Had it been the old Freya, she would have run away in tears by then.


    But the Freya of today grabbed a ss of champagne with a calm and collected demeanor, saying, "Let them talk. It''s not like I had any real ns to marry him."


    She figured she''d find an opportunity to call off the engagement with Kieran soon enough. For the moment, living their separate lives seemed just fine.


    Meanwhile, Kieran furrowed his brows slightly and said, "You didn''t mention we were going to the Dawson family''s birthday bash."


    Eloise had eagerly sought him out after work, inviting him to a friend''s party, but conveniently left out that the Dawson family was hosting. He shouldn''t be with Eloise at such events.


    "We''re already here, and I wanted to socialize. I heard the Dawson family invited quite a crowd, possibly including some of our business partners."


    Noticing Kieran''s displeasure, Eloise spoke softly, "You''ve apanied me to these events before, not just once or twice. Why the reluctance all of a sudden?"


    Kieran pursed his lips, at a loss for words himself.


    In the past, if the Dawson family were hosting, he wouldn''t hesitate to bring Eloise along, not caring how Freya might feel. But this time, he was worried about the gossip that might swirl around Freya. Eloise''s eyes began to mist over. "Is it like they say you''ve taken a fancy to Freya?"


    Kieran replied helplessly, "Ellie, you know that''s not what I mean."


    "Then stop overthinking it. I don''t think Ms. Dawson cares that much, either."


    Upon hearing this, Kieran''s gaze involuntarily shifted to Freya, who seemed utterly indifferent to his and Eloise''s presence.


    Once again, Kieran felt tight in his chest. His fiancée didn''t seem to mind he was this close to another woman.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "She doesn''t seem to care," Kieran said, his toneced with a hint of mockery.


    Eloise whispered, "Kieran, the inte has been calling me a home-wrecker, and I don''t care. But please don''t think the same. If you don''t stand by me, I have no ne else in this world."


    Kieran''s eyes softened with sympathy.


    He and Eloise had grown up together, and after she became the orphaned heiress of the Harwood family, she had no one else. Without Kieran''s protection, the Harwood" family would have been ostracized in Echo City, their assets devoured.


    Realizing his recent preupation with Freya had left Eloise neglected, Kieran reassured her, "I''ve squashed those rumors online. Don''t worry. No one can talk about you like that anymore."


    Eloise''s smile returned upon hearing Kieran''s protective words. "Kieran, I knew you''d always have my back."


    Kieran responded absentmindedly, his full attention still on Freya.


    Just then, Johanna and Lnd entered the banquet hall.


    Having dressed up specially for the asion, Lnd caught the eyes of many the moment he walked in. His sunny and handsome appearance set him apart in a crowd where affluent young heirs were usually good looking. Having always been pursued by girls for his


    attractiveness and been


    wn


    background, Lnd''s arrival stirred quite the buzz, affirming his charm.


    "Looks like a dog, definitely not a catch," Luna muttered.


    Freya responded, "I hadn''t even started, and you''re already on the attack?"