she saw him.
- Freya's expression darkened. "What are you doing here?" she asked coldly.
- Moments ago, her tone with Ashton had been tender, like that of a devoted wife. Now, facing Hans, her attitude had changed entirely.
- Hans seethed with anger. "B*tch! Just wait until I have my way with you and kick you aside. We'll see how arrogant you are then," he muttered. The sudden loss of the woman he had pursued for over a year to someone he deemed inferior was a devastating blow to his pride.
- However, he maintained a composed demeanor. "Freya, I'm sorry. I was too worked up this morning and said things I didn't mean. Please forgive me."
- He was confident that, with his looks and background, he was more than a match for Ashton. He was sure it was only a matter of time before he won her over, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes now.
- Freya's expression softened slightly. "I forgive you," she said. However, before Hans could rejoice, she continued, "Okay, you can go now. Please don't come here again." With that, she closed the door firmly in his face, showing no mercy.
- …
- Ashton sat in his villa in the Universum while smiling at Ivanna's report. It dawned on him that he now genuinely liked Freya. Previously, his feelings had been clouded by guilt and duty, but now, he appreciated her for who she truly was.
- The next day, Ashton went to the Rechberg residence. The place was adorned with festive decorations.
- "Ashton, you're here," Harold greeted him warmly and ushered him inside.
- "Hey, Dad," Ashton replied.
- Harold nodded with a smile and gestured toward a room. "Heidi and her friends are in there. Why don't you go and say hi?" Lowering his voice, he added with a wink, "You're not getting any younger. It's time to find yourself a wife. Markus Payne's daughter is in there too. She just returned from studying abroad. Go in and get acquainted." He added, "Remember to behave well. I'm waiting to toast to your wedding."
- Ashton couldn't help but laugh at Harold's words. Harold had a knack for stirring things up. What Harold didn't realize was that his granddaughter was already in kindergarten. Ashton decided to keep this news from Harold until Freya had everything sorted out. Ashton shook his head and headed to Heidi's room.
- Meanwhile, four or five women were helping her pick out accessories inside Heidi's room.
- "Wow! I've been eyeing this Starry Night necklace for ages. But it's so pricey, like five or six hundred grand. Heidi, Mr. Griffin must really spoil you," one of the girls said. She looked admiringly at Heidi while holding a luxurious crystal necklace.
- She was Gracie Parker, Heidi's cousin and the daughter of her father's sister, Ursula Rechberg.
- Heidi's face brightened with happiness. After being heartbroken for so long since Ashton left, finding someone new felt like a stroke of luck. Pushing aside distracting thoughts, she smiled and said, "Actually, my favorite isn't this Starry Night necklace, but the Radiant Lotus I saw at the jewelry exhibition in Lindonbury a few days ago." She continued, "Unfortunately, it's just too pricey. So, I settled for this Starry Night as a second choice."
- The topic of jewelry piqued the interest of all the women. "That Radiant Lotus is absolutely stunning. If I could wear it, even just for a day, I'd be content."
- A tall, bespectacled woman, Natasha Payne, interjected, "I actually prefer the Meteor Tears. The Radiant Lotus, as beautiful as it is, is just too ostentatious." She was Markus' daughter, as Harold mentioned.
- Another woman chimed in, "I heard both the Radiant Lotus and Meteor Tears were bought by some mysterious tycoon. What a lavish spender!"
- As they chattered, a voice interrupted from the doorway, "Heidi."
- Everyone turned to see Ashton walking in.
- "What brings you here?" Heidi seemed flustered upon seeing him.
- Others also glanced at him.
- Gracie's expression turned disdainful. "Well, well, if it isn't Ashton," she announced to everyone with a teasing grin. "He's Heidi's foster brother, just back from military service a few days ago." She continued, "Uncle Harold used to be quite fond of him. Remember when he wanted to betroth Heidi to Ashton? I wonder what his intentions are now."
- With a mischievous glance, she turned to him.
- The others also glanced at him curiously, except Natasha, who frowned in his direction.
- Ashton ignored Gracie's comment and turned to Heidi. "Since you're getting engaged, I had to be here as your brother."
- Yet, before Heidi could respond, Gracie interjected dismissively, "Oh, come on. What's your role here anyway? Did you even bring a gift?" She continued with her words, "Heidi's getting engaged, and her so-called brother didn't even think of bringing a present?"
- Ashton smiled and pulled out a small box. "I brought you a pendant. It's perfect for an engagement gift."