Chapter 80
Ann couldn’t stand the way Keira acted. In her eyes, Keira was hopelessly biased. Hadn’t she been the one by Keira’s side all these years, doing her duty as a granddaughter?
Yet, Keira’s mind was always on Freya-the granddaughter who’d never even shown her face. Every time Freya’s name came up, Keira’s voice would soften, almost fond, as if Freya were something precious.
Keira had never called Ann anything sweet or affectionate. Not once. Even when Ann had topped her class, Keira had only ever used her name—never “darling,” never “sweetheart.” Just “Ann p>
But when it came to Freya, it was always “my dear Freya,” as if nothing else in the world mattered.
Keira claimed Freya was the rightful heir to Gonzales Holdings, but Ann was the one who’d put in the work, who’d devoted countless hours at the company. What had Freya ever done-did she even know where the office was? If anyone deserved to inherit everything, it was Ann. Not Freya.
How could Freya possibly swoop in and take what rightfully belonged to her?
Amanda glanced around, then lowered her voice. “Freya’s just a fantasy for your grandmother, nothing more. If she could have been found, they would have found her already. Why wait until now p>
If that child were still alive, then Carey would be, too. But in all these years, there hadn’t been a word from Carey. And, considering the circumstances lost in the middle of nowhere at just three months old-how could anyone possibly believe Freya was still out there?
Keira was just fooling herself, clinging to hope that had died years ago.
Which meant that the next in line for the Gonzales family, and for Gonzales Holdings, could only be Ann.
Ann narrowed her eyes. “Mom, do you really think Freya will never be found p>
Amanda checked again to make sure no one was listening. “She was only a baby when it happened. Out there, in the wilderness, she wouldn’t have lasted long. I’ve been telling your grandmother that there’s hope, just to comfort her. But between us? There’s no way p>
Ann dropped her voice even further. “Even if Freya’s gone, what if Uncle wakes up after all this time? If he recovers p>
But as she trailed off, anxiety gnawed at her. What if everything she’d worked for was snatched away at the last minute?
Amanda smoothed a wrinkle from Ann’s blouse. “Of course I wish your uncle would recover. But if he were going to, don’t you think it would’ve happened already? All you need to do is keep working hard at the company. You’re already the obvious choice to take over, Ann. Don’t overthink it p>
Ann nodded slowly, reassured. “You’re right, Mom. I’ll head up to my room p>
“Go on.” Amanda nodded, watching her daughter disappear down the hall. “I’ll ask
the housekeeper to bring you some nourishing soup in a bit p>
As Ann’s figure disappeared upstairs, Amanda’s eyes filled with pride.
Her daughter was beautiful, capable, and universally admired at Gonzales
Holdings. There was no doubt one day, Ann would inherit both the family and the company.
Elsewhere.
Silverhaven.
Dalton had been waiting in the coffee shop for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the manager approached his table. “Mr. Shepherd, it’s midnight now. We’re closing soon p>
Dalton glanced at his phone. He hadn’t realized how late it was.
“Has Miss Kensington been here?” he asked.
The manager shook his head. “No, sir p>
Dalton’s brow furrowed. So, Caitlin really wasn’t coming.
“Let me borrow your phone for a moment p>
The manager hesitated, then fished his phone out of his pocket and handed it
over.
Dalton took it, dialed Caitlin’s number, and waited.
“Hello?” Caitlin’s voice sounded on the other end.
“It’s Dalton p>
“I’ve already said everything there is to say. Please stop calling from different numbers to harass me,” Caitlin replied, her voice low and tired. “I have no interest
in fighting Sophie for Julian. He’s not worth it. Tell him to look in the mirror and get over himself p>
She hung up before Dalton could respond.
He stared at the screen, the call abruptly ended, certain now of what he’d suspected.
Caitlin was done with Julian. She didn’t love him anymore.
Dalton forwarded the recording of their conversation to his own WhatsApp, then stood and left the empty café.
Half past midnight.
Dalton arrived at The Chandler Group’s building and made his way to Julian’s office.
Julian was still there, buried in paperwork.
Dalton knocked on the door.
“Who is it p>
“It’s me, Julian p>
Julian, exhausted after hours of work, was suddenly reminded he’d asked Dalton
to wait for Caitlin at the café. He assumed Dalton was here with Caitlin, ready to
bring her in so she could apologize.
Setting aside his files, Julian looked up. “Come in p>
Dalton stepped inside.
“Julian,” he greeted.
Julian’s brows knit together when he realized Dalton was alone. “Where’s Caitlin p>
She must be scared I won’t forgive her, he thought. She’s probably standing right outside the door, too afraid to come in.
He narrowed his eyes and shot a mocking glance toward the hallway. “So now you’re too scared to face me? If you knew you’d be afraid, why do such disgusting things in the first place p>