Preston set aside the stack of papers he had been sifting through and slowly left the study.


    In the living area, Hans, d in an apron, was bustling about the kitchen, putting together a simple but hearty meal.


    Freya had always figured someone of Preston''s stature would dine exclusively on exotic delicacies or, at the very least, feast on steaks andvish entrees every night. So, when she saw the spread on the table - a few dishes of green vegetables, the only indulgences being sautéed shrimp and a baked salmon in a rich, red wine sauce - her perception of Preston was utterly shattered.


    Wasn''t Preston supposed to be outrageously wealthy? Then why settle for such simplicity?


    "Ms. Dawson, Preston really went all out with dinner. It looks like he thinks highly of you," Neil observed, clearly impressed by the evening''s menu.


    Finding a dish as simple as balsamic vinegar-dressed potato sd at Preston''s was a rarity in the past. And then, a full six dishes plus a soup graced the table. Preston, however, remained silent.


    Hans said, "We didn''t expect Ms. Dawson to stay over for dinner, so the fish and shrimp werest-minute additions from Mr. Tyler. Hope it''s to your liking, Ms. Dawson." "Sure," Freya reassured him. "I usually prefer a light dinner and enjoy simple, clean vors."


    With that, Freya discreetly took out her phone, snapped a photo of her meal, then sent it to Kieran.


    Sending Kieran her dinner updates had be a daily ritual for Freya, almost like clocking in for work. Each night''s check-in would her a cool million in reward.


    But this time, Kieran''s response was unusually dyed. Freya couldn''t wait, so she pocketed her phone and started eating.


    Curious, Neil asked, "Ms. Dawson, who were you messaging? Were you checking in with Mr. Sutton?"


    "Checking in? I suppose you could say that," Freya replied. "I eat on time, and Kieran pays me for it."


    Neil burst intoughter after hearing Freya''s exnation, "Getting paid to eat on time? What is this, a new kind of romance?"


    Freya nearly choked on her drink. "Romance? I''d rather die than be in a romance with him."


    Neil''s gaze shifted to Preston, noting theck of reaction on his face before turning back to Freya, "It seems Ms. Dawson loathes Kieran."ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "It''s not just loathing. I want nothing to do with Mr. Sutton," Freya said through gritted teeth, her disdain palpable.


    What could have happened to make her speak so vehemently?


    "But I heard Ms. Dawson used to..." Neil trailed off, choosing his words carefully before continuing, "Used to admire Mr. Sutton quite a bit." Neil''s understatement made Freya scoff, "Admire? You mean, I used to be head over heels for Kieran, right?"


    Freya had grown ustomed to people framing her past in such terms, responding, "The past is the past, and things are different now The old Freya might have revolyed her world around Kieran, but the Freya of today doesn''t want to live for anyone. That''s all there is to it."


    "So, Ms. Dawson, since you''re over Kieran, have you considered seeing other men?" Neil''s question aimed to stee the conversation toward


    Preston. ve


    Freya wasn''t oblivious to the hint, opting for directness, "Dr. Anderson, are you trying to y matchmaker?"


    "You could say that," Neil casually replied, sipping his wine before Freya asked, "Do you have a girlfriend, Dr. Anderson?"


    The question nearly made Neil choke on his wine. "Ms. Dawson, why do you ask all of a sudden?"


    "Because I think you''re quite a catch,


    Dr. Anderson, Handsome,


    sessful, and a doctor too. It would be handy to have you around when get older and need medical care. Plus, you seem like you''d make a good life partner..."


    "Stop."