Chapter 16 A Surprise for Freya!
- Ashton was taken aback. "What? What's going on?"
- "What's going on? Do I need to remind you of what you've done?" Freya, incredibly upset, hung up without waiting for a response.
- Ashton stared at his phone, thoughts racing. After a moment, he couldn't help but chuckle bitterly, seemingly having figured out what happened. Someone had likely spread rumors of when he adorned Heidi with the Radiant Lotus earlier, and Freya and Matilda had likely misunderstood after seeing it on the internet.
- Recalling Freya's rebuke just now, Ashton felt not anger but a hint of satisfaction. If he wasn't mistaken, Freya was jealous! That said, he didn't want Freya and Matilda to be upset. Thus, he immediately called back to explain. However, Freya hung up the call as soon as it connected.
- Helpless, Ashton instructed, "Ivanna, to Freya's."
- Before long, Ashton arrived at Freya's house. Before he could enter, Freya saw him and turned icy. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with that woman at this moment? Don't tell me you miss us!"
- Matilda also had a stern face. "Bad Daddy don't want me and Mommy anymore! I don't want to be friends with Daddy anymore!"
- "You guys have the wrong idea. That was my sister, Heidi," Ashton chuckled bitterly. On the way there, he had already investigated the incident thoroughly. As he had predicted, it was the moment he had put the pendant on Heidi, and it had been turned into a viral video.
- Before Freya could say anything, Matilda angrily interjected, "You lied, Daddy. I heard from Howie in class that his daddy not only has a younger sister but also a goddaughter. Because of them, Howie's Mommy and Daddy are getting divorced."
- Even Freya's face darkened at this revelation. What are these kids discussing at kindergarten?!
- Ashton was dumbfounded. He realized a few words wouldn't clarify this mess, and Freya and Matilda were furious now, refusing to even let him in the door. He thought he would have a better chance if he came back the next day to explain the truth.
- At that, he shook his head helplessly and turned away.
- After Ashton left, a figure emerged from the dark stairwell—it was Hans.
- He sneered at Ashton's retreating figure. "And you think a loser like you can fight me? Surely both Freya and Matilda are utterly disappointed in you now!"
- In fact, he was the one who sent the clip to Freya after inadvertently seeing it.
- "Tomorrow is Freya's birthday. Watch as I use this chance to win her over!" Hans was confident. He and Freya had a certain level of closeness, and he believed his chances of getting the girl would be significant if he took advantage of Freya's disappointment now.
- …
- After returning to The Universum, Ashton finally had some idea about his plans for the next day. He immediately instructed Ivanna, "Will you do me a favor…" He then explained his plan.
- The night passed uneventfully. The next day, Freya went to work as usual at Estenia Cosmetics while Matilda attended school. Ashton didn't leave the house, staying put until it was dusk. He set off from The Universum to Estenia Cosmetics, the Lowensteins' family business, where all the senior management were of the senior branch.
- Freya served as the general manager, reporting to the company's CEO, Scarlett Lowenstein, who was also the daughter of Freya's second uncle.
- Scarlett was three years older than Freya but shared the same birthday. Each year, Scarlett's birthday was lavishly celebrated, while Freya preferred simplicity. Consequently, every year on this day, Scarlett would mock Freya.
- As Freya emerged from the company, preparing to pick up Matilda, a mocking voice chimed in from the side, "Freya, how are you planning to celebrate your birthday this year?"
- It was Scarlett, dressed in a striking red gown and heels, sauntering over seductively.
- Freya, accustomed to this, replied calmly, "I'll celebrate at home."
- Scarlett feigned pity. "Freya, you've gone over twenty years without a decent birthday celebration. It's quite pitiful. If you're short on cash, just let me know." With that, she pulled out her wallet and handed Freya a few bills. "Here, consider this a little sisterly gesture. Get yourself a bigger birthday cake. Don't skimp on yourself."
- Around them, several Estenia Cosmetics employees couldn't help sniggering with their hands over their mouths.
- "No, thanks. Keep it for yourself," Freya's tone turned cool.
- "What? Too little for you?" Scarlett sneered dismissively. "Beggars can't be choosers!"
- As they spoke, they left the office building, and a holler came from a distance away. "Happy birthday, sweetheart!"
- A young man, decked out in designer brands, was leaning against a Lamborghini sports car, holding a bouquet of 999 roses, smiling as he approached Scarlett.
- "Wow, a Lamborghini!"
- "999 roses, that's so romantic."
- "Miss Scarlett's boyfriend is so handsome!"
- The surrounding crowd exclaimed in admiration, envy evident in their eyes.
- Accepting the flowers, Scarlett glanced triumphantly at Freya before kissing the young man on the cheek. "Thank you, darling."
- "I've reserved a table at Obsidian Table, the best restaurant in Lindonbury. Let's go have dinner," the young man said again.
- The crowd gasped once more. Obsidian Table was famously expensive, with a minimum spending of 18,888 per person, far beyond the means of ordinary people.
- "Sure," Scarlett said affectionately, linking arms with the young man. She then glanced disdainfully at Freya. "I'll be off now, Freya. Get yourself a cupcake to celebrate your birthday with!"
- Freya bit her lip. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't envious. She was just an ordinary woman who wished to be loved. Yet, the person who truly loved her had never appeared.
- "Who said Freya was going home to celebrate her birthday?"
- Another voice rang out just then, and everyone turned to see Ashton approaching plainly.
- Freya's expression turned slightly cold at the sight of Ashton. Scarlett, on the other hand, looked at Ashton with interest and mocked, "Freya, is this guy your lover? My, you really have terrible taste. I can't believe you're into that kind of guy!"
- Around them, snickers broke out.
- "Look at him, he's dressed like a hick! Compared to Miss Scarlett's boyfriend, he's a total eyesore!"
- "You can say that again. He looks so poor! Never mind a Lambo; I don't even see a car. He couldn't have taken the bus here, could he?!"
- "Yeah, and look, he has nothing in his hands! He's not even willing to buy one rose, unlike Miss Scarlett's boyfriend, who got her a bouquet of 999 roses!"
- Rumble, rumble…
- Before their words could settle, a deafening noise filled the air. Everyone felt the ground, the air, and even the buildings behind them tremble.
- "What's happening?" Everyone was startled, wondering if it could be an earthquake.
- Then, someone pointed to the sky in astonishment. "Look, quick! What's that?!"